Keyless Cars: A Safety Hazard or Modern Convenience?
Keyless entry systems were once hailed as the hallmark of modern automotive convenience. With a system allowing entry to your car with just a tap of a button, what could go wrong?
It turns out that fumbling for keys may be preferable to making criminal’s jobs easier. While these keyless systems bring futuristic flair to our daily commutes, it has also seen a rise in car thefts. In fact, many studies suggest that 60-70% of all cars stolen in recent years were keyless.
Are we really trading off security for convenience, or is there a way to enjoy the best of both worlds? Read on to understand the pros and cons of keyless entry systems, helping you to decide whether they are a must have feature or a risky endeavour.
What is a Keyless Car?
Simply put, a keyless car allows you to unlock your vehicle without using a traditional, physical key.
The act of inserting a key into a lock or ignition may seem minute, but think of how many times you’ve been carrying a briefcase or hot cuppa to your motor. This technology allows a nifty little fob to eliminate key fumbling in a pinch.
How Do Keyless Entry Systems Work?
At the heart of keyless systems are some clever short-range radio waves. Here’s the step-by-step lowdown:
- Signal Transmission: Your key fob is a tiny radio broadcaster, continuously sending out a low-frequency signal.
- Signal Reception: When you approach the car, the car’s receiver detects the signal.
- Authentication: The car checks this signal against its stored codes to ensure it matches.
- Action: If the signal is authenticated, the car responds by unlocking the doors or enabling engine start.
Types of Keyless Systems
Not all keyless systems are created equal. They come in two main configurations, tailored to your desired level of convenience and security:
- Keyless Entry Only: This system allows you to unlock the car doors without using a physical key. However, starting the engine still requires inserting a key or pressing a start button inside the car.
- Keyless Entry and Start: This more advanced system enables both unlocking the car and starting the engine without ever touching a physical key. You can simply keep the fob in your pocket or bag, and your car will unlock and start as long as the fob is within range.
The Rise of Keyless Car Theft
With nearly two-thirds of car thefts in the UK stemming from keyless cars, just what is fueling the trend?
As keyless entry systems become more sophisticated, so too have the methods used to exploit them. Thieves have developed advanced techniques, such as relay attacks and signal hacking. These methods capture and amplify the signal from a key fob, allowing them to unlock and start a vehicle without the physical key being present.
- Relay Attack: Thieves deploy a relay amplifier to catch the signal from your key fob – even if it’s inside your house. Once they’ve hooked your signal, the amplifier boosts it and sends it to a relay transmitter parked near your car. This convinces your motor that the fob is nearby, unlocking the doors and allowing thieves to drive away.
- Signal Hacking: Thieves can use signal interceptors to capture the communication between your smartphone and car, exploiting systems that lack strong encryption. Once intercepted, thieves replicate the signal to grant access to your car.
Criminal’s technological edge has combined with a rise in value of newer, high-end cars. With the potential for significant financial gain, these vehicles have become more attractive targets for criminals.
If you are ready to explore competitive car finance options that suit your personal needs, apply for a free, no-obligation quote with Car Loans UK.
Apply For A Free Quote In 60 Seconds
How to Protect Your Keyless Car
There’s no reason why nefarious individuals should deny you a modern convenience! Nowadays, there are simple and effective ways to keep those tech-savvy thieves at bay. Here’s how to outsmart the bad guys and safeguard your keyless car:
Faraday Pouches
A Faraday pouch blocks any signals from being picked up by relay thieves. They are with a metallic material that stops radio signals dead in their tracks. Simply pop your key fob inside, and let your troubles melt away.
Look for a pouch with multi-layer protection and sturdy materials. Equally important is to find one that is not only roomy enough to hold your fob, but also compact enough to carry around your day-to-day jobs.
Physical Security Measures
Sometimes, a classic preventative measure is what the doctor ordered. Steering locks and wheel clamps might seem old-fashioned, but they’re still incredibly effective at keeping thieves away.
When choosing a steering wheel lock, go big and bold. You want to aim for a visible deterrent that screams ‘time and effort’ to a thief.
Meanwhile, for wheel clamps, opt for a model that fits your car’s tyres. There are a variety of options available, but it is most important to pick a clamp that won’t cause any long-term damage to your motor.
Tracking Devices
Tracking devices aren’t limited to spy movies. These days, trackers are an affordable investment for all motorists.
Ideally, opt for a GPS tracker. These nifty tools give you live updates on your car’s location, which can be crucial for quick recovery. If you feel extra fancy, look for a tracker featuring telematics systems. These go beyond tracking your vehicle’s location, but also monitoring driving habits and providing alerts for any performance related issues.
Keyless Car Security FAQs
How can I tell if my car has keyless entry?
If your car has keyless entry, your car will unlock like magic when you’re close enough – no need to physically insert a key. As long as the key fob is within range (usually a few feet), the car will automatically unlock.
Are all keyless cars equally vulnerable?
Nope! It’s not a one-size-fits-all situation. Newer models often come with beefed-up security, like encrypted signals or fancy motion sensors that make life harder for thieves. But older keyless systems are often easier to crack – meaning it is important to protect your car with our methods above.
Can I turn off my keyless fob’s wireless signal?
In some cases, yes! Some key fobs let you temporarily disable the signal when you’re parked, so no one can relay-hack their way into your car. If your fob comes with this feature, it is typically achieved by pressing a combination of buttons on the fob.
Car Loans UK is a credit broker, not a lender. Rates from 10.9% APR. Representative 21.6% APR (fixed).
Representative Example (Hire Purchase): Borrow £6,000 with £0 deposit over 60 months with a representative 21.6% APR (fixed). 60 monthly payments of £157.92. Final Option to Purchase Fee: £10. Total cost of credit: £3,485.20. Total amount payable: £9,485.20. Car Loans UK is a credit broker, not a lender. This is an example only; all finance is subject to status. Lender fees may apply.