If you own a car, chances are you rely on some form of key to access and operate your vehicle. But car keys have changed dramatically from the early 20th century when vehicles first became popular. From simple mechanical keys to today‘s cutting-edge biometric systems, let‘s look at the evolution of car key technology.
A Brief History of Car Keys
In the early 1900s when cars first emerged, keys were very simple mechanical contraptions cut from metal. They unlocked the door and turned the ignition switch to start the engine. Most models used the same type of basic key and they were easy to copy or replace.
Over the decades new technology brought added convenience and security. Transponder chip keys appeared in the 1990s, transmitting a code to the car‘s computer immobilizer system. Remote keyless entry (RKE) fobs that could lock and unlock doors from a distance arrived in the 1980s. And smart proximity keys, biometric authentication systems and smartphone control are among the latest innovations.
Overview of Modern Car Key Types
Today there is a range of car key technology available, from basic mechanical keys to sophisticated digital systems accessed via smartphones or even your fingerprint.
The evolution of car keys – from mechanical metal keys to smart fobs, apps and biometrics. Credit: Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock
Let‘s look at some of the most common modern key types and how they work:
Mechanical Metal Keys
The humble mechanical metal key is still the most widely used by vehicles around the world. It fits into the ignition cylinder to start the car and unlocks doors with a turn of the wrist. These sturdy brass or nickel keys are inexpensive to replace and easy to duplicate. But they can wear down over time and lack any security or convenience features.
Advantages: Simple, cheap to replace, works for older cars
Disadvantages: Easy to steal and duplicate, lacks convenience/security of modern keys
Transponder Chip Keys
These advanced mechanical keys contain a small transponder chip inside the plastic head which communicates with the vehicle’s immobilizer system. When you insert the key, it transmits a unique electronic ID code. If the code matches, the system disables the immobilizer allowing you to turn on the ignition. Removing the proper transponder key turns the immobilizer back on so the car can‘t be hotwired.
Advantages: Provides added security level by preventing hotwiring
Disadvantages: More expensive than basic metal keys if lost/damaged. Specialized duplicate equipment required.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) Fobs
This wireless device fits on your keychain and allows you to lock/unlock the doors at the push of a button from up to 50 ft away. The fob transmits encrypted signals to a receiver inside the car. RKE fobs often include extras like trunk releases or panic alarms. They‘ve become a standard convenience feature on most modern vehicles.
Advantages: Convenient, allows you to unlock from a distance
Disadvantages: Batteries wear out and need replacement. Can be expensive to replace if lost and may need reprogramming.
Smart Keys/Proximity Keys
Smart keys take the technology a step further by automatically unlocking when you grip the door handle or touch a sensor. Inside is a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip that communicates with the car‘s security system wirelessly over very short distances. There‘s no need to press any buttons. Some smart keys even let you start the engine with just the press of a button instead of turning an ignition switch.
Advantages: Handsfree automatic unlocking, engine start with push button
Disadvantages: No manual backup if battery dies. Can be hijacked by hackers with specialized equipment.
Keyless Entry and Push Button Start
Similar to smart keys, a keyless entry system combines remote unlocking with ignition buttons to start and stop the engine. But instead of relying on proximity sensors, drivers carry a wireless fob or card. Once inside, buttons on the dashboard replace the mechanical ignition switch. This ultra-convenient system remembers your personalized settings too.
Advantages: No need to handle keys after unlocking proximity convenience
Disadvantages: More complex systems have more to go wrong. Vulnerable to hackers.
Laser Cut Keys
These specialized mechanical keys have a laser-cut pattern with tighter tolerances to prevent duplication. The complex cuts are read by the lock and ignition mechanisms. Mostly found on luxury and high-end sports cars, laser cut keys are extremely difficult to copy without specialized equipment.
Advantages: Enhanced security for luxury vehicles
Disadvantages: Much more expensive to replace than basic keys if lost/damaged.
Smartphone Apps
Some newer vehicle models sync up with your iOS or Android smartphone to lock/unlock and even remotely start your car! Bluetooth communication replaces traditional keys and fobs. Apps allow features like temperature presets, vehicle status checks, and security alerts if someone tampers with your car.
Advantages: Ultimate convenience without needing keys or fobs at all!
Disadvantages: Drains phone battery. Potential security exploits. Doesn‘t work for older cars.
Wearable Technology
Smartwatches and fitness bands offer an innovative way to ditch old-school car keys entirely. Similar to phone apps, wearables can unlock and ignite cars via Bluetooth or NFC by just waving near the door handle or dashboard button. Start your engine while still pulling your phone out of your gym bag!
Advantages: Handsfree unlocking without needing your phone or keys
Disadvantages: Limited compatibility, security vulnerabilities to tech-savvy thieves
Biometric Authentication Systems
For the ultimate in convenience and security, cutting-edge cars now offer unlocking via fingerprint, facial recognition, or even an iris/retina scan. Sensors integrated into door handles and ignition switches authenticate your unique physical characteristics in seconds. It‘s virtually impossible for anyone else to access the car without your biometric data.
Advantages: Extremely secure and convenient for drivers
Disadvantages: Expensive technology, still in limited use, doesn‘t work well in poor visibility
Replacing and Duplicating Modern Car Keys
If you‘ve lost your mechanical key or remote fob, any locksmith can cut and program inexpensive replacements. But for modern transponder, smart or proximity keys you may need to visit the car dealership or a specialist. Sophisticated electronics may require professional reprogramming using specialized equipment to sync with the vehicle properly and ensure functionality.
Many newer keys also have laser-etched patterns or RFID chips inside to prevent duplication by amateurs. Trying to get a spare smart key copied at the local hardware store likely won’t work. You’ll need to have the automaker or qualified technician program the key with the correct cryptographic codes.
Depending on the vehicle make and model, you can expect to spend $100-$500 for programming and replacement of modern electronic car keys. And luxury or high-security laser-cut keys with custom patterns can cost even more!
The Future of Car Keys
Mechanical keys are headed toward extinction as vehicles become more connected and smart. Expect even more integration with smartphones, wearables and biometrics. Voice commands, facial recognition cameras, and gesture control could all manage your vehicle access and settings soon.
With so many wireless signals flying around however, cybersecurity experts warn that hackers could exploit vulnerabilities. Ensure you install software updates and don‘t use obvious PIN codes as a first line of defense.
While still not universally trusted, embedding RFID chips or biometrics under your skin could be the next evolution allowing you to unlock your car with just a wave of your implanted hand!
Summary of Key Types
| Key Type | How it Works | Convenience | Security |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical key | Physical metal key slides into lock cylinders | Basic | Low – easy to steal/duplicate |
| Transponder key | Chip inside key transmits ID code to immobilizer | Medium – insert into ignition | Medium – prevents hotwiring |
| Remote key fob | Lock/unlock at the push of a button remotely | High – works up to 50ft away | Medium – signals can be intercepted |
| Smart key | RFID technology unlocks automatically with touch | High – handsfree unlock | Medium – vulnerable to exploits |
| Keyless entry + push start | Wireless fob plus startup button | Maximum – no handling keys | Medium – complex system vulnerable |
| Laser cut keys | Precise cuts in metal make duplicate difficult | Medium – insert key required | High – prevents unauthorized duplication |
| Smartphone app | Bluetooth communicates directly with car computer functions | Maximum – works remotely | Low – hacking vulnerabilities |
| Wearables | Smartwatch or fitness band can unlock/start via NFC | High – handsfree unlock | Low – hacking risks |
| Biometrics | Fingerprint/facial recognition for unlock plus startup | Maximum – unusable by others | Maximum – nearly impossible to exploit |
FAQs
What are remote car keys called?
Remote car keys are also referred to as key fobs or transponder keys. They allow drivers to lock, unlock and even start cars from up to 50 ft away with the wireless push of a button.
What’s the difference between remote and transponder keys?
A remote key uses wireless signals to lock/unlock doors but cannot start the engine. A transponder key is required to communicate with the vehicle computer to allow ignition. Many modern keys combine both functions into a single fob.
What is the most common car key type?
Despite the rise in smart keys and remote fobs, over 90% of cars worldwide still use old-fashioned mechanical metal keys. Developing nations in particular still utilize the simplest and most affordable key types.
What are modern high-tech car keys called?
Terms like ‘smart keys’, ‘proximity keys’ and ‘biometric systems’ refer to the newest technology that allows keyless or even hands-free unlocking and ignition. They often communicate wirelessly via Bluetooth, RFID or NFC instead of manual insertion.
I hope this comprehensive guide has helped explain the evolution of keys from simple mechanical metal all the way to futuristic biometric scanning technology. Cars and their keys have come a long way in just over a century! Please contact me if you have any other questions.
