The Importance Of Car Transponder Chips

Originally invented in the 1980s, car key transponder chips had become standard by the 2000s. This may sound like ancient tech, but in a digital world full of cybersecurity threats, that’s sometimes the best line of defence. Here’s why car transponder chips are more important than ever.

Car Key Programming

When programming a new car key fob, the transponder chip is essential. Its code is unique, and in order to authorise a new key it must match the code on the immobiliser. This is frontline defence in preventing vehicle theft, and unauthorised key fob duplicates.

Immobilisation

The idea that a stolen car simply won’t work is a classic. It’s no surprise that when car key transponder chips were introduced, vehicle thefts dropped by 40%. The immobiliser can be cloned, but it’s very difficult, and is usually an elaborate inside job. Plus, companies are fighting back with rolling codes.

Rolling Codes

The concept of the car transponder chip might be old, but the types of car key transponder chip have evolved. One of the best new strategies is the rolling code, which sees the chip generate a new code every time the key is turned in the ignition. As such, the only way to clone a transponder is to physically replace the box.

Convenience

Car key transponder chips require a special key programming tool. This makes them more secure, but also more difficult to duplicate. However, this inconvenience is minor compared to the problem of lost keys. The RAC reports that 1 in 20 drivers have lost their keys permanently, something that is not so much of a problem when physical keys are taken out of the picture.

Industry Standards

Because the introduction of transponders nearly halved car thefts, most insurers insist on them. A transponder is the gold-standard anti-theft system, so if the vehicle is lacking this vital piece of kit, it’s going to be a very expensive and risky headache for the owner. As such, car key transponder chips remain a crucial part of vehicle design.

The Future Of Transponders

As one business magazine explains it, “technology has moved on a great deal over the last 150 years, but the way that most people lock their doors has not.” As such, the industry is seeing a rise in vehicle transponders and an expansion of their applications. Transponders are particularly exciting for vehicle insurers, as they can enable accurate tracking. As such, if a vehicle is stolen, the transponder can be the key to finding it. As such, transponders are starting to be celebrated as “one solution for all applications.”

What Next?

If you want to learn more about car transponder chips, and how different types of car key transponder chips can help to keep vehicles safe, please contact us today.

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