Hyundai Wants to Replace Car Keys with Fingerprints

“Have you seen my keys?” might be one of the most common phrases shared among spouses, family members, roommates and anyone who shares a living space. There’s nothing quite like the mix of frustration, mental anguish and downright desperation (if you’re running late) that comes with a mad dash around the house looking for the keys.

Maybe that’s why one car company is working on a new way to unlock and start a vehicle. This one is a lot harder to lose.

Hyundai is working on technology that will let drivers use their fingerprints to not only get inside the vehicle but also start it. All they have to do is touch various sensors, which send encrypted information to be identified by a fingerprint controller inside the car.

The company recently rolled out the option on Santa Fe models currently being sold in China. That car allows up to five users to store and use their prints to operate the vehicle. It also lets users save preferences, like temperature and seat position, so that the car automatically adjusts when it knows who’s behind the wheel.

Hyundai isn’t the only car maker looking to ditch the keys. Volvo is tinkering with smartphone tech that will let users unlock their vehicles with an app.

Legal Protections for California Car Buyers

Despite what can be a dizzying array of new technological advances in cars, many vehicles still come off of the factory floor with significant defects that can cause safety hazards.

That’s where the California lemon law comes in. The law obligates manufacturers to take responsibility for defective cars. It puts the burden on the car maker to fix the vehicle or compensate the owner in certain cases.

The lemon law requires car makers to repair various defects and other problems with the vehicle while it’s under warranty. If those efforts don’t work, the manufacturer must compensate the owner for the purchase price and/or down payment and financing charges, as well as other expenses like car rentals, towing and repair costs. The manufacturer may also offer to replace the car instead.

The law applies to both new and used cars, if repair attempts happen during the vehicle’s warranty period. The number of repair attempts required for the law to kick in depends on the situation.

Talk With an Experienced California Lemon Law Lawyer

If you’re a California car owner driving a lemon, it is vital that you consult an experienced lawyer to consider your rights an options. The California Lemon Law attorneys at the Bickel Law Firm have represented hundreds of clients in defective vehicle cases across the state. We understand the significant stress that can come with haggling with car dealers and manufacturers. Our lawyers work aggressively to resolve these cases for the people that we represent.

Our offices are conveniently located in San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with an attorney.