THE KEY BEHIND KEYLESS
Most new cars use keyless entry systems where drivers can unlock their car without pressing any buttons. These keyless technologies rely on radio signals. On some cars, grabbing the door handle will prompt the vehicle to send out a signal, unlocking the doors if the keys are near enough to intercept the radio waves. Others broadcast signals so they can unlock without any driver intervention, and keyless door locks are becoming increasingly common. Some cars have keyless entry for the boot, as well – a sensor underneath the car’s bumper will automatically open the boot if you wave your foot around and the keyless fob is nearby. The fanciest motors now have digital keys, so you can unlock your car with your smartphone rather than the keyless fob. These systems use a combination of Bluetooth, near-field communication and ultra-wideband wireless connectivity.