The History and Pros & Cons of Keyless Entry Systems
Keyless entry systems for cars have become increasingly popular in recent years. They offer a convenient and secure way to access your vehicle, without the need for a traditional key. However, as with any technology, there are both pros and cons to using a keyless entry system. In this article, we’ll explore some of the advantages and disadvantages of keyless entry systems, including smart keys and remote fobs.
What are Keyless Entry Systems?
Keyless entry systems, also known as smart keys or remote fobs, use electronic signals to unlock and lock your car doors, as well as start the engine. Smart keys typically operate using a proximity sensor, which detects when the key is nearby and automatically unlocks the doors. Remote fobs, on the other hand, require you to press a button to lock or unlock the doors as well as start the engine.
A Brief History of Keyless Entry Systems: From Luxury to Mainstream:
Keyless entry systems have become a popular feature in modern vehicles, offering a convenient and secure way to access your car without the need for a traditional key. However, keyless entry systems weren’t always commonplace in the automotive world. In this article, we’ll explore the history and development of keyless entry systems, from their origins in luxury vehicles to their current mainstream popularity.
The Origins of Keyless Entry Systems:
The first keyless entry system was invented in the 1980s by French company Valeo. The system was initially designed for luxury vehicles, and it allowed drivers to unlock their car doors using a remote control. The system was not widely adopted at the time, as it was considered an expensive and unnecessary luxury feature.
In the early 1990s, the first keyless entry systems with a proximity sensor were introduced. These systems could automatically unlock the doors when the driver was within a certain distance of the car, without the need for a remote control. These systems were also primarily limited to high-end luxury vehicles, as the technology was still relatively new and expensive.
The Rise of Keyless Entry Systems:
Over time, keyless entry systems became more common in luxury vehicles and began to make their way into mainstream cars. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, several car manufacturers began to offer keyless entry systems as a standard feature in their vehicles. The technology continued to evolve, with features like remote start and push-button ignition being added to keyless entry systems.
In 1998, Mercedes-Benz became the first automaker to offer a smart key, which combined keyless entry with other functions like remote start and keyless ignition. Other automakers quickly followed suit, and today, smart keys are a common feature in many modern vehicles.
Which Vehicles Had Keyless Entry Systems First?
As previously mentioned, keyless entry systems were initially only available in luxury vehicles. One of the first vehicles to offer a keyless entry system was the 1985 Ford Thunderbird. However, this system was not widely adopted at the time, and it was only available as an optional feature.
In the 1990s, keyless entry systems began to appear in more luxury vehicles, such as the 1993 Lexus LS 400 and the 1994 BMW 7 Series. These systems were typically only available as an optional feature and were not standard in most vehicles.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, keyless entry systems began to make their way into mainstream vehicles. The 1998 Cadillac Seville was one of the first vehicles to offer a keyless entry system as a standard feature, followed by the 1999 Nissan Maxima and the 2001 Toyota Prius.
Today, keyless entry systems are a standard feature in many modern vehicles, and they continue to evolve with new features like hands-free access and smartphone integration.
Advantages of Keyless Entry Systems:
- Convenience: One of the biggest advantages of keyless entry systems is their convenience. With a smart key or remote fob, you can easily lock and unlock your car doors and start the engine without fumbling for a traditional key.
- Improved Security: Keyless entry systems can also improve the security of your vehicle. Since the system uses electronic signals to unlock and lock the doors, it’s much more difficult for a thief to pick the lock or use a duplicate key to gain access to your car.
- Hands-Free Access: Smart keys, in particular, offer a hands-free way to access your vehicle. As long as the key is within a certain proximity, the doors will automatically unlock when you approach the car.
- Remote Start: Some keyless entry systems also offer remote start capabilities, allowing you to start the engine from a distance. This can be especially useful on cold or hot days when you want to warm up or cool down the car before getting inside.
Disadvantages of Keyless Entry Systems:
- Cost: One of the biggest disadvantages of keyless entry systems is their cost. Smart keys and remote fobs are often more expensive to replace than traditional keys, and the technology can be more expensive to repair if something goes wrong.
- Battery Life: Another potential downside of keyless entry systems is the battery life of the smart key or remote fob. If the battery dies or becomes low, you may not be able to access your vehicle or start the engine.
- Vulnerability to Hacking: As Professional Locksmiths, we know that Keyless entry systems are also vulnerable to hacking, as thieves can use electronic devices to intercept the signal and access the vehicle. This is a relatively rare occurrence, but it’s still a concern for some car owners. As professional vehicle locksmiths, we can help identify the best antitheft systems for your vehicle.
- Limited Range: Remote fobs typically have a limited range, which means you need to be close to the car to lock or unlock the doors. This can be an issue if you’re trying to lock or unlock the doors from a distance, such as in a parking lot.
Keyless entry systems offer a range of advantages and disadvantages for car owners. While they provide convenience, improved security, and hands-free access, they can also be more expensive to replace and repair, vulnerable to hacking, and limited in their range. Ultimately, the decision to use a keyless entry system is up to the individual car owner, and it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.
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A professional locksmith can provide a range of services, including residential, commercial, and automotive lockouts, lock repair, key cutting, and installation of security systems. They can also install and repair high-security locks, rekey locks, and provide emergency lockout services.
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