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What is a Smart Key Car Key? Variously known as keys for proximity, key fobs or remote keys, smart keys work to unlock doors and start engines without the driver needing to insert an actual key. They communicate with each other through radiofrequency signals. Apart from that, it assists in keeping cars safe by stopping hotwiring attempts. Smart keys also broadcast unique encrypted signals to block them from being used by other vehicles driven by drivers. smart fortwo key fob can lock and unlock your vehicle without needing to insert the key into the ignition slot. Simply touch the handle on the trunk or door. Modern vehicles often have the ability to remotely start your engine. This is especially useful when you're bringing groceries in or transporting passengers and equipment. This technology is intended to protect against theft of vehicles. Instead of sending only one frequency signal as a standard key fob it sends out a series of encrypted signals to the car's antennas embedded in it when you walk towards it. This prevents other cars from being able to receive and respond to the same signal. explaining how Stuff Works Electronics. Additionally, some manufacturers incorporate a computer chip into the vehicle that can recognize the unique fingerprints of each key, which helps ensure that only authorized drivers are using it. This can be beneficial in the event that you lend your car to family members and friends. Some smart keys can also store user preferences, so that seat, mirrors and steering wheel adjustments, as well as stereo presets can be set automatically when the key is within reach of the vehicle. Some smart keys may also be programmed to stop the vehicle from going over a certain speed limit when the key is used to start it. This can help keep unexperienced drivers safe and helpful if you have young children in the back. Security Traditionally keys were made of metal to unlock the ignition. Smart keys eliminate this need. Smart keys have an electronic chip that transmits signals to your car's antenna. The car recognizes this signal when the driver presses the button on the trunk release or door handle. This means that it's impossible to lock your keys into your car any longer. The signal that the smart key transmits to your car is encrypted, which means that only the owner of the car can use it. Most models also disable the engine if it hasn't been started for several minutes. This is especially helpful when you are in a risky area or have to leave your vehicle for any reason. Furthermore, if the smart key battery fails during a journey, many models have a backup system to open and start the vehicle. The backup method typically involves putting the key in a slot or holding it in a particular area of the cockpit to transfer energy to an electric motor. Certain manufacturers also include an emergency mechanical key blade in the key which can be used to open the trunk and start the car if needed. Battery Life The majority of newer cars come with keyless entry and push-button start systems which are controlled by a key fob that utilizes proximity technology to communicate with the car. These systems are powered by a small transmitter which is powered by a coin-sized lithium battery. It will eventually need to be replaced as with any other battery. Most smart batteries for key fobs last for several years however, this doesn't mean that they won't be unable to function and shut down at any time. If the fob is dead, you can't unlock or start the car even if you place it close to the front door, and the key fob light flashes. It's not unusual for the transmitter in a smart key to drain the battery. The smart key will send a signal every time you press the button. But most of the times, it doesn't do anything. One single lock/unlock button takes up a miniscule amount of the battery power of the fob and, therefore, there's many years of signals' worth of battery life left in the average smart key battery. The fob can also drain the battery if it is kept near other devices that emit electromagnetic field like phones and computers. These gadgets emit their own magnetic fields which can interfere with and slow down the fob transmitter. In some instances the fob could be unable to function when it is placed too close to these devices, according to RepairPal. Maintenance Smart keys differ from traditional keys made of metal in that they utilize technology to control the security of your vehicle in addition to performing other functions. It works by sending signals from the fob to antennas within and outside the vehicle. These antennas sense the signal and then communicate with your car's computer. The car is then able to interpret the signal and allows you to open or begin it without using a physical key. New cars are packed with advanced electronic features, and the fob has become a hub for many of these functions. The most obvious are locking and unlocking, remote starter, and chirping to assist you in finding your car in a parking space. Some fobs even let you save specific settings for different drivers and remotely open windows and sunroofs. The transmitter itself is a specialized device with an integrated circuit board, and it can be damaged by hard use or exposure to heat or cold. The transmitter may break in the event of it being damaged by a fall or a bang, and the battery contacts may also be bent. These issues can be difficult to determine and repair. Try using your phone to avoid the problem and see if it works, but it's always a good idea to keep a spare key in your pocket just in case. You can purchase a generic replacement for most OEM smart keys, which can cost up 70 percent less and is backed by a three-year better-than-OEM guarantee.