Keyless Entry vs Immobilizer: Which Technology Truly Protects Your Car?

As innovation develops in cars, car key technology is also affected. The technology is known as keyless entry and immobilizer, which allows vehicle owners to open car doors without the need to use a key.

Keyless entry and immobilizer technology answer the question of your car’s security, as the key is not easily duplicated or opened by breaking into the key contacts.

These two wireless technologies are similar at first glance, but the two technologies have significant differences in protecting your car.

This article will inform you about the differences between keyless entry and immobilizer so that you can consider which technology you choose to add security to your car.

What is Keyless Entry?

Keyless entry is a technology that allows vehicle owners to open car doors without the need to physically insert the key.

The system works by using radio frequency signals (RFID) or Bluetooth, which automatically recognizes the key when the owner is within a certain distance from the car.

That way the technology has several advantages, namely more practical, fast process, and auto-lock feature. With this technology, vehicle owners don’t have to bother inserting keys or looking for keys in a bag, just by approaching the car, the door will open automatically.

However, behind its advantages, the technology also has disadvantages. This technology is vulnerable to relay attacks, where thieves can capture and copy the signals from the remote key to open and start the car.

What is Immobilizer?

An immobilizer is a security system designed to prevent a car from starting without a valid key.

The technology works by using a transponder chip embedded in the car key, which must match the ECU system for the engine to start.

This means that immobilizers are highly effective in preventing hot-wiring theft. Because only the original key can start the engine.

However, immobilizers also have limitations. If the key is damaged or the battery is low, the system may fail to recognize the key, causing the car to not start even if the original key is used.

The Difference Between Keyless Entry and Immobilizer

A significant difference from immobilizers is that keyless entry is superior in terms of convenience, but it is more vulnerable to theft.

Meanwhile, immobilizers are stronger in terms of security but can cause problems if there is a system error or the key is not detected. Here are the differences between keyless entry and immobilizer:

Main functions

• Keyless entry: Automatic door opening and locking.       
• Immobilizer: Prevents the car from starting without the original key.

How it works

• Keyless entry: Uses radio signals to recognize the key.
• Immobilizer: Uses a transponder chip in the key.

Advantages

• Keyless entry: Practical and fast, can make the door without touching the key.
• Immobilizer:  Very effective in preventing theft.

Disadvantages

• Keyless entry: This can be hacked with a signal-transmitting device.
• Immobilizer: If the key is damaged or the battery is low, the car cannot be started.

Security

• Keyless entry: Vulnerable to relay attacks and key cloning.
• Immobilizer: Difficult to break into as only the original key is recognized.

Level of protection

• Keyless entry: Medium – Can be broken into with certain methods.
• Immobilizer:  High – Difficult to break into without the original key.

By knowing the difference of these two wireless technologies, we know which one is better in terms of security. Immobilizer is superior in terms of security because it works with a unique code system that is difficult to crack.

However, keyless entry remains a more practical choice for many users due to its ease of access. To get maximum protection, many modern cars now combine the two technologies, so vehicle owners can get double security.