In the early 2000’s , car manufacturers started to produce cars that have “push Start” ignition system.
This new technology supersede the use of a conventional key to be inserted into the ignition slot, switching the key and turning the engine on.
Though as you know, there are still cars today that are coming out of the market that still use traditional keys (basically to lower the car’s overall cost). Most car fanatics now prefer the push button ignition system over using a conventional key.
And they have all the reasons why! Is this sounds like you?
If you are a bit tech savvy and only wants the best for your investments, not all of them are quite fitting in the automotive industry. Yes, push start buttons comes with some disadvantages of their own.
Read on and see if push start ignitions is for you or not.
How Do Push Stat Ignition Work?
Push Start Ignition works by using a “key-less” ignition system. Such tech differs from one model to the next, but they work similarly by replacing a conventional key with a key fob.
This key fob has a unique transmitter that sends low-frequency signal specific only to your car. It is like your own ID system, so a key fob is not going to work with other cars.
Of course, your key fob is still required when starting your car, as your car’s computer must be able to detect its frequency before you can start the engine. In short, you still have to carry the key fob inside your car, just like a conventional key.
Once your car’s computer is connected with your key fob, you will be able to start the car by simply pushing the start button.
Convenient it is!
And just like what I mentioned in my previous post, before you will be able to start and shift the gear of you car, one requirement is stepping on the brake pedal first. That is an additional safety measure for you.
Push start ignition system is also designed to keep the job of thieves at bay. Since the car only recognize a specific frequency that is from your key fob, stealing your car is quite difficult to achieve.
While it seems that push start ignition system is a blessing to the automotive enthusiasts, there are some concerns or should I say, disadvantages of such tech.
But first, let me breakdown its advantages first.
Advantages of Push Start Button Ignition
Hands-Free Operation. You no longer have to bother putting your key into the door slot when entering your vehicle, especially if its raining or you have tons of things in hand.
Just put the key fob in your pocket or purse and forget everything. You can lock, unlock the car, and also start the car. The frequency sensors will do the work for you.
Additional Security. As I mentioned above, having this tech on your car adds more layers of security for you.
That unique signal that is coming from your key fob, gives authorization to your car’s computer. It is like a personal code that should match your car’s ECU. Without your key fob, it is almost impossible to steal your car.
Additional Benefits. One problem that most people experienced with conventional keys is when they forgot their keys inside the car and accidentally locked the doors.
That really is very stressful and I experienced this myself.
In push start ignition systems, you won’t have the same problem as the computer will detect if your key is still inside your car. It won’t lock your doors unless you take your keys without outside.
Disadvantages of Push Start Button Ignition
Expensive Fobs. Those key fobs of yours is worth more than you can think of. Yeah, that convenient technology is quite expensive.
This is the reason why car manufacturers today still produce vehicles that doesn’t have push button ignition system. Which is to basically lower their car’s cost and make them more affordable and appealing to customers.
So if ever you purchased a car with a push start ignition system, don’t you ever lose that key fob as replacing them from the dealer will completely break your finances.
Shutting Off Your Car. Some drivers who are not accustomed to push start ignition system, sometimes forget how to turn off their cars properly.
For example, drivers who loves stick shift commonly leave their gears in Neutral when turning their engines off, then they just engage the handbrake.
They often do the same thing in push button ignition cars. They usually forget to shift their gears to “Park” before exiting their vehicle.
Worse is that, there are drivers who even forget to turn off their cars and I see a lot of them in shopping mall parking lots.
You Can’t Keep Your Car From Getting Stolen. I mentioned above that the push start ignition is a tech that adds more layer of security for your car. That is true, to some extent.
As they say, upgrade in security measures only means an upgrade of hacking it.
Yes, small time thieves won’t give your car their time of stealing it by just looking that you have push start ignition system. But these thieves are mediocre at best.
Expert car thieves can adjust themselves to the evolving technology and yes, they can hack to your car’s system and steal your car. This is the reason why you often hear news about modern cars gets stolen everyday.
Some automotive experts are even suggesting that traditional car keys are much more secure and convenient to have.
Conclusion
So there you have it!
Push start ignition system is the today’s norm and we are seeing less and less traditional key ignition system cars being produced in the market today.
If you have a particular car in mind that you want to buy, then it is likely to have push start ignition system. And it is actually good for you.
And if you are an old tech guy who prefer the traditional key for starting an engine, then you have to start your search right now and find which manufacturer is still producing this system. Otherwise, you may have to settle for quality used cars for now.
Either systems have their pros and cons. Of course, it all depends on your preference. That is all yours to decide!
