The Pros & Cons of a Keyless Ignition

Newer automobiles offer keyless ignitions. This is a feature that many people tend to appreciate because of its level of convenience that it offers. However, on the other hand, there are some who don’t like the idea of a car starting simply with the push of a button. That’s right! With the push of the start button, your engine connects to a computer and starts when the right transponder key is nearby. Since we are a society that is influenced by convenience, it stands to reason that this feature is popular with many motorists today. Some people, however, would rather continue to do things the old fashioned way. Rather than starting the car without a key in the ignition, they prefer to have the key in the ignition in order to start their car.

Pros of a Keyless Ignition

1.       Hard to Steal

A thief would have to rewire your car in order to take your car. Your cars transponder key is programmed to a computer. Once the signal from your transponder key reaches the computer, it will start the engine. In some cases, when someone is attempting to maneuver your cars wiring, it will automatically shut down. All of these things make it more difficult for someone to steal your car. If you have ever had your car stolen, this may be reason enough for you to want to have a car with a keyless ignition.

2.       Convenience

If you have a ton of things in your hand and you have children to safely secure in the car, having a keyless ignition is sure to be appreciated. Having a keyless ignition makes it possible for you to avoid searching for your car keys. As long as your transponder is somewhere on you and close to the car, you’ll be able to start the car. Running around with children and having a lot of choirs makes it frustrating to have to look for your car keys. This is why those who have a lot of responsibility and are always searching for their car keys, appreciate the keyless ignition feature.

Some people, no matter what the pros are to having a keyless ignition, would rather not have it. It simply wouldn’t be responsible of us to mention the pros of this automobile feature without mentioning the cons.

Cons of a Keyless Ignition

1.      More Costly

The keyless ignition is more expensive than having a car with a standard ignition. This advance in technology is well worth the added expense to some people but not so much for others. You can find the price of the keyless ignition hidden somewhere in the overall price of the vehicle you choose to purchase. Since it takes a great deal of insight in designing the keyless ignition, it makes sense that those who design them are able to receive the compensation they deserve for being able to offer us such convenience. Also, consider the mechanisms used in designing this feature. This should also be considered when you think about why this feature would be more costly than the cost of a car with a standard ignition. Considering all that goes into the design of the keyless ignition, it must be paid for by someone. Unfortunately, there are no savings passed along to the consumer. Those who sell the models that offer a keyless ignition realize that people will actually pay for convenience.

2.      Pricier Key

The keyless ignition must have a transponder key or fob key nearby in order for the car to start. If you need to have a key made for this type of ignition, you’ll need to rely on a locksmith service that has the equipment needed in order to program this type of key. While you do not have to insert the key into the ignition, you will have to have it near you in order to start the car. In some cases, you might have to return to a dealership to have another fob key made. The price of the fob key can cost as much as $100 per key. If you have more than one car with a keyless ignition and require several spare keys, this can be rather expensive. This is something that some motorists overlook when determining whether or not to go with a car with a keyless ignition of not. This is certainly something that you should consider when choosing a car.

We would always suggest that if you opt to purchase a car with a keyless ignition, you also negotiate your spare keys at the time of purchase. The salesman may try to offer you certain features as an incentive for purchasing a particular car. Instead of accepting the features that they might offer to you, it is probably in your best interest to ask for additional fob keys instead of some of the other features they are offering. Since they want you to purchase the car, they will likely comply with your request. This will save you money in the long run.

3.      Ignition Switch Failure

Sometimes ignition switches will stop working correctly. This can happen without notice. A standard ignition is easier and less expensive to fix than a keyless ignition. Since it takes more effort to fix a keyless ignition, it will undoubtedly cost more to fix.

Whenever you are about to purchase a new car, it is a good idea to think about all of the aforementioned things. When you’re in doubt as to which type of car you will buy, one with or without an ignition, knowing the pros and cons of both should help you make your final decision. At Mableton Locksmith GA, we notice that the cost of having a keyless ignition is what the primary turn-off is for most buyers. However, there are some buyers who simply do not mind the added expenses associated with having a keyless ignition. Only you can determine if this matters enough to you.