A remote keyless entry system is the most common characteristic of today’s automobiles. Car locking technology is constantly developing. A mechanical key is becoming part of history, it is replaced by remote control. All the drivers need to do is just press buttons, however, in some cases, it is no longer necessary, just being near to the automobile is enough to unlock it. As it seems there are slight differences in modern systems and using those terms interchangeably can be confusing. As it is known, those systems can be added to automobiles that do not come with this feature. So, if you are one of the owners who are eager to do it or you already have it, it will be good if you learn more about it.
Keep on reading to discover more about modern automobiles and their locking technology, get comprehensive information about Remote keyless, how it works, how it differs from other alternatives and what challenges you may encounter. Let’s get started!
What is the remote keyless entry for cars?
It is an electronic access system that can be controlled by the remote from a distance. The system is based on a radio transmitter which is included in the remote key fob. Pressing the button is enough to transmit a signal and lock or unlock the automobile. At the initial stage of development, a lock was controlled by a keypad that was on a driver-side exterior door, above the door handle and it was necessary to enter a code. This feature became widely available in the U.S. on several General Motors vehicles in 1989.
What is the difference between remote keyless entry and keyless entry?
Some people use those terms interchangeably, so it is a reason for misunderstanding. You should know what is the difference between those two, firstly because it helps you decide which one you want, in case you are going to add it to your automobile.
With keyless entry, you do not need a key to enter your automobile, you use some other alternative method like a keypad, a card, a key fob reader, a touchscreen, or a fingerprint scanner that is directly on the door. This system always has a conventional key backup in case of damage or battery drain. Remote keyless is not limited to locking and unlocking, it can be used for starting the engine and may serve some other useful functions.
Famous automotive brands and the evolution of the system
As I mentioned before one of the first introductions of this system was in 1980 on the Ford Thunderbird, Mercury Cougar, Lincoln Continental Mark VI, and Lincoln Town Car. It was based on signal transmitting, but the signal was very weak and did not work at long distances. So, in 1990 manufacturers offered an alternative mechanism that uses shortwave frequency, so it functioned over long distances. A remote key fob is more comfortable and convenient. It also includes the remote keyless ignition system (RKI), allowing drivers to remotely start the engine. However, it was also vulnerable to hacking. So, manufacturers started thinking about strengthening defense mechanisms against wrongdoers.
Almost all modern automobiles are equipped with this system. Among them are Kia Sedona, Jeep Renegade, Mazda CX-5, Audi A4, Nissan Versa, and Toyota Tacoma.
The mechanism of working is almost the same in all cases, but manufacturers love to name their keys in their own way. For example, it’s Keyless Go for Mercedes Benz which is a convenient access and drive authorization system. All you need to do is press the brake pedal or dash-mounted button for starting the engine.
If your current auto does not have this feature, you can install it yourself. But you should think twice before you choose the kit for you. However, the most important thing is to do it correctly, if you are not sure of your abilities, trust the professional who does that for you.
Replacement and programming
I’m sure you want to know what happens if you lose or break your key fob. You need to buy a new one, but do not expect that it starts working with your automobile. You need to program it yourself or ask professionals to do that for you. I mean, dealerships where special software is available and specialists work on that. Kelley Blue Book, which is a California-based vehicle valuation and automotive research company, suggests that it is a smart decision to ask the dealership to do that in terms of safety and comfort. Why? Because all of them ask for proof of ownership and registration. It gives you the feeling of security because criminals won’t write down your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), so they do not make a new fob for malicious purposes.
Maybe you are very confident in your skills and want to program it yourself. It’s not a problem if your automobile is capable of self-programming. How can you know that? Check your owner’s manual, it will let you know if it is possible. You will also see the instructions. You can follow the instructions step by step, but stay patient because this process can be time-consuming. So, be patient!
The most common reason for the breakdown of your fob is battery drain. So, all you have to do is to replace the batteries. Fortunately, swapping batteries is a very easy task, you will just need a screwdriver and any useful tutorial on Youtube. As for the price, it is reasonably low, it costs $10 or maybe less, just take into consideration that you may need two of them. If you do not want to change yourself, you still ask for help from a shop or dealer, they may help you for free because it’s a piece of cake for them.
Benefits and challenges
Needless to say, a remote keyless system is a great achievement in the automotive industry. It is a result of implementing advanced technologies in this field. It’s more than a locking system because it allows us to feel more comfortable in the automobile. Do you want to effortlessly manage your automobile? A magical remote control is there for you. It has hidden features, such as rolling down the windows, folding mirrors when you have trouble parking your auto, opening your trunk, and adjusting seats at your will effortlessly.
On the other hand, some disadvantages can be a reason for the frustration of owners of this high-tech automobile. Reliability is one of the arguable topics when it comes to this advanced electrical key. Compared to a mechanical option, it is easily broken and damaged. So you need to be extremely careful when it comes to keeping it.
Another and more severe issue owners face is safety. Despite the manufacturer’s trial to strengthen security, those modern automobiles are vulnerable to theft. thieves find a way to snatch automobiles, even without having the fob. The simplicity of the process became the reason for increasing statistics of theft recently. It just takes 2 minutes for criminals to steal your automobile when you are sleeping.
How to deal with safety issues
Manufacturers make all efforts to deal with this problem, but it seems it’s not enough. You should do your best to ensure the protection of your automobile. The first thing you can do is take into consideration elementary safety measures. For instance, park your automobile in a safe place or avoid your key near the window or door.
One of the most common methods for avoiding attacks is putting key fobs in special boxes and wallets. The goal is to block electromagnetic fields.
In the following paragraph, I am going to tell you about one of the latest solutions for protecting your property.
A Secure FOB
It is the innovative electronic chip that is a must-have tool if you would like to improve the security of the automobile. With a help of this magical chip, you can welcome advanced technologies in your auto without hesitation. How does it happen?
The chip covers the battery from both sides. It has a motion sensor that detects the motion and turns off/on the key fob. It deactivates the fob after 3 minutes of being motionless. When it is motionless, the chip will disconnect the battery, so it doesn’t send signals without necessity. So, this is the best anti-theft option when it comes to fighting against key fob attacks. It not only ensures protection but also provides you with amazing benefits: it’s user-friendly and comes with additional benefits such as an extender of battery life.
Takeaway
So you learn as much as possible about remote keyless entry with all-secure. You know about the amazing benefits and challenges you come across if you are going to install this system in your automobile. If you ensure the protection properly, you can enjoy the comfort and convenience of this amazing technology. So, what’s on your mind?