Pros and Cons of Keyless Ignition

Understanding the pros and cons of keyless ignition systems

As automotive technology continues to advance, more and more vehicles will soon be equipped with keyless ignition systems.
If you’re thinking about buying a new vehicle in the foreseeable future, you should learn a little more about these systems before entering a dealership. Read ahead to understand the pros and cons of keyless ignition.

Convenience

Keyless ignition systems are becoming more popular because they make driving more convenient. How many times have you walked back to your vehicle because you couldn’t remember whether you locked it? With a keyless ignition system, you can lock your car from your kitchen or the hotel lobby.  Some systems will even lock automatically after you’ve walked a certain distance from your car.
You also don’t need to worry about fumbling with your keys, making them desirable if you’re carrying groceries and have your hands full.  If you often double-check to see if you remembered to lock your car, a keyless ignition may be the way to go.

Security

Proponents of keyless ignition systems argue that they make it more difficult for thieves to steal your vehicle. However, others argue that keyless ignition systems may actually be less secure, as they can be prone to hacking. Of course, while this is technically possible, it’s probably still more likely for a thieve to smash your window or pick your lock in order to enter your car.

Risks

Since keyless ignition systems are still relatively new, there are still some issues that have yet to be fully sorted out.
Many modern vehicles have extremely quiet engines, making it more difficult to tell if it’s still running with a keyless system. Fortunately, both car manufacturers and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are actively taking measures to correct this issue. Some models now sound an alert if the ignition fob is removed while your car is idling. Others will automatically shut off your engine after a certain period of time.

Cost

While keyless ignition systems may be more convenient and potentially more secure, they are also more expensive. Any replacement costs would also be pricier than simply replacing a damaged or broken key.

Conclusion

While they’re not a necessity, if you value convenience, it’s hard to argue that a keyless ignition system isn’t worth the extra cost.