Chaka wrote:Can someone tell me the advantage of a car using a 'smart' key vs the normal metal key and what happens if the key's battery runs out or does it use the car battery when inserted?
In order to answer you effectively you need to be specific about the vehicle in question. The smart keys have different functions in different models although some are common across board. You will find out that a smart key in Toyota from 2008 will open doors/boot and start the car without the need for the metallic part of the key. If you have the "fob" and approach the car, you only need to press a knob on the door and the car is unlocked. Same way when inside with the correct fob just press on the start/stop and the engine starts.
When the battery on the smart key dies there is still a way to open the doors. You will find a metallic key on the "fob" hidden from view - remove it and open the door like you would with a normal key.
For the engine start there is simple trick when your battery is dead, just place the fob close to the start/stop button until you hear a click and the light on the start/stop turns green. Its now ready to start the car.
I hope I have answered you two questions even though the answer might only be useful when applied to "the car infront".
You will know that you have arrived when money and time are not mutually exclusive "events" in you life!