Car Keys For Aging Parents and Loved Ones
Caregivers of their elderly loved ones sometimes find themselves facing difficult decisions. It might be time to remove the keys to their car from an aging parent.
A lot of cars have a driver's setting that is configured to a particular key. This feature is particularly beneficial if you share your vehicle with a number of people.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are found in a majority of modern cars. They provide an extra layer of security to your car that regular keys cannot. These are tiny microchips that are embedded in your key. They transmit signals to an immobilizer system on the car, allowing it only to start if a valid keys is within range. This type of technology has drastically reduced car theft rates around the globe.
However, it's not completely secure. Professional thieves have discovered ways to spoof these signals, and hotwire the vehicle. They can also reuse standard cut key blanks and create their own transponder keys. Even if your car has a transponder key it's a good idea to get an extra.
A reputable locksmith can create them for you at a fraction the cost of a car dealership. They will scrutinize your key to determine the most efficient methods of copying and programming. The new key can be programmed to work with your vehicle.
A reputable locksmith should also be able to assist with "flat" or non-transponder keys. They operate mechanically via cuts made on the sides of the key and do not use any electronic technology to connect with your vehicle. These keys are simpler for children to use, making them less secure. G28 with a key-cutter may also copy them.
Smart Keys Keys
Smart keys are a type of key fob that can be found in many modern vehicles. They serve the same functions as a remote control, but they also have additional features. Smart keys have the ability to lock and unlock your car from a distance without you needing to press any buttons. You can also use them to start your engine. These features work regardless of whether the key is concealed in a purse or pocket.
Smart keys are extremely secure. The signals they emit are encrypted, meaning that hackers can't easily use them to steal your vehicle. A computer in your car also checks the rolling codes generated by the smart keys prior making the engine start.
The technology is still developing, and you may have to deal with some glitches in the system. If your key and phone are too close, the normal functioning signals of your phone could interfere with any signal transmitted by your smart key.
Some smart keys come with the ability to use a small touchscreen color. For instance, BMW developed the Display Key with a touchscreen that lets the user perform a variety of tasks from the key fob, including locking, unlocking and starting. The key also warns the owner that its battery is low and suggests the replacement from the dealer.
Keyless Entry
If you're not looking to go as far as transponder or smart key Keyless entry systems can allow you to lock and unlock your car at the press of a button. These systems use radio signals, called RF to communicate with a receiver within the vehicle. Depending on the type of system used, the signal could also be used to start the engine of the vehicle, and to deactivate the alarm for security.
Keyless entry prevents you from hiding spare keys, which are the most frequent target of thieves. You won't have to worry about losing or misplacing keys to your car which could occur at any time. However, it is important to change the code regularly to ensure that you are secure.
The way that keyless entry works is that you press the button on your app or physical key fob to send a radio signal of 315 Megaherz. The signal is encrypted and scrambled before being sent out, which means that even if hackers get access to it the signal, they won't be in a position to gain permanent access to your car.
Certain keyless entry systems feature passive engine starting, which means that the car can run and start when the key is not within reach. This is a safety feature that's designed to keep your car from running out of gas, and also to stop toxic fumes from leaking into the cabin.
Remote Start
Remote start systems provide convenience and peace of mind, whether your car is on the street or in your driveway. The system transmits the signal to the RES module in the vehicle by pressing a button, or by using an application.
The system can also be used for other features within your vehicle, for example, opening and closing windows, or adjusting heated/cooled seats. Certain systems are more flexible and come with auxiliary channels which can be used to regulate things as a power-assisted wheel automatic climate controls, and rear defrost.
The positive side is that the majority of seats manufactured after 1995 have an embedded transponder within the key. This means that the majority of the newer models can be used with remote-start systems. Some older Seat models require a key with only a transponder that is basic and will not work with remote start systems.
Most parents have experienced the moment when they reach for the backseat of their child's vehicle and can't get enough strength to push down on the red car seat buckle release button. A company called NAMRA created a solution to this issue making it easy to unbuckle even if you have a hard time pressing down on the buckle with your thumb.