Have you ever noticed someone walk up to a car door and unlock it without so much as reaching into their pocket? Forget an aging security system – there’s a better chance the car featured keyless entry.
Keyless entry systems enable car owners to unlock their doors remotely, so long as the key fob is within range of a receiver inside the car. It’s a very convenient piece of technology, but it also has its drawbacks. On this page, we’ll explore what keyless entry is, how it can be beneficial and how it can also leave your car vulnerable.
How do keyless entry systems work?
Keyless entry key fobs emit low-frequency radio waves with a unique code. Once a car registers the correct signal with an onboard receiver, it will automatically unlock its doors.
Some cars will unlock as soon as they detect an attempt on the door handle while others may require owners to press a small button on the handle’s side. When leaving the vehicle, some systems lock automatically as the key moves out of range while others require users to press the door handle button once again.
Can you retrofit keyless entry to an older car?
Keyless entry is often – but not always – accompanied by keyless ignition, a system whereby the vehicle can start at the push of a button rather than an ignition twist, provided the key is located within the cabin.
Keyless entry can be retrofitted to an older vehicle, though the complexity of such a task will vary depending on the car. To install keyless entry into your car, the vehicle must already have a central locking system, so make sure that’s in place first.
If you’d like to proceed, aftermarket keyless entry kits can be purchased online, though we advise leaving the installation to a professional for the best results.
Are there any drawbacks?
Keyless entry can be a very useful feature to have, especially if you want to save time getting in and out of your car every day. However, it can also leave your car vulnerable to keyless theft – a method by which thieves can steal your car.
By hijacking the signal emitted from your key – even while stowed away in your home overnight – two thieves can unlock the car on your driveway and roll away in it without waking you up.
Keyless thefts are on the rise, so if you park a car with a keyless entry system on your driveway at night, you should protect it with a Faraday pouch. Faraday pouches block the signals emitted from keyless entry keys so would-be thieves can’t pick then up. They’re cheap, effective and a must-have if you think your car could be vulnerable to this type of theft. Not sure which to buy? Check out our picks of the best faraday pouches.
Do I need keyless entry?
It can be an incredibly useful and time-saving piece of kit, especially if your keys frequently find themselves buried at the bottom of your handbag or rucksack. When accompanied with keyless ignition, drivers will – in theory – never have to use the key in order to drive their vehicle.
Just remember the security risks that come with keyless entry and always take the necessary precautions.
Which cars have keyless entry?
Initially the preserve of more expensive vehicles, the technology can now be found on the Kia Sportage, Volkswagen Golf and Nissan Qashqai and many others.
