Been Out of the Loop on Keyless Cars? 10 Things Every Driver Should Know

Hold the fob against the START button
Place the fob inside a designated slot
Put it in a particular area of the center console
Hold it near the steering column

NHTSA specifically notes that keyless ignition systems differ between vehicle models and recommends consulting the owner’s manual for normal and emergency operation. (NHTSA)

4. You Should Know How to Turn the Car Off

With a traditional ignition key, turning the key to the OFF position is obvious.

With a push-button system, it’s possible for drivers to become less aware of whether the vehicle is actually switched off.

NHTSA warns about situations in which drivers leave a keyless vehicle running after exiting, particularly in enclosed spaces where carbon monoxide can accumulate. (NHTSA)

Before walking away:

Check that the vehicle is actually off.

Also make sure the transmission is in Park and apply the parking brake where appropriate.

5. A Keyless Car Can Still Be Stolen

Keyless entry is convenient, but wireless technology has introduced another security concern: relay attacks.

In a relay attack, criminals can use equipment to extend the communication between a vehicle and its key fob, potentially making the car believe that the key is nearby when it isn’t. AAA describes relay attacks as one method used in keyless-car theft. (AAA)

The exact vulnerability varies considerably between vehicles.

6. Where You Keep Your Key Fob Matters

If you’re concerned about relay attacks, don’t simply leave your key fob near the front door or close to the outside wall of your home.

AAA recommends taking sensible precautions around keyless systems, including keeping the fob away from the vehicle when it isn’t being used. (AAA)

Some owners also use signal-blocking pouches designed for key fobs.

If you choose one, make sure it actually blocks your particular key’s signal.

7. Watch for a Weak Key-Fob Battery

Your car may give you a warning when the key-fob battery is getting weak, but you shouldn’t rely on that alone.

Common signs include:

The remote works only at very short distances
You need to press the button repeatedly
The vehicle displays “Key Not Detected”
The fob becomes less responsive
The car takes longer to recognize the key

AAA lists these as common symptoms of a depleted or dying key-fob battery. (AAA International Relations)

Replacing the small battery before it completely dies can save you a frustrating situation.

8. Keep the Spare Key in a Safe Place

A spare key isn’t very useful if it’s permanently sitting inside the locked car.

Keep your spare somewhere secure and accessible when needed.

If the main fob stops working unexpectedly, having a backup can save you from needing roadside assistance or a locksmith.

9. Learn the Emergency Procedure Before You Need It

This is perhaps the best advice for anyone with a push-button car.

Don’t wait until you’re standing in a parking lot with a dead key fob.

Take two minutes today and find the section of your owner’s manual that explains:

“Key not detected”

“Starting the vehicle with a discharged key-fob battery.”

You’ll then know exactly what to do if the battery suddenly fails.

10. Always Check Your Owner’s Manual

Online advice can be useful, but your owner’s manual is ultimately the most reliable source for your particular vehicle.

NHTSA recommends checking the manual because keyless ignition systems, warning systems, and emergency procedures differ between models. (NHTSA)

Your manual can tell you:

Where the emergency key is
Where the backup fob reader is located
How to start the car with a dead fob
How to replace the fob battery
What warnings mean
How to shut down the vehicle in an emergency

🚗 One More Thing: Don’t Forget the Basics

Keyless technology doesn’t eliminate the normal responsibilities of driving.

Before leaving your vehicle, get into the habit of checking:

✔️ Transmission in Park

✔️ Engine/vehicle propulsion switched off

✔️ Parking brake applied when appropriate

✔️ Key fob with you

✔️ Doors locked

NHTSA specifically recommends confirming that a keyless vehicle is actually off and in Park before walking away. (NHTSA)

Final Thoughts

Keyless cars are convenient, but they work differently from traditional vehicles.

The most useful thing you can learn isn’t a secret button or trick—it’s how your particular vehicle behaves when the key fob battery is weak or completely dead.

Knowing where the hidden mechanical key is, learning the emergency-start procedure, and understanding how to properly shut the vehicle down can save you a lot of frustration.

And remember: not every keyless car uses the same procedure. Always check your owner’s manual for model-specific instructions. (NHTSA)