Car Key Evolution

Car Key Evolution

Over the past few decades, car keys have undergone a significant evolution. From physical keys to digital keys, the automobile industry has witnessed a revolution in the way car keys function. Today, most cars come with digital keys that use radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to unlock and start the car. This blog post will take you on a journey of the car key evolution and how it has transformed the way we drive.

The Rise of Physical Keys

In the early days of automobiles, keys were simple, made of metal, and operated by a pin and tumbler system. The driver had to insert the key into the lock and manually turn it to unlock the car’s doors and start the engine.

As cars became more advanced, the standard physical keys started to incorporate various features such as waterproofing, car-specific engravings, and remote controls. A push of a button on the key fob could unlock the doors, activate the car alarm, and open the trunk.

The Conventional Key Fob

In the 1990s, keyless entry systems came into existence. The key fobs had buttons on them that would lock and unlock the car doors, as well as open the trunk. The car doors unlocked when the key fob came within close proximity of the car, taking advantage of wireless signals. The features that key fobs offered made car security much more effective than the previous lock designs.

In the early 2000s, key fobs began to come with anti-theft features where an electronic chip in the key fob communicates with the car’s computer when the key is inserted into the ignition. If the car’s security system did not recognize the chip, the car would not start.

Keyless Entry and Start Systems

The game-changer of car key evolution has been the keyless entry and start systems, popularly known as smart keys. A smart key is an electronic device that operates the car’s ignition and door locks remotely. The key communicates with the car’s computer and allows the driver to unlock the doors and start the car with the press of a button.

Because smart keys use wireless communication technology (RFID), the driver no longer has to remove the key from their pocket to unlock or start the car; they only have to be within a certain proximity of the car. This has made unlocking and starting cars much more convenient and efficient.

Another significant feature of smart keys is their personalization capabilities, allowing drivers to customize their settings. These settings could be based on speed limits, heating and air conditioning, entertainment, and car security.

Smartphones as Car Keys

The concept of using smartphones as car keys gained popularity in the early 2010s. Apple introduced its CarPlay technology in 2014, which lets users connect their iPhone to their car’s infotainment system. In 2018, Apple launched a new feature in iOS 12 that enables the iPhone to lock, unlock and start a car using NFC (Near-Field Communication) technology.

Car manufacturers like Volkswagen have also introduced smartphone key technology, which allows users to share access to the car with other drivers through their smartphones.

Apart from convenience, smartphone keys have an added layer of security for owners. They can deactivate or change passwords from another device if their phone is lost or stolen.

The Future of Car Keys

The future of car keys is headed towards full digitalization, with greater emphasis on mobile apps, cloud-based authentication, biometrics, and wearables. Car manufacturers are looking to provide seamless car access to drivers without the need for a physical key. Instead of pressing buttons or touching screens, car owners will be able to use their biometric data for authentication.

For instance, some cars are now fitted with fingerprint scanners that allow drivers to unlock and start the car. Other manufacturers are experimenting with voice recognition, facial recognition, and iris recognition sensors to ensure approval gestures that will unlock the car.

Through cloud-based authentication, car keys can now be shared with trusted family members or friends. Authorized members can use their smartphones, mobile devices, or even smart watches to access the car.

Finally, virtual keys are emerging as a novel way of accessing a car. Digital car keys can be stored as a file on your smartphone and sent to friends and family. When the driver shares the virtual key, the receiver can use their phone to open and start the car. This technology will make it easier for car-sharing companies and rental car businesses.

Conclusion

The car key evolution has come a long way from the traditional physical keys to smart keys, smartphone keys, and most recently, the use of biometrics, cloud-based authentication and virtual keys. These advancements have not only made it easier to access and start our cars, but they have also provided an extra layer of security to our daily commute.

Car manufacturers are still exploring new ways to make the driving experience safer and more convenient, and the future of car keys is excitedly anticipated. With new technologies like wearables and the Internet of Things (IoT), we can expect even more innovative ways to access and start our cars in the coming years.

Working With Toledo Lock & Key LLC

Getting locked out of your car can be a hassle. Luckily, Toledo Lock & Key LLC is your trusted car locksmith in Toledo, OH. We have been serving home, business and vehicle owners throughout the Toledo, Lucas County, Sylvania, and Maumee, OH areas since 1980. We are a locally owned mobile locksmith, offering full and complete locksmith services to customers in their time of need. Call our lock and key experts for doors unlocked, key cutting, automotive lockouts and more. We’re fast and reliable, delivering sensitive service when you need it most. See site for more info: https://toledolockandkey.com/

Categorised in: Automotive Keys

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