In winter, no hassle with frozen locks; when it rains, you can quickly get dry and start the car in seconds without having to put a key in the ignition. Remote keys, keyless entry or keyless go systems are a great convenience for drivers. But unfortunately not just for them. Even technically experienced car thieves have an easy time with the starting and unlocking systems.
This is how keyless entry systems work
Keyless entry allows you to unlock a car without having to pick up the key. This is no longer necessary to start the car. All you have to do is press the start button. This is made possible by a proximity sensor that wakes the system from “sleep mode” and sends the on-board system into reception mode.
Why is keyless entry a security problem?
The so-called “comfort opening” is extremely convenient not only for vehicle owners, but also for technically experienced car thieves. The latter use the technology to gain access to the vehicle almost effortlessly by means of signal forwarding. They can do this using radio range extenders even if there is a greater distance between the vehicle and the key.
Insurance problem: theft without a trace
A real problem for drivers. Because the thieves leave no trace behind with this form of car theft. No splinters from smashed car windows, no paint marks from prying open the doors. There are no signs of break-ins on the house to steal the car keys. This makes it almost impossible for the police and insurance companies to solve a theft. The car is just gone. The owner usually gets the current replacement value of his car reimbursed by fully comprehensive insurance – if he or she has one.
Keyless – this is how you protect yourself from car thieves
- Choose a safe storage location for keyless keys
The key should not be placed near the house or apartment door to minimize the risk of the signal being intercepted. This is especially true if the car is parked near the entrance area.
- Shielding the keyless key
It is not very elegant, not necessarily practical, but certainly effective to wrap the keyless key in aluminum foil. This allows the signals to be shielded and potential car thieves have no chance of intercepting them. In theory, the refrigerator is also a suitable storage location: not only is it well insulated from a climatic point of view, but it also provides sufficient protection from unauthorized access. The same applies to the microwave or a simple tin can.
- Protect the key with protective covers from retailers
The keyless protective covers that are now available in stores are more elegant and practical. They also reliably shield the key and protect against unauthorized access.
- Deactivation of the keyless function
Some manufacturers of keyless systems offer the option of temporarily deactivating the system. Although this brings security, it also takes away the convenience and original purpose of the keyless system.
- Use of additional security systems
For vehicles with keyless systems, it is recommended to secure the car with additional safeguards such as a steering wheel claw. The disadvantage: a quick start in the morning won’t work…
The police recommend that you watch out for suspicious people with briefcases when leaving your vehicle. But since the thieves’ technical aids can now be quite compact, this does not provide 100% security.
2023-10-07 17:26:26
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