BROWSE CAR REVIEWS BY:
MAKE
MODEL
Click on a car body type for search results.
 |
 |
| SUVs (two rows) | SUVs (three rows) |
 |
 |
| Crossover | Minivans |
 |
 |
| Sedan | Hybrids |
 |
 |
| Wagons/Hatchbacks | Just for Fun |
Ford’s MyKey is MyKind of Feature
Aug 06 2009 by Courtney Messenbaugh
My kids are far from driving age, but Ford’s MyKey has me thinking about when they do become teenage drivers. MyKey uses a programmable key that allows parents to encourage their teen drivers to drive more safely and efficiently by limiting the car’s top speed to 80 mph; it also ensures that they’re using their seat belts.
I recently tested MyKey in a 2010 Ford Focus. As soon as I had the Focus going faster than 80 mph, a warning beep sounded and the car took control and slowed down. You can also set a speed-alert chime to go off when the car reaches 45, 55 or 65 mph.
Much to my delight, I also couldn’t turn the stereo up any louder than 44 percent of its maximum volume, which is still pretty loud. Call me old, but I can’t imagine anyone wanting the stereo’s volume higher than that. When I unbuckled my seat belt, the stereo went completely silent. No matter how many buttons I pressed it wouldn’t come back on until I buckled myself in again.
Can you imagine your teenage driver buckling up, actually being able to hear his friends (or you) talking and driving at a reasonable speed? Crazy, I know, but it just might work!
MyKey also provides a low-fuel warning at 75 miles to empty instead of the usual 50 miles. This gives the driver more than ample time to refuel and diminishes the possibility of any, “Uh, can you come get me? I ran out of gas,” phone calls. When using MyKey, the car’s traction control cannot be deactivated; this prevents a teen driver from spinning the car’s tires, doing doughnuts or fishtailing.
MyKey could help take some of the stress out of driving for both parents and teens. It would allow parents some peace of mind because they’re able to exercise some control over the safety measures their teen driver takes, and it could help teens take advantage of some driving freedom and gain the confidence they need to become good, attentive drivers.
MyKey is standard and can be found on many Ford, Lincoln and Mercury models.
User Comments
Lisa,
To use the MyKey system, you have to setup the program on one of the car’s keys. If you don’t want to have these limitations on your driving, simply don’t program your car key.
Are you able to deactivate features. Im far from being a teen.