Are cars with push-button start easier to steal?
Keyless entry systems are a great innovation. Yet, they're not perfect. The technology in keyless entry systems actually makes it easier than ever to steal a car. Back in the old days, you needed to either obtain a key or be able to access a vehicle and hotwire it if you wanted to steal a car.
Keyless theft (otherwise known as relay theft) is relatively simple; all it requires is two small boxes of electronics, which thieves can use to open your car in as little as 60 seconds. Crooks will typically work in pairs to commit relay theft, with one holding a relay amplifier, and the other a relay transmitter.
Push-button start key fobs protect your vehicle against theft. By ensuring that the ignition doesn't start until it receives a signal from its paired key fob, a keyless ignition system bars entry from car burglars. Push-button start fobs reduce the chances of car accidents.
Simply put, if you lose the keyfob that enables your push-button start before you try to drive in your car, then you simply won't be able to start your vehicle.
How far can a keyless car drive without the key? Generally speaking, there's no limit to the distance a vehicle with keyless entry and start can go without the keyfob being in the car. The vehicle will often just beep without the key present.
Experts are pointing to the push start cars that allow thieves to easily and quickly lift the cars, and get them into containers before being noticed. Thieves are using key programmers to plug into the OBD port to program a blank key to start the vehicle.
The likes of the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes E-class and Land Rover Discovery were also among the most stolen cars, underscoring the extent to which thieves are targeting high-end luxury vehicles with keyless entry systems.
But what about late-model cars — we're talking the ones with fancy push-button ignitions and key fobs? Can you hot-wire those? The answer is no. Essentially, these cars work more like computers.
Thieves use signal relaying to get into cars with keyless entry system. They use wireless transmitters and place them near the house or in the pocket of the car owner to catch the signal from the fob of the car's system. The second thief/helper standing near the car captures the signal and enters the vehicle.
A common myth surrounding car starters is that they expose your vehicle to theft. This is not true – In fact, a remote starter can give your vehicle a safety advantage.
What is the disadvantage of keyless car?
The main issue with keyless cars is how susceptible they are to theft. Because the key only needs to be close to the car to open it, thieves are able to tap into the radio signals and fool the car into thinking the key is a lot closer than it actually is.
Even in cars that use keyless entry, there is usually a key slot located underneath the car's start button or a round plastic cap on the steering column. You can pop off the plastic top and use the physical key to start your engine manually.

If yo are referring to a “keyless ignition” car… Generally you can keep driving until you turn off the ignition. Then you need the fob again to restart the car. Some of the keyless ignition cars will start with the key more than 50 ft from the car…
Thieves will steal anything valuable, but the most common items stolen from cars tend to be electronics, personal information, and accessories.
- BMW 3 Series Four-Door. A study by the Highway Loss Data Institute found that the BMW 3 Series was the least-stolen car in the United States. ...
- Tesla Model S. ...
- Hyundai Tucson. ...
- Audi A4. ...
- Land Rover Discovery. ...
- Mercedes Benz GL 550 by TAC.
A good locksmith will know how to use keyless entry systems and reprogram the lock. This is an easy way into your vehicle without any damage to the vehicle.
Advantages. The pros of a keyless system include security and convenience. It's much harder to steal the vehicle since a potential thief would need your key fob. It's also more convenient since you only need to keep the key fob in your pocket.
- Honda Civic. Stats.
- Honda Accord. Stats. ...
- Toyota Camry. Stats. ...
- Nissan Altima. Stats. ...
- GMC Full-Size Pickup. Stats. Number of thefts: 13,016. ...
- Toyota Corolla. Stats. Number of thefts: 12,515. ...
- Honda CR-V. Stats. Number of thefts: 12,309. ...
- Dodge Full-Size Pickup. Stats. Number of thefts: 11,991. ...
- Lock your doors. ...
- Remove your keys from the vehicle. ...
- Do not leave a spare key near your vehicle. ...
- Close the windows. ...
- Park in well-lit areas. ...
- Install an audible alarm system and anti-theft device. ...
- Install a vehicle immobilizer system. ...
- Install a tracking system.
Typically, luxury vehicles and sports cars rank highest on the “most-stolen” list, but Hyundai and Kia thefts have been on the rise, rivaling pricier models in recent years.
Where should I keep my car keys at night?
Where do you put your car keys at night? Putting the keys near you at night, rather than the front door, is best. Keyless fobs should be placed into an RFID/Faraday box.
In other words, it measures how likely your car is to get stolen, regardless of the vehicle's sales. As a general rule of thumb, newer vehicles are harder to steal than older cars because of advancements in theft prevention.
- 15 Tesla Model S.
- 14 Jaguar XF.
- 13 Tesla Model X.
- 12 Land Rover Discovery.
- 11 BMW X3.
- 10 Nissan Leaf.
- 9 Audi A4.
- 8 Mercedes-Benz GL 550 By TAC.
BMW 3-Series
BMW's sporty compact luxury sedan is the least stolen ride in America, according to HLDI, with a relative claim frequency of just 4. The average among all vehicles is 100. The all-wheel-drive 3 Series is a bit more popular among car thieves with a relative claim frequency of 21.
By storing your car keys, fob or card in an aluminium tin (even grandma's old biscuit tins), or a special signal blocking box, the signal between the car and key is blocked. This means thieves can't intercept it and clone a new one. If you're out and about, then a Faraday pouch is your best friend.
One person will scan the targeted home with a device to locate a key fob. Once they lock in a signal, they will transmit that to another person who is waiting near the car. Depending on the strength, the criminals can break into or even steal the vehicle.
The answer is no. Essentially, these cars work more like computers. They unlock whenever the key fob is in the vicinity, and the ignition starts with a press or turn of a button. There's no ignition lock cylinder to bypass.
A common myth surrounding car starters is that they expose your vehicle to theft. This is not true – In fact, a remote starter can give your vehicle a safety advantage.
Advantages. The pros of a keyless system include security and convenience. It's much harder to steal the vehicle since a potential thief would need your key fob. It's also more convenient since you only need to keep the key fob in your pocket.
What is the number 1 most stolen car?
Most stolen cars | ||
---|---|---|
Rank | Most stolen vehicle | Number of thefts |
1 | Ford Pickups (Full-Size) | 44,014 |
2 | Chevrolet Pickups (Full-Size) | 40,968 |
3 | Honda Civic | 34,144 |