Keyless entry for cars - what you need to know

Keyless entry - it’s all the rage. Why even my Renault has it. And you can see why it’s proving popular as you rarely have to get the key (if it should still be called a key) out of your pocket or bag and the car just unlocks, starts, drives and locks again after.

But is there a downside? Yes, in a word - security. For example, devices are available that boost the signal between the car and fob that can then mean the car thinks the owner is within proximity and allows the doors to be opened, belongings to be removed and potentially for the car to be started and driven away aka stolen.

This seems to be what happened to a colleague of mine. His brand new E-Class was parked outside a restaurant with the fob inside about 10 yards away from the car which should mean it’s out of range. The car was taken without any fuss or commotion. It appears that some security function did kick as the car was later found in a nearby car park, apparently having gone into limp home mode but it could easily have been put on a truck never to be seen again.

Fortunately, the insurance companies don’t seem to be treating these vehicles as higher risk and therefore there’s no current impact on premiums but a flood of claims could easily change this status.

There’s another potential issue when a car is shared by two or more drivers. Another friend of mine was test driving a BMW for a few days. On one of the days her other half drove initially and then she took over the driving, leaving him at home. The engine wasn’t stopped as he got out and she moved seats. You can probably guess where this is going. A straightforward drive to Meadowhall was followed by a straightforward bit of retail therapy followed by returning to a locked car that wouldn’t have started even if the doors had managed to be opened. The fob had to be brought to the car in another vehicle. Fortunately it wasn’t late at night and the car was in a safe place but it could have been very different.

What can you do to avoid such problems?

To avoid unwanted entry and theft, there may be a few options. With my car, if I lock it using the physical button on the fob, it has to be unlocked by pressing the other fob button which gets round the unwanted third party entry problem. But I forget to do this and other brands may work differently. I’m told that wrapping the key in aluminium foil blocks the signal and this could be an option if you have a spare key at home that rarely used but it’s hardly a solution for the main fob. You can also buy RFID blocking bags or cases quite cheaply but this also means you effectively have to stop using the keyless element as you’ll have to take the key out of the wrapper to either press the button or for the vehicle to pick up the signal.

I’m not sure what the short term answer is to completing a journey without the key that started the engine other than both drivers constantly carrying their keys but that’s not the solution if there are 3 or more drivers as cars tend to come with two keys only. Maybe we just have to remember to leave the key when swapping drivers but it’s not exactly foolproof.

Long term though the onus is on the manufacturers to beef up the security or ditch the technology. It could be simple improvements like the ability to switch off keyless entry or constant warnings if the key leaves the car whilst the engine is on. Tracker technology that kicks in if the car or van is driven without the key wouldn’t prevent theft but would facilitate recovery. Whilst most cars don’t have trackers fitted, factory fitted satnav which is fairly standard now does provide the basic technology. Perhaps the answer will be something such as fingerprint or retina identification of authorized drivers with the system reset every time the driver’s seat is vacated.

Original Article Here: Keyless entry for cars - what you need to know

Related Video Here: Keyless Entry

If you are looking for a help regarding with your keyless entry for your cars, contact Locksmith Vinings GA anytime!

Find Out How an Automotive Locksmith Service Can Assist You

Losing your keys is one of the worst situations that can happen to anyone. No one likes the morning madness of turning the entire house upside down just to search the keys. While misplacing car keys is quite normal, losing them can be stressful. There are times when people just give up and have to call on a professional automotive locksmith. According to a recent survey conducted by the American Automobile Association, more than 4,000,000 calls are made by locked-out drivers every year for locksmith services.

With the advancements in technology, the services of automotive locksmiths have reached new heights. Their services vary from lock picking, replacing lost keys, key duplication, key cutting, lock repairs, transponder key installation, etc. Almost everyone requires automotive locksmith services at least once in their life. Some people usually faint when they find themselves in a situation where they have lost the car keys or broken it while unlocking the ignition. If you ever find yourself in a situation where you are locked out of your car, the best thing you can do is contact a reliable automotive locksmith who can come to your aid in no time.

Some of the important services offered by an automotive locksmith include:

Key Replacement – Losing car keys can be devastating and stressful, especially if you don’t have spare ones. This is where automotive locksmith services come in handy. For instance, you’re down on Thoroughbred Street watching some live music at your favorite lounge. After the show, you realize that you can’t find your car keys anywhere. Let’s say you can’t really afford to have your car towed. Well, there’s no reason to be worried, a reliable automotive locksmith can get you back on the road without even having to tow the car. Not only will you save money but you will also save time.

Emergency Lockout Rescue – A common problem that almost every car owner faces while getting out of the car is forgetting the car keys inside the car. Imagine being locked out of the car alone at the late hours of the night. An automotive locksmith can help you at any hour. The usual options that come to mind in that situation are to either break the window or call the mechanic. But there is no need for that, an automotive locksmith can help get you out of your situation without any damage to your vehicle.

Key Duplication – Key duplication is one of the most common services offered by automotive locksmiths. Over the past few years, different types of locks are being introduced as a result of developments in technology. However, the functionality of the keys has become complicated with time. An automotive locksmith can aid you by duplicating any of these keys.

Cars these days come with a built-in micro chip in the key known as a transponder. If you’re facing any issues with the key try getting it rectified by replacing batteries. If this issue persists there must be some problem with a glitch of the chip which can only be fixed by a trained automotive locksmith.

Original Article Here: Find Out How an Automotive Locksmith Service Can Assist You

Related Video Here: Automotive Locksmith Overview

Locksmith Vinings GA has you covered for all of your security concerns. Reach out to us if you would like to schedule a free consultation, or if you would like to have someone come out to inspect your property.