If you have to push a button on your car keys to enter your car, you are not at risk of being “hacked”. Only cars with a keyless entry system can be stolen using so called “relay” equipment. Keyless entry cars allow the driver to unlock and start the car with the key fob still in their pocket.
How to protect your keyless entry car
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: The most stolen cars revealed
Thieves only need to be within a few metres of your vehicle key to capture the signal, even if it's inside your home. This means that even if your vehicle and home are secure, thieves can still unlock, start and steal it without gaining access to your keys.
Tesla. Tesla vehicles, especially the more recent models, are one of the hardest automobiles to steal. This is due to the integrated digital ecosystem, which includes the always-on GPS tracking feature that allows Tesla car owners and law enforcement to locate a stolen vehicle with precision.
Unlimited Until Turned Off: Many keyless cars will continue to run indefinitely until the engine is manually shut off or the car runs out of fuel.
These robust security measures make Volvo vehicles less appealing to car thieves. While Tesla vehicles are known for their security, some BMW models also stand the test of time in terms of durability and reliability.
If you have to push a button on your car keys to enter your car, you are not at risk of being “hacked”. Only cars with a keyless entry system can be stolen using so called “relay” equipment. Keyless entry cars allow the driver to unlock and start the car with the key fob still in their pocket.
Some of the country's best-selling cars, including the Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Golf, Nissan Qashqai and Ford Focus, are potentially at risk from keyless theft, according to consumer group Which? Keyless entry systems enable cars to start if the key fob is nearby.
Keyless entry cars' disadvantages include being more vulnerable to relay attacks and potentially more expensive when replacing or reprogramming lost keyless fobs than traditional keys. This technology relies on battery power and electronic components, which may occasionally malfunction or require maintenance.
Relay devices can capture signals from 30 to 50 feet away — sometimes even more if the signal is strong. This means your keys don't need to be near a door to be vulnerable. A relay attack uses two signal-boosting devices to trick the vehicle into thinking the key fob is within range.
Security experts recommend keeping key fobs at least 6-10 feet away from your parked vehicle when not in use.
Invest in a signal blocker
An easy option to deter keyless auto thieves is to invest in an inexpensive signal-blocking bag and store your key fob in it when not in use. These bags, also known as Faraday bags, are made out of a conductive metal mesh that blocks electromagnetic signals, including those from your key fob.
The car can be turned off while driving, which increases the risk of accidental rolling. Increased risk of neglecting to turn the engine off because of the combination of keyless ignition and low-noise engines. Push-button start key fobs are vulnerable to hacking by car thieves.
We recommend installing an on-board diagnostic (OBD) port lock for cars with electronic push start technology. OBD port locks are a good way to deter thieves from electronically accessing your car. They are cheap, easy to install and readily available from websites and auto shops that offer anti-theft solutions.
The least stolen cars are ones with bright colours such as orange, green, yellow, and pink. This is because they're uncommon, easy to notice, and hard to sell. Car thieves tend to go for vehicles in common colours, such as white, grey, and black. This is because they have a higher demand, making them easy to sell.
What Are the Safest Cars?
Take your vehicle's key; do not leave it in or on your vehicle. Close and lock all windows and doors when you park. Park in well-lit areas if possible. Never leave valuables in your vehicle, especially if they can be seen from outside the vehicle.
When considering how far can a keyless car drive without the key, there is technically no fixed distance. A car will continue to operate as long as it has fuel, even if the key is left behind. The limitation comes when you turn off the engine; without the key fob nearby, you will not be able to restart the car.
The Drawbacks of Keyless Ignition
Keyless vehicles can sometimes be more vulnerable to theft. There's a technique called relay hacking which cunning thieves use to boost your fob's signal from inside your home or wherever you usually keep it. They can then unlock your car and make a getaway.
If you want a key fob and switchblade key, you'll need to get your car to the dealership and order a replacement directly from them. If you don't care about the switchblade key feature, an automotive locksmith might be able to make you a replacement key, and you can order a separate key fob later.