Car Keys For Aging Parents and Loved Ones

Sometimes caregivers of loved ones in their senior years are faced with difficult decisions. If an elderly parent or loved one is driving unsafely, it may be time to get rid of their car keys.

Most cars have a driver's setting that is set to a particular key. This feature is particularly useful when you share the vehicle with more than one person.

Transponder Keys

The majority of modern cars have transponder keys. They provide the security keys made of flat metal cannot. These are tiny microchips within your keys that send a signal to the immobilizer system of your car that allows it to start only when a valid, working key is within reach. This technology has helped reduce car thefts around the globe.

It's not foolproof. Professional thieves have found ways to alter these signals, and hotwire the vehicle. They can also reuse key blanks to create their own transponder. Even if the vehicle you're driving with transponders, it's worthwhile to get an extra.

A reputable locksmith can create keys for you at a fraction of the cost of a car dealership. They will examine your key to determine the most effective methods of programming and copying. The new key can be programmed to work with your vehicle.

A reputable locksmith should be able to assist with non-transponder keys or "flat" keys. These keys connect to your car through mechanical means not electronic technology. They are more convenient to use by children which makes them less secure. Anyone with a key cutter can also copy keys.

Smart Keys Keys

Many modern vehicles are equipped with smart keys, a type of key fob that can perform the basic functions of a remote but has added features. Smart keys are able to lock and unlock your car from a distance without having to press any buttons. They can also be used to start your engine. These functions will work regardless of whether the key is in a pocket or purse.

One of the great things about smart keys is that they're very secure. Hackers can't easily steal your car because the signals they transmit are encrypted. Additionally, a computer in your vehicle checks the code that is projected by the smart key before starting the engine.

The technology is still developing, and you may encounter some bugs in the system. For example, if your smartphone and your key are too close to each other the normal operating signals could interfere with the signal your smart key sends.

Some smart keys feature the capability of displaying a small touch screen in color. For instance, BMW developed the Display Key with a display that lets the driver perform a variety functions using the key fob including locking, unlocking and starting. The key also alerts user when the battery is low and recommends the replacement seat key from the dealer.

Keyless Entry

If you're not looking to go as far as transponder or smart key, a keyless entry system allows you to lock and unlock your car at the touch of a button. These systems utilize radio signals, known as RF that connect to a receiver inside the vehicle. Based on the system, the signal can also trigger the engine of the car and deactivate the alarm.

Using keyless entry removes the need to conceal spare keys, which can be a major threat to thieves. Also, it stops you from worrying about losing or misplacing your car keys which could happen to anyone at any time. It is important to change the code regularly to ensure your security.

The way that keyless entry works is to press the button on your physical or app key fob to send a radio signal of 315 Megaherz. The signal is scrambled and encrypted before it is transmitted, which means that even if hackers intercept the signal, they will not be able to gain access to your vehicle.

Some keyless entry kits feature passive engine start that means that the vehicle will continue to run and start the engine when the key isn't in the range. This is a security feature that's designed to keep your vehicle from running out of gas and also to stop harmful fumes from entering the cabin.

Remote Start

If your car is parked in your driveway or in the street remote start systems give you peace of mind and ease of use. The system transmits the signal to the vehicle's RES module by pressing a button or through an app.

This system also works for other features within your vehicle, such as opening and closing windows, or changing the temperature of your heated/cooled seats. Certain systems are more flexible and incorporate auxiliary channels which can be used to control such things as a power-assisted wheel automatic climate controls, and rear defrost.

The good news is that most seat exeo key programming cars that have been built since 1995 will come with a transponder chip in the key. The majority of newer models are compatible with remote-start systems. However, certain older Seat models will require a key that has the more basic transponder chip and won't work with any remote-start systems.

Many parents have experienced the moment when they are reaching back into the car seat key seat of their child, but cannot get enough strength to push down on the release button that is red. NAMRA has designed an answer to this problem. It allows you to unbuckle the seat key transponder programming (Bravejournal says) even if you're having difficulty pressing down the buckle with your thumb.