Disadvantages of push button start in cars

As time changes, vehicles need more security and consumers demand more convenience. To accommodate, more and more automakers are adding push button starts to their vehicles.

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How Push Button Start Works
Disadvantages
Choose a Vehicle
Related Posts
How do push button start systems work?
Are push button start cars safe?
Is push button start or key better?
What is the disadvantage of keyless car?
What is the advantage of push button start?

Consider both the pros and cons before deciding if one is right for you.

How Push Button Start Works

The keyless ignition system allows you to keep the key fob in your pocket when you unlock and start the vehicle. When you leave the vehicle, it shuts off and locks itself. Antennas in the vehicle’s body sense when you have the key fob on your person, so it will only run when you have the right fob. The keyless feature also offers a standard keyed backup system.

Advantages

The pros of a keyless system include security and convenience. It’s much harder to steal the vehicle since a potential thief would need your key fob. It’s also more convenient since you only need to keep the key fob in your pocket. This means no fumbling for keys or searching the depths of your pockets or purse for them.

Many of the systems also use rolling codes. The key fob sends a code and the vehicle’s computer searches for the code. Only once the code is found will the vehicle start. Some systems also use computer-encrypted microchips. These features allow for even more layers of safety.

Disadvantages

The keyless systems do have cons. Anyone who has driven a vehicle for some time knows that components eventually break or wear out over time. When this happens, you’ll have to use the manual key to start the vehicle until you get the system repaired.

Another disadvantage is that the key fob could easily be forgotten. Furthermore, if the vehicle has a quiet engine, it’s easy to get out and assume the vehicle will shut off by itself. Only it doesn’t if the key is still in the vehicle. If this happens in an enclosed and attached garage, there is a risk of carbon monoxide getting into the house, which could create a deadly situation. To stay safe, be mindful when considering where your key fob is.

Choose a Vehicle

The push button start system is good if you prefer added security and the convenience of a keyless system, so long as you understand the risks, ensure you have the key on your person when you leave, and know how to use the manual system should there be any malfunction. Push button start is available in many vehicles, including Acura, Kia, Ford, Nissan, Jeep, Mitsubishi, Hyundai, Volkswagen, Toyota, and more.

While push button start systems can be useful, they do have both pros and cons to consider when making your next vehicle purchase.

In the early 2000s, luxury car makers began producing automobiles that were missing something – a key.

Like many features that first appeared in luxury autos, the dash-mounted push-button start has now filtered down to more affordable models, and its popularity continues to rise. According to figures released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), only 5,000 cars were made with these keyless starts in 2002; Ward’s Auto reported that by 2013 that number had jumped to 4.4 million, and has continued to rise.

While it makes starting the car a simpler process, the system behind the button is rather complicated.

How do push button start systems work?

Push button start cars use a keyless ignition system. While the systems differ from one model to the next, they’re similar in that they replace the traditional metal key with a key fob. The fob must be inside the car for the car’s computer system to be able to connect with it, allowing the driver to start the car simply by pushing a button.

The key fob is essentially a transmitter that sends a low-frequency signal to the car. This ID signal is unique to that vehicle; once the fob is inside the car and you press the button, the car’s receiver picks up the signal and sends power to start the engine.

In addition to convenience, keyless entry was also rolled out with an eye toward decreasing auto thefts. Since the car will only recognize the signal from that one fob, it makes stealing your car more difficult. As a safety measure, the car must be in park – and the driver’s foot must be on the brake – in order for the car to start.

While there’s definitely a cool factor to pushing that button – which often is integrated with the modern, cockpit-like design of the dashboard – industry watchdogs have also raised concerns about the keyless start systems, prompting auto manufacturers to introduce new safety measures.

As with all new forms of technology, there are benefits and pitfalls to adopting keyless start cars. Although the latest iteration didn’t emerge until the early 2000s, push button cars first appeared back in 1912 when Cadillac introduced an electric push-button starter to replace the risky and hard-to-operate hand crank. But then keys came along and replaced the start buttons, which typically were located on the floor or dashboard.

What’s different in the modern push start, of course, is the technology. While that’s what makes it more sophisticated and easier to use, it’s also what has caused concern for some drivers and industry watchers. Some of the arguments for and against push-button starters include:

Pros:

The smart key can remain in the driver’s pocket or purse when locking, unlocking and starting the car because sensors in the car communicate directly with the fob.
The technology allows the convenience of a remote start for car owners, which can be a great way to warm up the car while it’s still locked and parked in one’s driveway.
The technology will detect if the key is inside the car – which makes it almost impossible to lock your keys inside your car.

Cons:

Lost fobs are much more expensive to replace than traditional keys.
Some drivers haven’t been properly educated on how to turn off vehicles with push-button ignitions, leading to people forgetting to turn them off and leaving the car running or putting them in “park” before exiting the car.
Presently there’s no industry standardization, so the way the fobs perform vary from one car to the next.
If a fob’s battery dies, the driver will need to know how to override the system and find/use the hard key the manufacturer has hidden in the device – or call roadside assistance.

As with most technology and advancements in the auto industry, you can find things to love – and to not love – about keyless ignition systems. But as they become industry standard, it’s important for every driver to learn how to use them properly. Learn more about automotive technologies that are transforming driving.

Are push button start cars safe?

Keyless push-button ignition systems are secure, only being able to be started by someone who possesses the key fob. There is a programmed chip inside the fob that is recognized by the vehicle when it is close enough. A battery is required, however, and if the battery dies, some systems are unable to initialize.

Is push button start or key better?

Push-button start fobs reduce the chances of car accidents. If you use a keyless ignition system, your engine won't start until you put your foot on your brake and press the push button start key fob. Such vehicles are less likely to work without their drivers' input.

What is the disadvantage of keyless car?

The keyless systems do have cons. Anyone who has driven a vehicle for some time knows that components eventually break or wear out over time. When this happens, you'll have to use the manual key to start the vehicle until you get the system repaired. Another disadvantage is that the key fob could easily be forgotten.

What is the advantage of push button start?

The technology allows the convenience of a remote start for car owners, which can be a great way to warm up the car while it's still locked and parked in one's driveway. The technology will detect if the key is inside the car – which makes it almost impossible to lock your keys inside your car.