Yes, keyless cars can be stolen, and to be honest, they’re even easier than vehicles with a traditional ignition key. All that thieves need for keyless entry is electronic devices that can capture and amplify the signal from your key fob, a commonly known crime called relay theft. Even if your car key is within your house, the stolen signal can trick your car into thinking the key is nearby, allowing thieves to do their thing. To protect your car, it’s important to understand the risk of keyless entry theft and how to prevent unauthorized keyless entry.
What is a Keyless Car?
Keyless cars use a smart key fob or phone to communicate with the vehicle to open it. It offers keyless entry via a key fob rather than a traditional ignition key. The key fob uses short-range radio waves. With the key fob close to you, it transmits a signal that is picked up by a receiver in your car. Once your car recognises that signal as the correct one, it allows you to unlock the door by opening it as usual. You can also do this to start the engine and even open the trunk without a physical key. A keyless car is more about convenience, letting you enter your car without struggling for keys. In the case where the car doesn’t get the right signal, no amount of struggling with the car handle will get the car open.
What is a Keyless Car Theft and How Does it Work?
While we commend the brain behind keyless entry into cars, we can’t help but talk about the risk of keyless car theft. Although they use a keyless entry system, they can still be stolen, and in a simple way at that. With advanced criminal technology and electronic tools, a car theft can happen in a matter of minutes. The following is how a keyless car system theft works:
1. Relay Theft
The common way in which keyless cars are stolen is via relay theft. Thieves take advantage of the signals the key fob transmits; they use two small electronic boxes to capture the signal from the fob and amplify it, and then use it to open the car, using a relay transmitter and a relay amplifier. This theft can take as little as 60 seconds, which shows how much of a risk keyless vehicles are at.
2. Key Signal Cloning
Aside from relay theft, key cloning is another way keyless car thieves copy the unique code on your key fob and then steal it. They do this by using a small electronic device that can read and duplicate your car’s fob signal. How do they do this successfully, you might ask? Well, anytime you press the key fob near them or leave your key fob out carelessly, they can gain access to steal the information on your key fob. Once they’ve successfully copied the signal, they can use the clone version, which works as well as the real one. In this case, there might be no sign of forced entry, making it harder to trace theft.
3. Signal Jamming
Another way car thieves can attempt to steal your car is via signal jamming. They do this by blocking the signal between your key fob and your car. How does it work? When you press the lock button on your car key fob, these thieves block the signal, so that the car doesn’t actually lock, then you walk away thinking your car is secured, but it’s not. Once you’re out of the way, they open the door, steal what’s in the car, or drive the car away if it doesn’t require the fob to start.
3. Car Software and OBD Hacking
No doubt, cars like the keyless vehicle run on complex software. However, some of these systems can be prone to security vulnerabilities, as criminals can hack into the car’s systems to reprogram a clone key to act as a valid one. Also, they can exploit outdated or weak software in the car’s digital systems, or even hack into the car’s on-board diagnostic (OBD)port. Cars that don’t undergo regular car inspections or updates are usually easy targets.
Things That Can Make you at risk of Keyless Car Theft
There are quite a number of things that can put your keyless car at risk of being stolen. While a keyless ignition technology is convenient, we can’t overlook the risk of signal-based attacks if not properly protected. Here are the common things that can put your keyless vehicle at risk:
- If your car uses a start-stop button rather than the traditional key for ignition.
- Non-updated or reprogrammed key fobs and car systems.
- Vehicles left on driveways and not in a garage are at higher risk of relay or signal-based attacks.
- Handling key fobs carelessly can make them an easy target for thieves.
- If you stay in neighborhoods with higher rates of vehicle theft.
Common Keyless Cars That Can Be Stolen
Now that we’ve answered the question “Can keyless cars be stolen?”, it’s also important to know which types of keyless cars can be stolen. This is because certain keyless car models are more vulnerable than others. In no specific order, the following are some of the car models that are susceptible to being stolen:
- Mazda CX-30
- Ford Fiesta
- Hyundai Elantra
- MG HS Excite T-GDI
- Toyota Rav 4
- Range Rover Sport
- Vauxhall Corsa Ultimate Turbo 100
- Honda Accord
- BMW X6
- Chevrolet Silverado
- Nissan Juke
- BMW 3 Series
- Volkswagen Golf
- Mercedes C-Class
- Ford Focus
- Range Rover Evoque
How to Protect Your Keyless Car From Theft
The good thing about knowing all of this information is that you can protect your car, and the good news is that you can set up a countermeasure against keyless car theft. The following are simple but effective ways to protect your vehicle from being stolen:
1. Get a Signal Blocker
One of the best gifts you can get to protect your keyless car is a signal blocker for your car key fob. A signal blocker, such as the Faraday pouch, is a protective bag that doubles as a storage for your fob, as well as protecting your car from being stolen. They are made from a conductive metal mesh that blocks electromagnetic signals from being transmitted from your key knob. Whether your car is parked in the driveway or in the garage, if your fob is in a signal blocker, you will be reducing the risk of your car being stolen.
2. Use a Steering Wheel Lock
Although considered old school, using a steering wheel lock for keyless entry cars offers peace of mind. You can consider it as a backup security measure. The steering wheel lock has a way of protecting against electronic theft. Even if they successfully do a relay attack on your car, there’s no way they can physically steal your car. Using a steering wheel lock also makes your car immune to hacking, signal jamming, or even key fob cloning.
3. Be Security Conscious With Your Key Fob
Since car thieves can easily pick up the fob signal, handling your key fob properly is important for your keyless entry car. Beware of misplacing it or leaving it carelessly hanging around. Doing this can put your keyless car at risk. If you’re in the habit of keeping your key fob close to an exterior wall, door, or window, it may be time to change things up. In addition to keeping your key properly, use motion lighting, which illuminates your car area when thieves come close. A car alarm is also a good option to secure your car.
4. Reprogram Your Key Fob When Necessary
This precaution is especially for people who have the intention of buying a pre-owned car with keyless ignition. Now that you know that keyless cars can be stolen, it’s important that you get your car key fob reprogrammed. Doing this will save you from the risk of your car being stolen. You can have your key fob reprogrammed at the car dealership, which will render old key fobs useless and give you peace of mind.
5. Check Your Vehicle Settings Regularly
Owners of certain vehicles can turn off keyless functions like ignition and entry. Usually, the touchscreen menu in your car allows you to check and modify these settings. However, every vehicle is unique, so for further information, refer to the car manufacturer’s manual or speak with a nearby dealership.
6. Be Careful Where You Park
Something as mindless as where you park can put your car at risk of being stolen. In this regard, it is important that you’re mindful of your parking spot and also ensure you don’t leave any valuables in your car. Even though you use your car key fob to lock your car, always double-check by trying to open the door after locking.
7. Have a Tracking Device in Your Car
Perhaps if your car were stolen, a GPS tracking device in your car would help with recovery. You can report the theft to the police immediately, so they can get to work. If you’re going to fix a GPS tracker device in your car, ensure that it is fixed by a professional to make it hard for thieves to locate it.
What to Do If Your Car Is Stolen
If your keyless car got stolen, the very first thing you should do is report it to the police immediately. Also, ensure that you provide as many details about your car as possible. Tell them the name, model, color, registration number, vehicle identity number (VIN), and the last known location. This will help them take the necessary action to recover your car. After informing the police, you should also inform your insurance company of the theft. This will help you through the claims process, as well as the documents you need to submit.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the question “Can keyless cars be stolen?” is very important, especially if you own a keyless car. This doesn’t mean that driving a keyless vehicle puts you at the mercy of thieves; it only means you should take precautions that will protect your car. By employing the right protective measures, whether signal blocking devices, using a steering wheel lock, or other measures, you don’t have to worry about your car being stolen.
