Car Keys For Aging Parents and Loved Ones
Caregivers of their elderly loved ones may face difficult choices. It may be time to take away the car keys of an elderly parent.
Many vehicles come with a driver setting set to a particular key. This feature is particularly helpful in the event that multiple people are sharing the vehicle.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are common in most modern cars. They add an additional layer of security to the car that flat metal keys can't. They are tiny microchips in your keys that transmit an alert to the immobilizer system of your car, allowing it to start only when a valid, working key is within reach. This type of technology has dramatically reduced the rate of car theft around the globe.
But it's not completely secure. Professional thieves have discovered ways to fake these signals and still hotwire the vehicle. They can also use standard cut keys and make their own transponder keys. Therefore, even if your car is equipped with transponder keys it's worth buying a spare.
A reputable locksmith will make them for you at a fraction the cost of a dealership for cars. They'll begin by examining your key and determining the best method of copying and programming. They'll then program the new key to work with your vehicle.
The Key Lab may also be able to assist you with "flat" or non-transponder keys. These keys connect to your car through mechanical means, not electronic technology. They are more convenient for children to use as they are less secure. Anyone with a key cutter can also copy keys.
Smart Keys
Many modern vehicles are equipped with smart keys, a form of key fob that performs the functions of a standard remote but has added features. Smart keys are able to lock and unlock your vehicle from a distance without you having to press any buttons. You can use them to start the engine. These functions are functional regardless of whether the key is in your purse or pocket.
One of the most appealing aspects about smart keys is that they are extremely secure. The signals they emit are encrypted, so hackers can't easily use them to steal your vehicle. Additionally, a computer in your vehicle checks the code that is projected by the smart keys before starting the engine.
You could encounter some glitches because the technology is in development. If your phone and key are too close, the normal operating signals from your cell could interfere with any signal sent by your smart key.
Some smart keys come with an incredibly small color touchscreen. For instance, BMW developed the Display Key with a touchscreen that lets the driver perform a range of functions via the key fob including locking, unlocking and even starting. The key also alerts owner of a battery low and recommends a replacement from your dealer.
Keyless Entry
If you don't wish to go as far as a transponder or a smart key, you can still secure and unlock your vehicle with the push of one button. These systems use radio signals, referred to as RF which communicate with a receiver in the vehicle. Depending on the technology employed, the signal can also be used to turn off the engine of the vehicle as well as disarm the alarm system for security purposes.
Keyless entry eliminates hiding spare keys, which are an ideal target for thieves. It also prevents you from having to worry about losing or misplacing the car key and could occur to anyone at any time. It is important to change the code often to ensure security.
The way that keyless entry works is to press the button on your physical or app key fob to send a radio signal at 315 Megaherz. The signal is encrypted and scrambled before it is sent out, which means that even if hackers intercept the signal, they will not be able gain permanent access to your vehicle.
Certain keyless entry kits come with an engine that is not starting, which means the car will continue to run and begin the engine when the key isn't within range. This safety feature is designed to stop your vehicle from running low on gas and to prevent poisonous fumes from entering the interior.
Remote Start
When your car is in your driveway or in the street remote start systems provide peace of mind and ease of use. With a click of a button on your key fob or the command "start" from an app the system will send the signal to your vehicle's RES control module, which will start up and warm up your engine.
The system can also be used to adjust heated/cooled seats, or to open and shut windows. Some systems are more flexible and incorporate auxiliary channels which can be used to control things as a power-assisted wheel automated climate controls and rear defrost.
The good news is, that most Seat vehicles produced since 1995 will feature an embedded transponder chip within the key. This means that the majority of the newer models are compatible with remote-start systems. However, certain older Seat models require keys with an older transponder chip and won't work with any remote-start systems.
Most parents have experienced the moment when they reach for the back of their child's car seat but struggle to press down on the red buckle release button. NAMRA has developed a solution to this issue. It makes it easier to unbuckle, even if you have difficulties pressing the buckle with your thumb.