The Future of Car Keys: What You Need to Know

Car keys aren’t what they used to be. The days of a simple metal key you turn in the ignition are almost gone. Today’s cars use everything from smart key fobs to phone-based “digital keys” and even fingerprint scanners. While these new systems make life more convenient, they also bring new risks. Here’s what every driver should know—and how an automotive locksmith can help keep you safe.

Keyless Entry and Smart Keys: Convenient but Vulnerable

Modern cars often use proximity keys or key fobs that unlock the doors automatically when you walk up. Some even let you start the engine, set the air conditioner etc all with the push of a button.

The Risk: Thieves can use “relay attacks,” where they capture the signal from your key fob (even from inside your house) and trick your car into unlocking. In some cases, criminals can also clone a fob’s signal.

Here at Mr Car Keys, we can help mitigate some of the risks by:

• Supplying replacement fobs if yours is lost or stolen.
• Reprogramming your car so old or stolen keys won’t work.
• Advising on protective tools like signal-blocking pouches for your keys.

Digital Keys on Your Smartphone

Some carmakers now allow your phone to act as the key. You can even share “virtual keys” with family members or friends.

The Risk: If your phone is hacked, stolen, or the app malfunctions, you could lose access to your car— or someone else could gain it.

How a Locksmith Helps:

• Offering backup key solutions so you’re not stranded if your phone fails.
• Helping reset or secure your car if your digital key is compromised.

Biometric Car Access

Fingerprint scanners and facial recognition are starting to appear in luxury vehicles. They’re designed to make access unique to you.

The Risk: Like phones with fingerprint sensors, these systems can fail if the sensor is dirty, damaged, or hacked. If you rely only on biometrics, you could get locked out.

We have helped customers in these situations before by providing emergency entry if biometric systems malfunction. However, it can be a lot cheaper to ensure you have traditional or electronic backup keys. Doing this while the car is operational will be a lot cheaper than waiting for the worst case scenario.

Cars Connected to the Internet

Many new vehicles let you lock or unlock your car remotely through an app. They also receive software updates to fix bugs and add features.

The Risk: Anything connected to the internet can be hacked. Weak security in these systems can give criminals another way to target your car.

How a Locksmith Helps:

• Advising on best practices to keep your car’s systems secure.
• Resetting locks and keys if there’s ever a security breach.

Why You Still Need a Locksmith in the Digital Age

Even though technology is changing, the role of an automotive locksmith is more important than ever. Here at Mr Car Keys, we are finding ourselves dealing with some of the issues around high- tech systems. We are doing a lot more:

• Emergency lockouts – getting you back into your car quickly and safely.
• Key replacement and programming – whether it’s a metal key, smart fob, or digital system.
• Peace of mind – making sure lost, stolen, or old keys no longer work with your car.

 

Car keys are smarter than ever—but so are car thieves. While new technology brings convenience, it also means new risks that many drivers don’t think about until it’s too late. The good news is, Mr Car Keys can help protect your vehicle, keep your keys secure, and give you reliable backup options when technology fails.

Please feel free to give us a call on 0404621621 to talk to us about preparing for your car safety. It is one of the most expensive items we own. It pays to look after it.