The push-button car is an innovation that makes getting into a car more convent. However, the security of this innovation is questionable because it makes it easy for thieves to steal them without getting caught.
We used to use a normal set of keys to start and get into our car. But with modern technology and improvements over time, keyless entry is the more convenient way to get into your car and start it.
However, there is a price to pay when it comes to the conveniences of push-button cars and keyless entry.
So the question is can a car with a push-button be easily stolen?
This is an interesting question that affects many people worldwide. The fact that push-button cars are easier to steal and its a concern for many, especially when they are left unattended or parked in a secluded area.
This is because keyless keys can be relayed or coloured to gain access to your car and start it without any issues or hotwiring.
How can we prevent push-button cars from becoming stolen?
There are four ways we can prevent our push button cars from being stolen.
- Store your keys in a Faraday box or pouch.
- Install a steering wheel lock.
- Install an immobiliser like a ghost lock.
- Move OBD port.
If you can do all three of these methods when you leave your car, it’s highly unlikely that it will be stolen.
What is relay car theft?
Almost all keyless car or push-button start cars are highly vulnerable to a relay attack. This will place a router-type box by your car door and the other close to your door where the keys are stored.
They can then pull the radio signal produced by your key fob, tricking your car into thinking the key is within close enough range and then cloning a new key that is within the car. This can all happen in a matter of seconds.
Faraday box or pouch.
What Is a Farad Box Or RFID Pouch?
A farad box or pouch is a device that is used to block radio waves coming from the key and also to block signals coming from your phone. This will help prevent any relay theft if used correctly. The pouches can cost as little as £5 and the boxes from around £30. It’s well worth getting one of these to prevent any push-button start car theft.
What Is A Steering Wheel Lock
Steering wheel locks are an important security measure for every car. They prevent thieves from driving away with your vehicle, but they can also be used to deter would-be thieves. The Stoplock Pro Elite is the most convent and secure, while the DiskLok is the best and most secure.
Install an immobiliser like a ghost lock.
Car immobilizers are anti-theft devices installed in cars for the purpose of preventing vehicle theft. They work like a smart lock, but they are programmed to prevent the vehicle from starting.
The ghost immobilizer has a unique start sequence that requires you to hit different buttons in order to start the car.
Protect OBD Port.
Thieves have developed a way to steal your car keys without you even knowing. They are using an OBD port, which is located in the front of the vehicle. When thieves plug in a device that relays signals from the vehicle and cloned key, they are able to start your car without the hassle.
What you can do is zip tie the port back into the dash, making it look like it’s been removed altogether.
Another option is to plug a dummy OBD port into your car’s port, preventing the port from being used. You can also get OBD port locks that need a key to unlock them or you can get OBD port locks that use a special card to unlock them.
Summary
Are push-button start cars easy to steal? Well, they can be, but there are ways around this. If you enjoyed reading this article, please check out more security ideas here.
