Keyless cars: what you need to know

The rise of keyless car systems has revolutionised the way we interact with our vehicles, offering a previously unimaginable level of convenience and safety. Keyless systems allow drivers to unlock and start their cars without the need for traditional keys, providing smoother and faster access. However, this innovation is accompanied by certain considerations and challenges that any car owner should be aware of. Let’s explore the key aspects of keyless car technology.

Entry systems without
Keys work through radio frequency identification (RFID) and wireless communication between the vehicle and a key ring (or sometimes your smartphone). When the key ring is within a certain range of the car, it sends a coded signal to the receiver of the car. The latter unlocks the doors and can even start the contact, depending on the model. This system eliminates the need to physically insert a key, which is convenient for the driver.

Benefits of systems
Convenience: No need to look for keys, especially in bad weather or when you have your hands full. Keyless entry allows easy access as long as you have the key ring within range.
Safety: Modern keyless systems often use rolling codes that change with each use, making it more difficult for thieves to intercept the signal and steal the vehicle.
Comfort: The ability to leave the key ring in your pocket or bag means less hassle when entering or starting your car.
Cars without
Keys are more prone to flight: While previous models were vulnerable to certain types of attacks, modern systems are equipped with better encryption, making them safer.
The car will stop if the key ring battery dies: Most keyless cars are designed to continue to run even if the key ring battery dies, and many vehicles offer an emergency start function or a mechanical emergency key.

Although keyless cars have advanced safety features, they are still sensitive to risks, especially relay attacks. In this type of flight, criminals amplify the key ring signal to unlock and start the vehicle remotely. To combat this: