Smartkey Compatibility: Remote Car Keys That Fit

Smart keys are an innovative and technologically advanced alternative to traditional car keys. They are designed to make accessing and operating a vehicle more convenient and secure. With a smart key, you can lock, unlock, or start your car remotely by sending a discrete, encrypted signal through a key fob. This advanced iteration of a conventional car key communicates with antennas in the car, allowing you to perform various functions without taking the key fob out of your pocket. While smart keys offer enhanced convenience and security, they also come with certain disadvantages, such as a higher price point and the need for battery replacements.

Advantages of smart keys

Smart keys offer a range of advantages over traditional keys. Here are some of the key benefits:

Convenience

The most significant advantage of smart keys is the convenience they offer. With a smart key, you no longer have to worry about fumbling with a keyhole, especially in the dark or during an emergency. The car doors unlock automatically when you are nearby, and you don't even need to take the key fob out of your pocket. This makes accessing your vehicle much easier and faster.

Security

Smart keys offer enhanced security compared to conventional keys. They use a unique, encrypted signal, making them difficult to hack. Each smart key has a unique code, and the system requires this code to unlock the vehicle, making it harder for thieves to steal your car. Additionally, smart keys cannot be used to unlock other cars of the same make and model, further improving security.

User-specific Settings

Smart keys allow vehicles to adjust settings based on the user. For example, the car can automatically adjust the driver's seat position, steering wheel position, exterior mirror settings, climate control, and stereo presets according to the preferences of the smart key user. This feature provides a personalized driving experience for each individual.

Speed Limit Control

Some smart keys can be configured to prevent the car from surpassing a specific speed limit. This feature is particularly useful when lending the car to an inexperienced driver or setting a maximum speed limit for certain situations.

Reduced Ignition Wear

Traditional keys can wear out over time, especially when other keys are added to the key chain, putting undue stress on the ignition. Smart keys, on the other hand, do not require direct insertion into the ignition, reducing wear and tear on the ignition system.

Battery Indicators

Smart keys have battery indicators that warn you in advance when the battery is running low. This helps prevent unexpected battery depletion and allows you to replace the battery before it becomes an issue. Additionally, replacing the battery in a smart key is typically a simple process that does not require specialized tools.

Disadvantages of smart keys

Smart keys, also known as smart car keys, are an advanced iteration of conventional car keys, which use technology to help manage the locks on a car, start the engine, or perform other functions. They were first developed by Siemens in 1995 and introduced by Mercedes-Benz in 1997.

Despite their many advantages, smart keys do have some disadvantages. Here are some of the disadvantages of smart keys:

High Price:

Smart keys can be quite expensive to buy and replace. This is particularly true when compared to traditional metal keys, which are typically much cheaper.

Battery Dependence:

Smart keys are battery-operated, and the batteries will eventually need to be replaced. If the battery dies, the smart key will not work, potentially leaving the user locked out of their car. Some smart keys may have easily replaceable batteries, while others may be more difficult to change.

Delicate Technology:

The technology in smart keys is more delicate than traditional keys and can be prone to damage. This could lead to additional repair or replacement costs.

Potential Security Risks:

While smart keys offer improved security over traditional keys, they are not without their risks. Tech-savvy thieves have been known to use third-party pulse generators to "fool" a car's onboard computer into thinking the smart key is nearby, allowing them to steal the vehicle. Additionally, smart locks can be hacked, and someone could potentially crack the entering code.

Forgetting to Turn Off the Car:

With smart keys, it is possible to forget to turn off the vehicle, which could release dangerous fumes. If the car does not have safety measures in place, it will continue to run until the gas finishes.

While smart keys offer many benefits, it is important to consider these potential disadvantages before making the switch from traditional keys.

How smart keys work

Smart keys are an advanced iteration of conventional car keys, which use technology to help manage the locks on a car, start the engine, or perform other functions. They were first developed by Siemens in 1995 and introduced by Mercedes-Benz in 1997, marketed as their Keyless Go system.

Smart keys communicate with antennas in the car's bodywork and use radio waves to send and receive signals, which are interpreted by the car's electronic computer. The computer then sends a command to perform a specific function, such as unlocking the vehicle or activating the ignition. This means that the driver does not need to take the key fob out of their pocket to unlock or start the car, as long as the key is within the car.

Smart keys can also be used to adjust settings such as the driver's seat position, steering wheel adjustment, and stereo presets. Some can even be configured to prevent the car from surpassing a specific speed limit if the car is started using a particular key.

Smart keys are designed with special cases in mind. For example, if you accidentally lock your smart key in the trunk, you can still open the trunk and retrieve the key. If there is more than one smart key in the car, the car will still operate normally. Additionally, if the smart key gets lost during a ride, you can still drive the car as long as the key is inside the vehicle.

Smart keys also have security benefits. They send a unique, encrypted signal each time a button is pressed, making them incredibly difficult to hack.

The history of smart keys

The evolution of the smart key has come a long way since its inception in the early 1990s. A smart key is an electronic access and authorisation system that allows users to unlock and start their vehicles without inserting a physical key into the ignition. The development of smart keys can be traced back to the mid-1990s when Siemens introduced this technology, which was then adopted by Mercedes-Benz in 1997 as "Keyless-Go". The smart key system offered convenience and enhanced security for drivers, doing away with the need for fumbling around for keys.

The precursor to smart keys can be found in the early 1980s with the invention of remote central locking by Paul Lipschutz, who worked for security components supplier Niemens. This technology was first introduced in the Renault Fuego in 1982, allowing for remote operation of central locking, marking the arrival of the "plip" or "plipper". Despite being a groundbreaking innovation, the infra-red-based system had its limitations and could be temperamental, often requiring users to shuffle around their vehicles to get the transponder and receiver to communicate.

By the mid-1990s, infra-red technology was phased out and replaced by radio-controlled security systems. However, this transition also faced challenges, with an estimated 5% of drivers experiencing issues with locking or unlocking their cars. The adoption of radio-controlled systems also brought new security concerns, as car thieves employed electronic signal jammers to prevent locking or capture the code, enabling them to access valuables or steal the vehicle.

In response to these security threats, the automotive industry introduced rolling codes and mechanical ignition keys with electronic transponder chips. These passive chips, which didn't require battery power, were read when the key was turned in the ignition, and an immobiliser system prevented the engine from being started without the chip's presence.

Mercedes-Benz, in collaboration with Siemens, took smart key technology to the next level with the introduction of the Keyless Go system in 1998. This system allowed drivers to unlock their cars and start the engine by simply walking up to the vehicle, pulling the door open, and pressing a button on the dashboard. The smart key remained in the driver's pocket, enhancing convenience and security.

Over the years, smart keys have become increasingly sophisticated, with additional features such as storing driver preferences for seat positions, steering wheel adjustments, exterior mirror settings, and climate control. However, security concerns have persisted, with reports of car thieves cracking smart key technology and insurance underwriters refusing to cover certain vehicles fitted with keyless entry and start systems.

To address these security vulnerabilities, organisations like Thatcham in the UK introduced standards for keyless entry, requiring devices to be inoperable beyond a distance of 10 cm from the vehicle. Despite these measures, car thieves have continued to find ways to circumvent smart key security systems, highlighting the ongoing challenge of balancing convenience and security in the evolution of smart keys.

Upgrading smart keys

Upgrading to a smart key is a great way to make your life easier and add an extra layer of security to your vehicle. Here is a step-by-step guide to upgrading your car keys to smart keys:

Understand What a Smart Key Is:

Smart keys are an advanced iteration of conventional car keys, leveraging technology to help you manage your car locks, start your engine, or perform other functions. They use radio waves to communicate with the vehicle's antennas, allowing you to unlock, lock, or start your car remotely.

Contact a Professional:

Upgrading to a smart key requires expertise and specialized equipment. Reach out to a professional car locksmith or your car dealership to guide you through the process and ensure a smooth transition.

Choose the Right Smart Key:

Not all smart keys are created equal. Work with your locksmith or dealership to select the right smart key for your car's specific make and model. They will ensure that the smart key is compatible with your vehicle's security system.

Install and Program the Smart Key:

Once you have selected the appropriate smart key, it needs to be installed and programmed to work with your car. This typically involves connecting it to your vehicle's computer system. Some smart keys may require electric soldering, so it is important to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer or seek professional help.

Test the Smart Key:

Before hitting the road, thoroughly test your new smart key. Try locking and unlocking your car, remotely starting the engine (if applicable), and using any additional features offered by the smart key. Ensure that everything works seamlessly.

Keep Your Old Key as a Backup:

While smart keys offer convenience and enhanced security, it is always a good idea to keep your traditional car key as a backup. In case your smart key malfunctions or the battery runs low, you can still access and operate your vehicle using the old-fashioned way.

Upgrading to a smart key is a straightforward process with the help of professionals. Enjoy the added convenience, security, and peace of mind that come with this modern technology!

Frequently asked questions