Many modern vehicles come with smart keys. These control locks, alarms, and ignitions remotely. If your new car has one of these devices, learn more about how to make the most of them in the guide below.

How Do Smart Key Fobs Work?

Smart keys, which first appeared in luxury vehicles in the 1990s, are basically remote controls. They typically use radio-frequency identification (RFID) to communicate with the vehicle’s electrical components. Inside the fob is a low-power computer chip that sends codes that the car’s receiver interprets. These codes unlock the doors, open the trunk, turn the emergency alarm on or off, and start the ignition.

Different smart key controls are designed to operate at certain distances. While you can often lock and unlock doors from hundreds of feet away, autostart functions require close proximity for safety purposes.

What Are Their Benefits?

Since a smart key is encrypted, stealing the vehicle is difficult without the fob. The car won’t start if the key isn’t within range, even if it has a button-operated ignition. 

Not needing a key to unlock doors and turn on the ignition is also convenient. It reduces the time you spend entering the car, and is particularly useful when you carry groceries and shopping bags. Plus, if the fob works with a push-button ignition, you never have to take it out of your pocket to start driving.

 

If you run into an issue with your smart key, you’ll need a locksmith well-versed in them. Luckily, you can always call AAL Lock & Key Inc. in Concord, NC. Serving Charlotte and the surrounding counties, they offer 24/7 emergency services and diagnose problems when your car doesn’t start. They also offer smart fob replacements. Call (704) 795-2162 to discuss your needs, or visit their website for more information on their services.