Keyless entry is a common feature among cars today. Giving you the ability to unlock, lock and even start the car while keeping the keys in a pocket or bag, keyless technology can prove handy, and it’s something you’ll find on many cars here at Prestige Cars Kent.
However, you’ve probably heard or read about keyless car theft, so is this something to be concerned about, and how secure is keyless entry? We’ve got all of the information you need to know in this feature.
What is keyless entry?
Keyless entry is just as the name suggests - gaining access to a car without the need to physically put a key into a lock. It’s a common feature on many cars today and means that you can unlock, start, switch off and lock a car without the need to get a key out of your pocket or bag.
Some cars have dedicated buttons on their handles which you need to press in order to unlock a vehicle, while others even have sensors underneath the boot which you can place your foot under to automatically open the tailgate.
How does keyless entry work?
It’s best to think of keyless technology as a conversation. In essence, the car ‘listens’ out for the signal created by the key and, if it detects that the correct key is nearby, it’ll allow itself to be unlocked and started.
However, each car is paired to a unique key - you can’t unlock a car with any keyless key, after all. There’s also a set distance for the key to work; you might be able to start a car with the key in the vehicle’s boot, but any further and it won’t respond.
What is keyless car theft?
Keyless car theft essentially takes advantage of the technology. Thieves will approach the house outside where their target vehicle is parked, and use a special ‘relay’ device which can replicate and boost the signal of the key inside the home. In doing so, it tricks the vehicle into thinking that the key is nearby and, as a result, will allow the criminals to unlock and start the vehicle before driving away.
Many vehicle owners are completely unaware of the theft until the following morning, since thieves don’t need to break into a property to gain access to the key - all they need to do is stand outside the entrance to the home.
How can I protect against it?
There are some measures you can take to protect against keyless car theft. For one, it’s best to place your vehicle’s keys far away from your front or rear doors. In doing so, it makes it harder for thieves to ‘latch’ onto the key’s signal, stopping them in their tracks. You could also invest in a ‘Faraday pouch’, which is a small bag into which you place the keys. Special material then blocks the key’s signals entirely.
A traditional way to keep thieves away is with a steering wheel lock. Even if they gain entry to the vehicle, this will make it extremely difficult for them to steal the car. Steering locks come with different levels of protection, too, so make sure to check out the variety of models on offer to make sure you find the one which works for you.
Should I be worried about keyless car theft?
While keyless car theft has been on the rise, with a few simple measures, there’s no need to be worried about it. However, if you’d like to find out more about this technology or have questions about its safety, make sure to get in touch with the Prestige Cars Kent team, who will be happy to advise and address any issues that you have.