Car keys have come a long way from simple metal teeth. Remember the days when a trip to the hardware store and a quarter were all you needed for a spare? Fast forward to today, and we have sophisticated key fobs that do much more than just open doors. Let’s delve into the world of modern car keys, focusing specifically on the 2017 Hyundai Elantra Key Fob and what makes it tick.
The evolution of car keys is quite interesting. It started with basic mechanical keys, then moved to remote key fobs in the late 1980s, primarily for locking and unlocking doors and trunks. Next came laser-cut keys with internal grooves, offering enhanced security. While these laser-cut keys might have initially made locksmith services seem more relevant, the technology was a significant investment for locksmiths at the time. These more complex key slots could also be susceptible to getting clogged up, potentially damaging the lock mechanism.
This brings us to the latest advancement: keyless entry and start systems. The 2017 Hyundai Elantra Limited exemplifies this technology. Notably, only the driver’s side door features a traditional key slot, with the passenger door and trunk omitting them entirely. The physical key is now integrated inside the remote fob itself. Many owners, wanting to protect this valuable piece of tech, might even go to lengths to waterproof their fobs for added security. The real convenience lies in the keyless operation. Simply being near your Elantra with the fob allows you to unlock the doors by pressing a button on the door handle – driver or passenger side – and even open the trunk automatically when you are close by.
One feature that has become less common with keyless systems is the locking steering wheel. While intended as an anti-theft measure, steering wheel locks weren’t particularly effective at preventing vehicle theft and could often cause more frustration than security, especially when parked on uneven surfaces.
Modern anti-theft systems are less about physical locks and more about electronic immobilizers and sophisticated technology. Interestingly, some argue that these systems are as much about controlling the parts market – with part prices increasing significantly – as they are about preventing professional theft, as determined thieves will always find ways to circumvent security measures, often resorting to methods like flatbed trucks.
When it comes to getting a replacement 2017 Hyundai Elantra key fob, your Hyundai dealership is generally the most reliable, albeit potentially more expensive, option. The key fob is programmed to your specific vehicle using the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). While older, simpler remote door unlockers could sometimes be programmed through various DIY methods (like the often-cited Ford door opening/closing sequence), keyless entry systems are more complex and usually require professional programming.
For those who remember the days of simpler car keys, the advanced 2017 Hyundai Elantra key fob represents a significant leap in technology and convenience. While it adds a layer of complexity to replacement and maintenance, the ease of keyless entry and start is undeniable in modern vehicles. And for anyone buying or selling a used car, ensuring you have at least two sets of keys remains a valuable piece of advice, regardless of how advanced those keys have become.
