Car Keys For Aging Parents and Loved Ones
Sometimes caregivers of elderly loved ones are faced with difficult decisions. It might be time to put away the car keys of an aging parent.
Many cars have a driver's setting which is set to a specific key. This feature is particularly useful if multiple people are sharing the vehicle.
Transponder Keys
Most modern cars come with transponder keys, which add an extra layer of security that old flat metal keys cannot. These are tiny microchips embedded in your key. They transmit signals to an immobilizer device on the car, allowing it only to start when a set of valid keys is within reach. This technology has helped reduce car thefts across the world.
It's not an absolute guarantee. Professional thieves have come up with ways to fake the signals and still hotwire the vehicle. They can also repurpose standard cut key blanks and design their own transponder keys. Even if your car comes with a transponder, it's still worth buying a spare.
A reputable locksmith will make these keys for you at less than the cost of car dealerships. They'll begin by looking over your key and determining best copying and programming methods. The new key can be programmed to work with your vehicle.
The KeyLab should also be able help you with "flat" or non-transponder keys. They operate mechanically using cuts cut into the sides of the keys and don't employ any electronic technology to connect with your vehicle. These keys are easier for children to use as they are less secure. Anyone with a key-cutter may also copy them.
Smart Keys Keys
Many modern vehicles are equipped with smart keys, a form of key fob which performs the basic functions of a remote, but also comes with additional features. Smart keys can unlock and lock your vehicle from a distance without pressing any buttons. You can use them to start the engine. These functions work regardless of whether the key is in your pocket or purse.
Smart keys are extremely secure. The signals they broadcast are encrypted, so hackers can't make use of them to steal your car. In addition, a computer inside your vehicle verifies the rolling code projected by the smart keys before it starts the engine.
The technology is still being developed and you might need to work through some glitches in the system. For instance, if the smartphone and your key are too close and your phone's normal operating signals could interfere with the signal that your smart key sends.
Some smart keys have a small color touch screen. For example, BMW developed the Display Key with a display that lets the driver perform a range of functions from the key fob such as locking, unlocking, and starting. The key also alerts the owner that its battery is low and suggests an upgrade from your dealer.
Keyless Entry
If you don't want to go as far as a transponder key 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, also known as RF to connect to a receiver inside the vehicle. Depending on the technology used, the signal may also be used to start the engine of the vehicle and disarm the alarm for security.
Keyless entry can eliminate the need to hide spare keys, which are a major target for thieves. There is no need to worry about losing or misplacing keys to your car which could happen at any time. However, you must make sure to change the code regularly to avoid compromising your security.
You can use your key fob app or a physical key fob transmit a radio signal in the range of 315 Megaherz. The signal is scrambled and encrypted before it is sent, which means that even if hackers intercept it, they won't be able to gain permanent access to your vehicle.
Some keyless entry systems come with an engine that is not starting. This means that the car will run and start when the key is not within reach. This safety feature is designed to stop your vehicle from running low on gas and to prevent toxic fumes leaking into the interior.
Remote Start
Whether the car is parked in your driveway or in the street Remote start systems can provide security and peace of mind. With the push of a button on your key fob, or a'start' command through an app it will send the signal to your vehicle's RES control module, which will activate and warm your engine.
The system can also be used to control heated or cooled seats, or to open and close windows. Some systems are more versatile and come with auxiliary channels which can be used to control things like power-assisted steering wheels, automatic climate controls, as well as rear defrost.
The good news is that a majority of Seats manufactured since 1995 have a transponder in the key. Consequently, most newer vehicles can be used with remote-start systems. Certain older Seat models require a key that has only a transponder that is basic and won't work with remote-start systems.
Many parents have experienced the moment when they get back into the car seat of their child and are unable to press down on the red release button. NAMRA has come up with an answer to this problem. It makes it easier to remove the buckle, even if you have trouble pressing down the buckle using your thumb.