The Evolution of Car Keys: From Traditional to Smart Keys
Seeing Car Keys from a Car Locksmith’s Perspective
Have you ever lost your internet connection and longed for a typewriter? If you’re wondering what a typewriter is, you’ll have to check the local museum.
The same is true for car keys, which have undergone a tremendous transformation in the last few decades. To keep up, the car locksmith’s role has also changed from simple duplication to complex programming.
Let’s take a look at the car key’s humble beginnings and how they got smart along the way.
SEE ALSO: What Is Car Key Programming, and Why Do You Need It?
The First Car Keys
When cars first entered the scene, you had to start them using a hand crank and foot-operated switches. It wasn’t until 1949, thanks to Chrysler, that a key could start the engine by turning the ignition tumbler. This key was one-sided and straightforward, but it worked.
About 15 years later, Ford introduced the double-sided key. They also came out with the first key that could unlock the door and start the car.
It would be another 20 years or so before the remote car key, also known as a fob, was born. Users could unlock and lock their cars remotely, providing extreme convenience and an enhanced sense of security.
The Transponder Keys
The late 1990s saw the introduction of the transponder key. Designed to reduce auto theft, these keys, also known as chip keys, contained a small computer chip with an unchanging electronic code. When the key is inserted, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) allows the car’s computer to send a signal to the transponder key. The key’s chip then sends back its unique code. If it matches, the car starts.
As technology evolved and algorithms became mainstream, car manufacturers began using rolling codes. Thanks to complex algorithms, every time you start the car, it uses a new code, creating an even greater barrier for potential thieves.
The good news is that it makes it much harder to steal. It also makes it much harder to duplicate should you lose or misplace your key. Now, it requires coding to match your car.
One way a car locksmith accomplishes this is by connecting a diagnostic tool to the vehicle’s OBD port, enabling communication with the immobilizer system. It’s this anti-theft device that won’t let the engine start without the correct key. By using specialized software and this tool, they can program the new key’s transponder chip to sync with the vehicle. If the keys were stolen, they can also invalidate the old key codes.
The Smart Key
The early 2000s saw the arrival of the smart key and the keyless ignition system. These keys also use RFID to communicate. Only now, the key doesn’t have to be in the ignition. If the key fob is within a certain distance, it can lock, unlock, and start the car. This encrypted communication makes it extremely challenging to intercept.
These keys require complex programming, making it essential to go to a locksmith who has invested in specialized equipment.
The Future of Car Keys
The history of car keys has only just begun, with each decade bringing new technology that offers greater security and convenience. With over four decades in the business, our car key programming experts at Greeley Lock & Key have witnessed these tremendous advancements.
We’re excited to be a part of the evolution, staying abreast of the latest technology, ensuring your local locksmith has the tools and knowledge to help you when you need it the most, no matter what type of car or key you have.
To learn more about the local car locksmith’s role in today’s advanced car key replacements, contact Greeley Lock & Key.