Using modern car keys

The evolution of the car key is pretty amazing, and today nobody actually uses the key in the old way anymore. 

Before we talk about the technology, let me first tell you about a common problem with car keys. 

In the past, when you purchased a vehicle through financing, one of the two keys was given to the finance company as security. Once all the payment was made, the key was handed over to the vehicle owner. 

However, due to the large number of customers, the key usually got lost or misplaced, and complaints had often been made to the Consumer Protection Board. 

The spare key kept by the finance company had also been blamed for auto thefts, and there have been many times when the company official had to be questioned by police when a theft occurred. 

These days, however, problems concerning car keys are usually technical. Car keys now come with a high level of technology that makes life much easier for the vehicle owner. But these keys cost more, leading to higher retail pricing of the vehicle. In addition, there can be some technical problems due to the new technology. 

That’s because car keys these days are not meant to be inserted into the keyhole like before. Today, it has become an electronic transmitter that unlocks the vehicle and allows the engine to be started with the push of a button. 

So apart from having to pay more money, users must also learn how to use and store modern car keys properly. You need to check whether the key operates via infrared or radio waves. These two types of signals are sensitive to disturbances, and damages can occur. You must also be within operating range of the remote as well, because this is related to chances of crime that could take place in various forms. 

I don’t think many car buyers today ask the dealer these questions, although it is necessary. The price of the remote is high, and you can’t copy it like a conventional key. 

So for users of modern vehicles, what I’d like you to do is to get to know your key better. First of all, make sure you have the spare with you. Insert the first key into the slot for starting the engine, get out of the car and close the door. Wait and see whether the door will lock by itself. 

Also check the range of the remote – they have different operating distances from the vehicle and the only way to know is by trial and error. 

For those with “smart keys” and start buttons, check and see how far you must walk away from the vehicle with the key before the engine stops. This has happened quite often, and without a spare key, you won’t be able to access your vehicle. 

So if there is no one else in the car, make it a habit to shut the engine and take the key with you every time you want to leave .