Push-button start cars, often referred to as keyless ignition systems, have become increasingly popular in modern vehicles.
This innovative technology eliminates the need for a traditional key to start the engine, replacing it with a simple button push.
Push-button start cars offer convenience, but they also come with their share of issues.
We outline the pros and cons of Push-button start cars to help you know more about them and if you are a prospective buyer to make an informed decision when considering this advanced automotive feature.
Push-Button Start Cars Pros and Cons
Pros
Automatic locking of the car
One significant advantage of Push-Button start cars is the capability to remotely or automatically lock your vehicle. This feature enhances convenience, security, and peace of mind for car owners.
With remote locking, you can secure your car from a distance, which is particularly handy in situations where you may have forgotten to lock it or want to ensure it’s locked without returning to the vehicle.
This is especially useful when your hands are full or when you’re in a rush. It saves time and effort, making daily routines more efficient.
Push-Button start cars often have built-in safeguards to prevent you from accidentally locking your keys inside the car.
These systems can detect the presence of the key fob inside the vehicle, and they won’t allow the car to be locked in such a situation, preventing lockout emergencies.
Secure and convenient
Push-Button start cars incorporate advanced security features that make it exceptionally difficult for thieves to steal the vehicle.
Unlike traditional key-based ignition systems, where physical keys can be duplicated or stolen, push-button start vehicles rely on encrypted digital codes for access.
This significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access or hotwiring.
These cars require a key fob or a smart key for ignition, which communicates with the car’s computer system.
The key fob contains a unique digital code that must match the code stored in the vehicle’s system to start the engine. Without a matching key fob, an unauthorized person can’t start the car.
Many push-button start cars come equipped with robust anti-theft mechanisms. These may include immobilizers, which prevent the engine from starting without the correct key fob, and alarm systems that deter theft attempts.
These layers of protection collectively make it significantly more secure than traditional ignition systems.
Beyond security, push-button start technology offers unmatched convenience. You can simply approach your vehicle with the key fob in your pocket or bag, and the car will automatically recognize the key fob’s presence, allowing them to start the engine with a push of a button.
This streamlined process eliminates the need to fumble with physical keys and enhances overall convenience.
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No more lost keys
With traditional keys, there’s always a risk of misplacing or losing them. Push-button start cars eliminate this concern since you only need to have the key fob in your possession.
Remote start
Many push-button start cars come with a remote start feature, allowing you to start the engine from a distance.
This can be particularly useful in extreme weather conditions, as you can warm up or cool down your car before getting in.
Cons
Despite the several benefits, Push-button start cars come with their challenges. Here are some disadvantages of Push-button start cars.
The engine does not turn off
One problem with a push-start car is when your car’s engine doesn’t turn off when you want it to, which can be a frustrating experience for keyless car owners.
This issue typically arises due to a system error where the vehicle’s system is conflicted about whether it’s in park mode or not, even when it displays a park indication.
This is because the system doesn’t recognize it as being in park mode. A discrepancy between the gear shifter and the system can cause this problem.
The gear shifter plays a critical role in the accurate operation of the push-button start system. When it’s not in sync with the system’s park mode detection, it can result in the engine failing to turn off as expected.
If you encounter this issue, you can start by inspecting your car’s gear shifter. Look for any signs of a broken cable or a misaligned component.
A misalignment can prevent the system from accurately detecting the park position. If you have experience with automotive repairs and find a minor issue, you may attempt to address it yourself.
However, if the problem persists or seems complex, seek professional assistance.
Regular maintenance and inspections of the gear shifter also helps to prevent such issues from occurring.
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The engine can fail to start
One drawback of push-button start cars is that they rely on the smart key’s battery. If the key’s battery is low or damaged, it may fail to transmit the necessary signal to start the engine.
Replacing the key’s battery is a simple fix for this issue. Additionally, keeping a spare battery for the key fob can prevent unexpected disruptions. This maintenance task is essential to ensure a seamless driving experience.
In some situations, even with a functional key fob, the engine might not respond when you press the start button. To overcome this, you can use the key fob itself to engage the ignition.
This involves pressing the rear side of the key fob against the start button while also pressing the brake. While this method works on various vehicle models, it is more prevalent in Toyota and other brands.
Knowing this workaround can save you from unnecessary hassles and potential delays.
Occasionally, the engine may resist starting despite a functioning key fob. In such cases, some cars allow you to access the start button’s inner workings.
This involves popping off the button cover and inserting the key fob into the designated slot, just like you would with a traditional key.
This technique is particularly useful for many Mercedes-Benz models and certain other vehicles. However, if this method proves ineffective, it’s advisable to seek professional assistance for a thorough examination and potential repairs.
Honda vehicles, such as the 2016 HRV, have been known to require multiple button presses before the engine responds. In such cases, it may not necessarily be a key fob issue.
Instead, it could be related to the push button module. If you encounter this problem with your Honda car, you may need to consider cleaning the push button module.
If the issue persists, it’s advisable to consult a professional mechanic for a more in-depth diagnosis and solution.
The smart key fob can be hacked
Smart key fob hacking a potential vulnerability in push-button start cars.
The smart key fob serves as the bridge between you and your car. It emits a signal with a wavelength that can span from 3 to 500 feet, allowing your vehicle to receive the encoded signal.
While this seems convenient, it creates a continuous link between your car and any nearby receivers.
This is a security concern because it opens up a vulnerability to potential theft.
Every push-button start car’s smart key holds a digital code that grants access to your vehicle. Since this code is digitally encoded, it can be targeted by skilled thieves who can illicitly gain entry to your car.
Hacking can be done by a skilled hacker by intercepting the signal emitted by your remote within range.
Once the hacker captures the code, they can transfer it to another key fob, essentially creating a duplicate key that provides unauthorized access to your car.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect your car and its smart key fob. Many push-button start car owners are unaware that they can temporarily deactivate their keyless remote when they’re not in the car.
This simple action prevents potential external access and helps conserve the smart key’s battery.
Environmental hazard
Push-button start technology offers convenience, but it can potentially lead to an environmental hazard if not managed properly.
The quiet operation of these cars can sometimes mislead drivers into leaving the engine running when they believe it’s switched off leading to the unintended idling of the engine, causing it to emit harmful carbon monoxide into the environment.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be lethal when inhaled in high concentrations.
It is a silent killer because it’s imperceptible to the senses. It can cause symptoms like dizziness, headache, nausea, and even lead to loss of consciousness or death if not addressed promptly.
It’s important to be cautious, especially when parking in enclosed spaces like garages, as carbon monoxide can accumulate rapidly.
Some car manufacturers, like Ford, Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Hyundai, Mazda, and GM, incorporate an audible alarm system in their push-button start cars.
This alarm serves as a reminder, chiming or chirping if the engine is left running. It’s a helpful feature to prevent this environmental hazard.
On the other hand, certain car models from manufacturers do not have an audible alarm system.
Drivers of such vehicles need to exercise extra caution and be acutely aware of their engine’s status when parking or leaving the car to prevent any unintended idling.
Initial cost
Push-button start technology comes at a higher initial cost compared to traditional key-based ignition systems.
While this cost difference is decreasing as the technology becomes more widespread, it’s essential to factor it into your budget.
Technical complexity
Push-button start systems are more technologically complex, which could lead to higher repair and maintenance costs.
If a system component malfunctions, it may require specialized expertise to fix.
Reliance on key fob
Since these cars depend on key fobs, losing or damaging the fob can be a significant inconvenience. Replacing key fobs is also expensive.
Are Push-Button Start Cars Worth It?
The decision to buy a Push-Button Start Car ultimately depends on your individual preferences, priorities, and needs.
Push-Button Start Cars offer a host of conveniences and security features, making them a compelling choice for many modern drivers.
Ultimately, the decision to invest in a Push-Button Start Car should be based on your unique needs and comfort with the technology.
If the added convenience, security features, and modern aesthetics align with your preferences, the benefits may outweigh the drawbacks.
However, it’s important to carefully weigh these factors against your budget and any potential concerns to determine if a Push-Button Start Car is worth it for you.
Do Push-Button Start Cars Hold Their Value?
Push-Button Start Cars can hold their value well if they are well-maintained, in good condition, and demand in the used car market.
However, like any vehicle, their resale value can be influenced by a range of factors, including age, mileage, make and model, market demand, and market conditions.
To maximize the resale value of a Push-Button Start Car, it’s essential to keep it well-maintained and consider market factors when selling.
Key Takeaway
Push-Button Start Cars offer a host of advantages, including enhanced convenience, safety, and customization options, along with modern aesthetics and advanced technology features.
These benefits contribute to an improved driving experience and are a compelling reason for their widespread adoption in the automotive industry.