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What is a Smart Key Car Key? Smart keys are also known as proximity keys or key fobs. They function to unlock doors and to start engines without having to insert a physical key. They communicate with radiofrequency signals. This helps to keep cars safe by not allowing hotwiring. Smart keys also broadcast unique encrypted signals to stop them from being used by vehicles of other drivers. Convenience You can lock and unlock your vehicle without the need to insert the key into the ignition slot. Simply press the handle on the trunk or door. A majority of modern cars also have a feature which allows you to start your car from a distance. This is particularly useful when you are bringing in groceries as well as transporting passengers or equipment. This technology is designed to deter theft of vehicles. Smart keys transmit encrypted signals instead of a single frequency like a normal keyfob. How Stuff Works Electronics explains that this is a way to prevent other cars from receiving and responding the same signal. Additionally, some manufacturers employ a computer chip inside the car to detect the unique fingerprint of each key, which makes sure that only authorized drivers are using it. This is useful when you loan your car to family members or friends. Some smart keys also store user preferences, allowing mirrors, seats and steering wheel adjustments, as along with stereo presets can be automatically set when the key is within the range of the vehicle. Some smart keys can also be set up to prevent the vehicle from going over the speed limit when it is started using that key. This is a great method to ensure that new drivers are safe and is an excellent idea to have children in the back. Security Traditionally keys for cars were made of metal and used to unlock the ignition. Smart keys eliminate this need. Smart keys have a specific chip that sends an alert to the car's antenna. This signal is then received by the vehicle whenever the driver presses a button on the door handle or trunk release. This means it's not possible to lock your keys inside your car anymore. The signal that the smart key transmits to your car is encrypted, which means only the owner has the right to use it. The majority of models also shut off the engine when the car hasn't been started in some time. This feature is especially useful if you are in a risky area or have to leave your vehicle for any reason. A number of systems also include the option of a backup system to open and starting the car in case the battery of the smart key runs out while riding. The backup method involves putting the key into a slot, or holding it close to a specific location in the cockpit, which transfers energy to an electric motor. Certain manufacturers also include an emergency mechanical key blade in the key that could be used to open the trunk and start the car should it be needed. Battery Life Many newer cars have keyless entry systems and push-button starters. They are controlled by a smart key fob that communicates with the car through proximity technology. These systems are powered by a small transmitter that is powered by a coin-sized lithium battery. Like any other battery, it eventually needs replacement. The majority of smart key fob batteries last several years however, this doesn't mean that they won't lose power and stop working abruptly. A dead key fob means that it isn't able to unlock or start the car, even when you hold it near the door to the front and the key fob light flashes. It is not unusual for the transmitter of a smart key drain the battery. It sends a signal back to the car each time you press an option, but the majority times the smart key does nothing. One single lock/unlock button takes only a fraction of the fob's battery power, so there is easily many years of signals worth of battery life in the average smart key battery. The fob will also drain the battery If you keep it in close proximity to other devices emitting electromagnetic fields, such as phones and computers. These devices emit their own magnetic fields which can cause interference and slow down the fob transmitter. RepairPal states that the fob can stop working if it is placed too close to the gadgets. Maintenance In contrast to the traditional car key, a smart one uses technology to control the locks on your vehicle and perform other functions. It works by sending a signal to antennas located inside and outside your vehicle. These antennas detect the fob's signal and connect with the car's computer. The car interprets the signal, allowing you to start or open the door without a physical key. New cars are loaded with advanced electronic features, and the fob has become a hub for many of these functions. The most obvious functions are locking and unlocking your vehicle, remote starting and chirping to help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot. Certain fobs let you save various settings for different drivers, and even remotely open windows and the sunroof. The fob itself is a sophisticated device with an integrated circuit board and it can be damaged by hard use or exposure to cold or heat. The transmitter can be broken in the event of it being damaged by a fall or a bang or smashed. The battery contacts may also be bent. These problems can be hard to identify and solve. You can utilize your smartphone to get around this issue to determine if it's working. However you should always keep a spare key in your pocket in case. You can purchase a generic smart key replacement for up to 70 percent less than OEM keys and comes with a 3-year warranty.