Car Keys For Aging Parents and Loved Ones

Sometimes caregivers of elderly loved ones are faced with difficult decisions. It may be time to get rid of the car keys of an aging parent.

Many vehicles have a driver's settings that is configured to a particular key. This feature is especially helpful when there are multiple people sharing the vehicle.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are a standard feature in all modern vehicles. They provide an additional layer of security that regular keys cannot. These are tiny microchips embedded in your key. They send a signal to an immobilizer system on the car, allowing it only to start when a valid keys is within range. This technology has helped decrease car thefts around the globe.

But it's not completely safe. Professional thieves have devised ways to spoof the signals while still hotwiring vehicles. They also reuse key blanks to create their own transponder. Therefore, even if your car is equipped with transponder keys it's a good idea to get an extra.

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

A reputable locksmith will also be able to assist you with "flat" or non-transponder keys. These keys communicate with your car using mechanical methods and not using electronic technology. These keys are simpler to use by children as they are less secure. They are also easily copied by anyone with the help of a key cutter.

Smart Keys

Many modern vehicles are fitted with smart keys, a type of key fob that performs the functions of a standard remote, but it also has additional features. Smart keys are able to secure and unlock your vehicle from a distance without pressing any buttons. You can also use them to start your engine. These features function even if you have the key in your purse or pocket.

One of the great things about smart keys is that they are extremely secure. The signals they broadcast are encrypted, so hackers can't easily use them to steal your vehicle. A computer in your vehicle confirms the code that is generated by the smart key before it begins the engine.

The technology is in the process of being developed, and you may have to deal with a few glitches in the system. For example, if your smartphone and your key are too close to each other, your cell's normal operating signals could interfere with the signal that your smart key transmits.

Certain smart keys have an incredibly small color touchscreen. For instance, BMW developed the Display Key with a screen that lets the user perform a variety of functions from the key fob, such as locking, unlocking, and starting. The key can also notify the owner that their battery is low and recommend a new one from your dealer.

Keyless Entry

If you don't want to go as deep as a transponder key, you can still lock and unlock your car by pressing the button. These systems utilize radio signals, also known as RF, to communicate with a receiver in the vehicle. Depending on the system, the signal may also activate the engine of the car and deactivate the alarm.

Using keyless entry can eliminate the need to hide spare keys, which are an important theft target. You won't have to worry about misplacing or losing your car keys which could happen at any time. However, you must change the code regularly to ensure your security.

The way that keyless entry works is to press the button on your mobile or physical key fob, which transmits a radio signal at 315 Megaherz. The signal is scrambled and encrypted before it is transmitted, therefore, even if hackers steal it, they won't be able to gain permanent access to your vehicle.

Some keyless entry systems include the option of passive engine starting, which means that the car will run and start even if the key is not within reach. This is a security feature that's designed to prevent your vehicle from running out of gas, as well as to keep harmful fumes from getting into the cabin.

Remote Start

No matter if your car is parked in your driveway or in the street, remote start systems offer peace of mind and convenience. The system transmits the signal to the RES module in the vehicle by pressing a button or through an application.

This system also functions to control other functions inside the vehicle, such as opening and closing windows, or altering the temperature of the seats. Some systems are more flexible, and include additional channels that can be used to control things as power-assisted wheel, automated climate controls and rear defrost.

The good news is that most seat leon key fob programming vehicles manufactured since 1995 will have a transponder chip in the key. This means that the majority of the newer models can be used with remote-start systems. However, certain older Seat models require keys with an older transponder chip and will not work with any remote-start systems.

Most parents have experienced that moment when they reach into the back seat of their child's car seat and can't get enough strength to press down on the red car seat buckle release button. A company called NAMRA came up with a solution for this issue, making it easy to unbuckle even if you're having difficulty pressing down on the buckle with your thumb.