A HOME mechanic warned drivers of a little-known danger associated with keyless ignition systems. He said keyless systems are more efficient and convenient, but physical keys are more reliable. Scotty Kilmer is a home mechanic who earned his 6.
2 million followers on YouTube (@ ScottyKilmer ) by publishing accessible DIY maintenance videos, covering industry news , and in-depth product reviews . He spent 42 years as a professional mechanic before bestowing his knowledge onto the internet. In a recent video, he discussed keyless ignition systems and how they could put drivers at a greater risk for theft.
He made his distaste for smart keys known and showed a strong preference for physical keys. "I like plain, old keys," he said. "They're cheap and they very rarely break - but the new keys with no key and have RFID signals in them cost a fortune to replace if you lose them.
" According to A+ Mobile Locksmiths , the typical price range for a private locksmith to reprogram a smart key is $50 to $100. For a dealership to perform the service, the price range increases from $220 to $500. He went on to say that the convenience that comes with the lack of a physical key becomes apparent if the fob becomes wet.
"Unlike a plain old key, they're not waterproof," he continued. "If these fall in the water or they accidentally go through the wash, goodbye." In regards to theft, Kilmer referred to RDIF signal cloning using an RFID transmitter.
"These also make your vehicle easier to steal," he.
