subject: An Introduction To Smart Keys [print this page] An Introduction To Smart Keys An Introduction To Smart Keys
With the advancement of the car technology, a lot of features are introduced to upgrade the cars. Remote keyless entry system, also known as smart key, is one such tool that comes with many more functions other than the basic ones of a traditional key.
Over the ages, cars have evolved so much since their introduction centuries back. Of course, the cars then were steam engined. Invented as a substitute for various animals that were used to carry people and goods, vehicles in that era were very heavy. From the electric automobiles, vintage and classic cars to the fuel efficient SUV, high powered sports car and upscale BMW, cars have a long history. With the passage of time, cars have been introduced with the standard features like seat belts, electronic anti-lock braking system, electronic traction control system, restraint airbags and car alarms. The latest addition to the features of the cars is the remote keyless entry system.
Remote keyless entry system, also known as smart key, is a key that permits or denies access to the vehicle without a physical contact. The key is enabled with a transponder that helps it operate the car from a distance. A transponder is a device that uses the radio frequencies to communicate. In the fob, there is a microchip with encrypted coding which emits radio waves to interact with the device installed in the car, right behind the steering wheels.
The device, when receives signals from the microchip, verifies the code of the key and performs actions in accordance to the signals. The frequencies for the interaction between the chip and the device are predefined and each code is given individually to each set. This keeps the signals of various cars and their keys from getting mixed up and overlapping one another. With the transmission of radio waves, smart key makes the car perform many actions.
This system first appeared in 1983 on some of the American Motors vehicles which included the very famous Renault Alliance. But the system gained popularity in 1989 with the W- platform vehicles from General Motors. The cars were Pontiac Grand Prix, Buick Regal and Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. At that time, the system would not do anything more than locking and unlocking the doors from a distance. The keyless systems introduced in the recent years are much more advanced than the earlier ones.
The system keeps your car secure from the intruders. Since a radio signal is needed to open the car, there isn't a chance that a thief could open it with a master key or hot wire it. Breaking in to a car is eliminated, if you car is secured with the keyless entry system. If your car is equipped with car sensors and alarm system, the fob receives a signal informing you of the attempted breaking in. If you are carrying loads, the remote key will instruct the system to open the trunk for you. You don't even have to get the keys out of your pockets.
Other than that, you can use the key to turn on the AC in your car a few minutes before you leave home or office. Same goes in winters when you have frost in the car windows. The best thing is that so many features included in one system. You don't even have to carry different key fobs for all of them. These feature are the reasons the name remote keyless entry system has been replaced by smart keys or intelligent keys.
If your car is not equipped with the latest smart key system, you can purchase it from an online automotive dealer at low prices. Over the Internet, you will find some automotive locksmiths who provide the smart key systems for the make and model of your car.
