Each car owner takes care of its safety and protection from theft. Manufacturers meet the natural desire of the owner and offer modern and effective anti-theft systems, combined with an ignition key.
Chip key is an electronic key, part of the vehicle's security system. Most modern car owners probably know what an immobilizer is. This is an electronic anti-theft system that breaks electrical circuits in the car (starter, fuel supply, ignition) at the right time. As a result, theft becomes impossible, even if this anti-theft device is disabled. Only the vehicle owner can activate and deactivate this system. Control is carried out using a key, a separate card or key fob, in which an electronic circuit (chip) is mounted. Its counterpart is in the car. Manufacturers now offer several variants of this popular anti-theft device.
Split chip key
It is a system in which the ignition key and key fob exist separately from each other. To start the car, you need to bring the key fob with a built-in chip to a special reader (usually its sensor is located next to the dashboard or ignition switch). After that, the car's anti-theft system is deactivated, and you can safely start the engine. The disadvantage of such a system is that if the key fob is lost, it becomes impossible to start the engine - you will have to change the entire anti-theft system.
Chip inside the key
Today, this is the most common way of arranging a chip. Manufacturers sometimes call such a system a folding chip key. The electronic circuit can be located in the head of the key or even in its blade. The key is made collapsible so that it is possible to change the battery. It is very difficult to start the engine without a chip key, there are practically no chances. Therefore, when buying a car with a similar anti-theft system, a spare key is usually included in the kit.
Chip inside the card
This option assumes the presence of a special card (it resembles a bank card, only thicker), into which the chip is built. To deactivate the immobilizer, this card must be inserted into a special slot on the dashboard; then the car owner presses a special Start-Stop button and the car starts up. Reno, BMW, Mercedes use such a system from well-known manufacturers.
Wireless chip dongle
This is the most technologically advanced system. Here, communication with the vehicle is carried out via radio communication. This chip key does not need to be brought or inserted anywhere. You just need to keep it in your pocket - the immobilizer will be unlocked automatically as soon as you are in the car.
