What is a smart key and how do they work?
A fun game to play with people of varying generations is to ask them to mime something and see how the younger generations do it versus how the older do. For example, if you ask someone over the age of 40 or so to mime answering a telephone, most likely, they will make a horn shape with one of their hands and lift it to their ear, mimicking the old-fashioned handset that was common before smartphones became the new and dominant means of communication.
In 2026, if you asked someone mime starting a car, most people would probably still turn an imaginary key in an imaginary ignition, but within just a few years, this kind of technology will be fading quickly out of existence, replaced completely by smart key systems (or, as they are sometimes called, keyless entry or comfort access systems). Indeed, it already is, to an extent – according to some reports, over 70% of new cars sold since 2023 utilize a smart key or keyless entry system – and I wonder how many, even now, would mime pressing a button to start a car rather than turning a key.
So what is this new technology that is taking over the automotive world? Just what exactly is a smart key? Today, I’ll be explaining what a smart key system is and how it works.
A smart key is a key that does not require you to put anything into the ignition in order to start the vehicle. It is a remote-style fob that can remain in your pocket or purse as you get in the car to drive, and when you put your foot on the brake and press a button, the car’s immobilizer system send out a signal looking for the smart key, which sends its own signal back in response, giving the car permission to start up
(It should be noted that these keys do run on battery power, so it’s a good idea to always make sure your key fob batteries are replaced when needed and that you know the emergency procedures to get into your car, even when your fob is dead).
Oftentimes, these systems also allow you to lock and unlock the car without touching your fob – you can either touch a button on the door or simply put your hand on the handle and the car will either lock or unlock, depending on its current status, or even wave your foot underneath the trunk and the power lift gate (if equipped) will open if your hands are full.
South Shore Lock & Key is proud to specialize in advanced transponder and smart key programming, and we have been at the forefront of the field of smart key technology for over a decade now, meaning we have the expertise, tools, and experience to get you a new smart key for your car that is top-grade quality without having to break the bank to pay for it, even if you don’t have any keys currently.
Though they are becoming more and more popular, smart keys have actually been around since the late 90’s – Mercedes-Benz was the first to use this kind of system, and the Toyota Prius popularly began to use it in the early 2000’s as well – and the technology that they use has only gotten better and more advanced in the years since its introduction, meaning it takes a whole lot more skill and knowledge to properly program these keys to your car without doing any damage.
Call us today to get a quote on a new smart key for your car!