Cars are Keyless These Days!

What is the Keyless Entry Technology?

The keyless entry system lets you unlock and lock your car without a mechanical key. These days, most keyless entry systems use a transmitter fob to generate the lock and unlock signal.

Initially, the keyless entry systems had a numeral pad that was placed on the driver or front passenger door. Other than locking and unlocking the doors by entering a code, you could roll down the windows, open the sunroof, or open the trunk.

Nevertheless, having to enter a code manually every time is not efficient, and it does not allow you to remotely unlock or lock your car's doors. Also, there can be security compliance concerns if you have bought a pre-owned car or if you are lending your car to someone else. While you could change the security code, it is certainly inconvenient to do it each time.

How Does Keyless Entry Work?

Latest keyless entry systems use a key fob with two or more switches to control the locks, trunk, or windows. When you turn on one of the switches, the key fob sends a radio frequency signal to a receiver unit placed within the car. The range usually is around 15 to 45 feet.

With advancements in car technology, more advanced systems have evolved allowing you to unlock the doors or open the trunk without having to press any switch. Your presence within 5 to 10 feet of the vehicle with the key in your pocket or bag will detect and unlock the doors.

Up on placing your hand on the door handle or moving one of your feet under the rear bumper, the car will detect motion and send a short radio signal. If the key fob is within the set range, the doors will unlock and/or open the trunk. Also, cars with a keyless system typically do not use a mechanical key to start the engine. Instead, the engine can be turned on and turned off with the push of a button.

When locking or unlocking the car, the system will give an audio or visual signal. This could mean flashing the lights or a short use of the horn, depending upon the manufacturer

Remote Keyless Entry

The remote keyless entry is the upgraded version of the keyless entry system. The major improvement is that the remote version can be used over a greater distance. The remote keyless entry could also involve the remote keyless ignition system.

You can even remotely start the engine and heat the car – this stands as a great advantage during winter.

Advantages of Keyless Entry System

The keyless entry system became famous among car enthusiasts for various reasons.

Convenience

With this latest technology, you can conveniently control the central locking unit through the push of a button or a small motion of the hand or foot. Also, the remote keyless entry system lets you control the same from a larger distance.

Security

The latest systems come with better security as they use a technique known as the “rolling code.” With this, a random number generator is used to generate a new unlocking sequence each time you unlock your car. This way, it is impossible to intercept and replicate the unlocking sequence.

Automatic Locking and Turning Off the Engine

A few cars, especially the ones that use a button to start or stop the engine, come with the latest keyless entry systems that lock the car automatically once you have walked away from the vehicle. Also, the same system will shut down the engine once the key fob is out of the set range. This is a good feature in terms of a silent engine, or if you happen to be a bit forgetful at times.

Disadvantages of the Keyless Entry System

There are a few drawbacks of the keyless entry system that you must consider too.

Reliability

Not a lot of things could go wrong with a mechanical key to unlock and enter the car. It is more durable and will start the car even if you accidentally drop the key or even put it in the washing machine for a wash! However, replacing the key fob with a keyless entry system has its expenses. The electronic components might wear over time. Added to this, dropping the key on a hard surface might burn a hole in your pocket!

Security

While there are multiple upgrades in terms of the security of the keyless entry system, there have been instances of mishaps. This is the reason why security is both an advantage and a disadvantage.

Driving Off Without the Key

A few keyless systems let you start the engine if the key fob is close enough to the set range. Therefore, even if you leave the keyless fob at home if the distance is within the range, you can start the engine and drive away. However, once you stop the car somewhere, there is no way you can open the doors of the car or start the engine.

What Cars Have the Keyless Entry System?

Most of the latest and modern cars have a key fob with switches or buttons that allow you to unlock the doors to the car or roll down the windows. A few models with keyless entry systems include the Jeep Renegade, Mazda CX-5, Audi A4, Kia Sedona, Nissan Versa, and Toyota Tacoma.

Most keyless entry systems come in the more expensive variants and models. However, it is not far away when affordable cars get the same technology too.

Other cars with the keyless entry system

• Mahindra Thar
• Kia Sonet
• Tata Nexon
• Hyundai Creta
• Maruti Swift
• Tata Harrier
• Tata Safari
• Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

Go Keyless!

If your car does not have a keyless entry system, you can install one yourself! Going keyless is the future of car driving! With the advancements in car technology, and with all the upgrades you get with the latest models and variants, you can now enjoy the convenience of not having to juggle your car keys again!