What is the difference between remote start and keyless start?

Getting into your car is sometimes a hassle when you have to be rummaging through your pockets or your purse in order to find your keys. On top of that if you don’t have a remote, you also have to fumble with getting the key into the keyhole, etc.

However, more modern cars have started to release with more advanced key systems that allow for keyless entry; suddenly you no longer need to even get the key out of your pocket. The only issue, though, is that there is jargon that is often thrown around in promotional and marketing materials that sound similar, but are actually quite different. Two of these terms are remote keyless entry and keyless entry. So if you are looking for a brand new car, or you are looking to upgrade your existing car. You need to know about the difference between Keyless Entry and Remote Keyless Entry. And you might as well learn about Passive Keyless Entry as well.

Keyless Entry

Keyless entry car kit systems are a more simplified version of the two types. With a keyless entry system, you don’t need to pull out your key to enter your car. Instead, you’ll have some other method of security directly on the door of your car. This can come in the form of a keypad, a card, a key fob reader, a touchscreen, or a fingerprint scanner. While some of these are very rare on cars these days, the keypad has been an option for many vehicles for decades now. As a precaution, there is almost always a backup keyhole for your conventional key in case of electrical malfunction, or in case your battery has died.

What is the difference between remote start and keyless start?

Remote Keyless Entry

A remote keyless entry car kit doesn’t rely on a physical button in order to get into your vehicle. But instead it has a sensor that detects your remote keyless key fob within a certain range of your vehicle. It then unlocks once you touch the door handle, but only while the key is nearby. Remote keyless entry cars also often allow for remote starting, as long as the remote key fob is within a short distance of the vehicle. Remote keyless communications are done through encrypted radio signals. And you can get this done either through short range radio to a remote key fob in your pocket. Or it can be hooked up to a smartphone system and can actually be controlled from anywhere in the world.

The Differences

When trying to decide between the two, there are three main differences. For keyless, you have to have physical proximity with the vehicle. With remote, you may be able to gain access from great distances. Keyless entry systems almost always have a conventional key backup, while remote keyless entry systems may not. Keyless entry systems are only limited to locking and unlocking the door. But remote keyless entry systems may be able to start the vehicle and access some other functionalities.

Which one should you get?

Deciding which system you want to get may all come down to preferences and cost. Keyless entry and Remote keyless entry car kits are more expensive than the conventional key security locks. And remote keyless being the most expensive of the options. However, remote keyless entry does come with extra features you may find you want.

What is a Passive Keyless Entry?

Passive Keyless Entry system does just what the name stands for. You do NOT need to press any buttons when walk up or walk away from your vehicle. Everything happens automatically, all based on your proximity.

Why you may ask? Because you deserve to have a convenicence to unlock your car before you touch a handle, walk away to lock it, turn your light as you approach. Or activating any other 10 electronic accessories based on your proximity. That’s why VAIS Technology developed the award-winning Smart Entry-Exit Recognition (SEER) system that equips virtually any model vehicle with sophisticated passive keyless entry technology.

Typically you need to jump to mid or high level trim level in order to get passive keyless entry. Or you have an older vehicle that you would like to add this technology to.

Interested in installing a Passive Keyless Entry car kit into your vehicle or want to learn more about it. Check out SEER kit engineered and manufactured by VAIS Technology.


Even though they do similar things, Remote Start and Keyless Ignition are not the same things. Keyless Ignition lets drivers start and drive their car without using a standard key. Just push a button, and go! Remote Ignition lets you start your vehicle through a key fob or mobile application.

Is keyless start 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 difference between remote and keyless?

For keyless, you have to have physical proximity with the vehicle. With remote, you may be able to gain access from great distances. Keyless entry systems almost always have a conventional key backup, while remote keyless entry systems may not. Keyless entry systems are only limited to locking and unlocking the door.

What does keyless entry mean?

Keyless entry systems are used to remotely lock, unlock and start your car's engine using RF signals. There are two types of keyless entry systems: active and passive. Active systems send a signal to the receiver in the car, and the system disarms.

Can a car with keyless start be stolen?

Yes, in many circumstances keyless cars are easier to steal. That said, it also depends on the particular model, as well as the situation. Some models have keyless entry that unlocks the doors when the key is close-by but still have a conventional key that is physically put in the ignition to start the car.

Push button vs key start?

How do you know if your car has a remote start?

To find out if you have the remote start option, you must first take a look at your key fob. The remote-start button is shaped like a curved arrow. If your key fob has this button, that means that your car is equipped with Remote Start. To try remote start, press the lock-shaped button that locks the car once.

Which keyless cars are at risk?

Any car with keyless entry is at a threat to relay crime. Popular models found to such as a Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Golf, Nissan Qashqai and Ford Focus are all at risk.

Do keyless cars lock automatically?

Benefits of keyless technology

With some keyless technology, you don't have to worry about that as the car will automatically lock itself once the fob is out of reach. This handy feature eliminates the chance of ever accidentally leaving your car unlocked and unattended.

Is keyless start the same as keyless entry?

Keyless entry, as its name suggests, will unlock your car as you approach it, without the need to reach into your pocket to retrieve your keys. When you step inside your car, keyless start will also start your car at the press of a button, without the need to insert your keys into the ignition.

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.

Are keyless start cars safe?

Because it communicates wirelessly with the car's computer, a keyless system is more secure than an old-fashioned key where the number of combinations are a physical constraint. And with fewer moving parts than an ignition tumbler, keyless ignition can be less expensive for the automaker to produce.

Will a keyless car start without the key?

In most cases, brands do not need communication with engines to start. Instead, they simply have to push the key to start engines. After starting, all communication goes out the window. If the key doesn't appear close to the vehicle while it's off, it won't restart once it's off.

Do all new cars have keyless ignition?

According to NHTSA, despite the growing popularity of the keyless push-button start feature on most cars, some vehicles and models still have the physical car key as a way to start the vehicle.

Why does my keyless car have a key?

Today's keyless ignition systems rely on key fobs to transmit a unique low-frequency signal to the car's computer system that allows you to push a button and start your engine. You can shut off your engine just as easily. The fob also permits keyless entry to your car.

How are keyless cars stolen?

Keyless theft (otherwise known as relay theft) is relatively simple; all it requires is two small boxes of electronics, which thieves can use to open your car in as little as 60 seconds. Crooks will typically work in pairs to commit relay theft, with one holding a relay amplifier, and the other a relay transmitter.

Will keyless car lock with key inside?

You can't lock the car from the outside if it senses the key is inside. The only way to do this is to remove the battery from the key.

How do I protect my keyless car?

How To Protect Keyless Entry Cars

  1. Put your keys in a blocking pouch. ...
  2. Turn off keyless entry on your fob. ...
  3. Steering wheel lock or alarm. ...
  4. Consider outdoor motion detectors/CCTV.
  5. Store keys away from entry points. ...
  6. Position your car securely.
  7. Keep the inside of your car tidy. ...
  8. Consider etching your windows.

What color cars get stolen the most?

As for the colors more often stolen, those that blend in with the crowd tend to be reported stolen the most, including white, gray, and silver models. The most common color of cars stolen is silver.

What is the hardest car to steal?

10 cars that are hardest to steal

  • Jaguar XF. ...
  • Nissan Leaf. ...
  • Hyundai Tucson. ...
  • Audi A4. ...
  • Land Rover Discovery. ...
  • Lexus HS 250h. ...
  • Tesla Model X. ...
  • Mercedes Benz GL 550 by TAC. The Mercedes Benz GL 550 by the Texas Armoring Corporation (TAC) has a (literal) bulletproof exterior so you won't have to worry about gun-toting thieves.

Which car is the easiest to steal?

Top 10 Most Stolen Cars in America

  • GMC Pickup (Full size) ...
  • Toyota Corolla. ...
  • Nissan Altima. ...
  • Toyota Camry. Number of thefts: 16,906. ...
  • Chevrolet Pickup (Full-size) Number of thefts: 31,566. ...
  • Ford Pickup (Full-size) Number of thefts: 36,355. ...
  • Honda Accord. Number of thefts: 36,815. ...
  • Honda Civic. Number of thefts: 38,426.

Do all key fobs have remote start?

Most key fobs actually have the remote start engine start button. You know it's there if you see a button with a circular arrow going clockwise. It's not labeled in the key fob itself, but that's the remote engine start button.

Can you roll your windows down with your key fob?

But did you know you can also use your key fob to catch a breeze? HuffPost reports the key fob for many cars now can roll down all windows at once. Try pressing your unlock button twice, holding down the second time until all windows are open.

How do I know if my car has remote start without fob?

If you don't see a start option, check the user manual in the glove box. Most of the time, used cars come with the original user's manual. Another option is to grab the VIN number from your car insurance or the window sticker and do use the VIN to search for different features.

What happens when you walk away from a push start car with the key?

It won't, only when you turn off the engine and when starting it would say “key not detected”. So long as the engine is on if you like throw the key away everything would be fine, just don't turn the engine off..

Do all keyless entry cars have remote start?

Keyless entry systems almost always have a conventional key backup, while remote keyless entry systems may not. Keyless entry systems are only limited to locking and unlocking the door. But remote keyless entry systems may be able to start the vehicle and access some other functionalities.

What does keyless start mean?

With a keyless ignition system, the driver no longer carries a key. Instead, he or she carries a fob that sends out a radio signal that authorizes the car to start, either with a push of a button or the turning of a switch. ( Photo: iStock)

Is remote keyless entry remote start?

A remote keyless system can include both remote keyless entry (RKE), which unlocks the doors, and remote keyless ignition (RKI), which starts the engine.

How do I know if my car is equipped with remote start?

To find out if you have the remote start option, you must first take a look at your key fob. The remote-start button is shaped like a curved arrow. If your key fob has this button, that means that your car is equipped with Remote Start. To try remote start, press the lock-shaped button that locks the car once.