It happened in the middle of the afternoon. On a well-deserved vacation, one of our team at easyauto123 was sitting quietly in the Airbnb when he suddenly heard the unmistakable sound of the rental car firing up in the driveway.
Heart racing, he bolted outside convinced someone was nicking his wheels only to find his wife inside the house, fiddling with the key fob she’d accidentally pressed from the other room. What a relief! But it highlights an interesting thought: Are keyless entry systems amazing or unnerving? Let’s find out.
From sci-fi to everyday life
Once upon a time, you had to dig through the bag of doom, pat your pockets ten times, or do that awkward key-jangle shuffle in a dark car park. Now? Walk up, pull the handle, and your car just… unlocks. Slide into the seat, press a button, and you’re off. It’s the kind of convenience we all wanted back when we were kids watching sci-fi flicks, and in 2025 it’s practically standard issue in new cars.
For busy parents juggling shopping bags and toddlers, or anyone who doesn’t want to stand around fumbling with keys, it feels like magic.
But crims love it too
Here’s the catch: as car tech gets clever, so do the thieves. Enter the “relay attack.” It works like this: Your key fob is constantly broadcasting a signal. Crooks with the right gear can capture that signal from outside your home and amplify it so your car thinks you’re standing right there. Next thing you know, your pride and joy is purring down the street without a smashed window in sight.
It’s not just Hollywood stuff. Aussie police have reported a steady rise in this kind of theft. And while it’s still less common than old-fashioned break-ins, it’s a risk worth thinking about.
Why we love it anyway
For the mild risk, the benefits are hard to ignore. Keyless entry is safer in dark or isolated spots. You can get in and get moving quickly without standing there fumbling. It’s brilliant when your hands are full, and let’s be honest, once you’ve had it, going back to a metal key feels like using a flip phone after a smartphone.
Most new models rolling onto Australian roads now come with keyless systems as standard, so it’s clear manufacturers are backing the tech. Convenience has become part of the package.
The flip side of convenience
Of course, it’s not all roses. If your fob battery dies, you’re not going anywhere until you find the hidden physical key blade (and remember how to use it). Reprogramming or replacing a lost fob can cost hundreds of dollars. And then there’s that nagging security question: how do you protect yourself from signal-snatching thieves?
These aren’t deal-breakers, but they’re worth knowing before you fall completely in love with the tech.
So, what’s the solution?
Thankfully, there are a few simple things you can do to stay ahead:
Faraday pouches
These little signal-blocking cases stop thieves from grabbing your fob’s broadcast. They cost less than a pub lunch and give plenty of peace of mind.
Smart old-schooling
A steering wheel lock or parking in a locked garage might feel retro, but they’re still solid deterrents.
Software updates
Just like your phone, car makers push updates to improve security. Keeping yours current helps close loopholes.
It’s not about ditching convenience, just about backing it up with a bit of common sense.
The key takeaways (Sorry! Had to be said)
Keyless entry is one of those features that feels so natural you wonder how we ever lived without it. Yes, there are risks, but the fixes are simple. A pouch, a lock, a little awareness and you can enjoy the magic of walking up to your car, arms full, iced latte in hand, and gliding straight in without missing a beat.
At easyauto123, we reckon that’s a pretty fair trade. Just maybe warn your partner not to press the fob while you’re home alone, unless you fancy a quick adrenaline rush in the driveway.
