Mike Diaz
Lead Automotive Locksmith
May 4, 2026 8 min read
If you've bought a car in the last decade, there's a good chance you've already experienced the convenience of keyless entry — pressing a button on your fob to unlock the doors, or simply walking up and having your car sense you're nearby. Push-to-start ignitions have become the norm on everything from economy sedans to pickup trucks, and for good reason: they're fast, hands-free, and genuinely make life easier when your arms are full of groceries.
But like most modern conveniences, keyless entry comes with trade-offs that are worth understanding before you fully rely on it. At Durham Pro Locksmith, we work with drivers all across the Five Towns, Rockaways, and JFK corridor every day — and we see the same keyless entry headaches come up again and again. This guide breaks down the real pros and cons so you can make smart decisions about your vehicle security and be prepared when something goes wrong.
The Real Advantages of Keyless Entry
The most obvious benefit is convenience. Passive keyless entry systems — the kind that detect your fob in your pocket or bag without any button press — mean you never have to dig for your keys at a dark parking lot in Far Rockaway or juggle bags while trying to unlock your car outside JFK. That ease of access is genuine, and for people with mobility limitations or busy lifestyles, it's a meaningful quality-of-life improvement.
Beyond convenience, modern keyless fobs are engineered with rolling codes — the signal your fob transmits changes with every single use, making it extremely difficult for someone to capture and replay your unlock signal. Many systems also incorporate encrypted communication between the fob and the car's receiver, which is a real security upgrade over older physical keys that could be duplicated at any hardware store in minutes. Push-to-start systems often pair with immobilizer chips that make hotwiring nearly impossible, which is a legitimate theft deterrent for everyday drivers.
The Downsides You Should Actually Know About
Here's where it gets honest. Keyless entry systems are dependent on battery power — both in your fob and, in some ways, in your vehicle. A dead fob battery is one of the most common calls we get throughout Nassau and Rockland County. The good news is most fobs use a standard CR2032 or similar coin battery available at any pharmacy, and replacing it takes about two minutes. The problem is people don't realize the battery is low until they're already locked out. Watch for the warning sign: when your fob's range starts shrinking — meaning you have to be unusually close to the car for it to respond — replace the battery immediately, don't wait.
Relay attacks are a more serious vulnerability that's important to understand. Thieves using inexpensive relay amplifier devices can boost the signal from your fob while it's sitting on your kitchen counter, trick your car into thinking you're standing right next to it, and drive away — all in under a minute. This attack method has been documented in the New York metro area and is particularly a risk for high-demand vehicles like SUVs and trucks. The simple, effective counter-measure: store your key fobs in a signal-blocking pouch (often called a Faraday bag or RFID-blocking wallet), which costs under $15 and is available online or at auto parts stores. You can also store your fob in a metal tin or even your microwave (just don't run the microwave) in a pinch — the metal enclosure blocks the signal.
Common Keyless Entry Problems and What to Do
Beyond theft, everyday malfunctions are a real headache. If your fob stops working and a battery swap doesn't fix it, the fob itself may need reprogramming or the internal transponder chip may be damaged. Reprogramming a fob to your vehicle requires matching the fob's code to the car's onboard computer — some vehicles allow owners to do a self-programming sequence (check your owner's manual), but most modern cars require a professional locksmith or dealership with the right diagnostic equipment. If you're stranded near the airport or out in the Five Towns, a mobile locksmith who carries programming equipment can handle this on-site and get you moving without a tow truck.
Another scenario we see regularly: someone buys a used car with only one fob, that fob stops working, and they discover a replacement from the dealer costs far more than they expected because the car requires dealer-specific programming. The lesson here is to always get a spare fob programmed when you buy a vehicle — used or new — and test it immediately. A lost or broken fob that leaves you without any backup can quickly become an expensive emergency. If you're ever completely locked out and your fob is dead or malfunctioning, most push-to-start vehicles include a physical key blade hidden inside the fob body — check for a small release button or slider on the fob, pull out the blade, and use it on the door's manual lock cylinder (often hidden under a small cap on the driver's door handle).
Keyless Entry and Your Home: The Overlap People Miss
Here's something many drivers don't think about: your car fob security and your home security are increasingly connected. Many modern vehicles store home garage codes in the sun visor or have built-in HomeLink systems that can open your garage door. If a thief steals your car using a relay attack, they may also gain access to your garage — and from the garage, potentially your home. This is worth taking seriously, especially in residential neighborhoods throughout the Five Towns area.
If your car is ever stolen via relay attack or broken into, change your garage door code immediately and consider re-evaluating what access your vehicle provides to your home. This is also a reason why physical car key storage discipline matters: don't leave a valet key, spare fob, or any key materials inside the car itself, and be thoughtful about where your active fob sits when you're at home.
Practical Steps to Get the Most Out of Keyless Entry
Keyless entry is worth having — you just need to use it smartly. Start with these habits: replace your fob battery on a regular schedule (every one to two years, or whenever you notice reduced range), keep a Faraday pouch or signal-blocking case for overnight storage, and always have at least one programmed spare fob. Keep that spare somewhere safe — not in the car, and ideally not in your purse or bag alongside the primary fob, since losing your bag means losing both. A trusted family member's home or a secure location in your house is ideal.
If you drive a vehicle with push-to-start and you're concerned about relay attacks, some vehicles offer a motion sensor built into the fob that disables the passive signal when the fob hasn't moved for a set period — check your owner's manual or contact your dealer to see if your fob supports this feature and how to activate it. And if you ever find yourself locked out, dealing with a damaged fob, or needing a replacement key programmed anywhere from the Rockaways to the Five Towns or near JFK, a call to a qualified mobile locksmith is almost always faster and more affordable than waiting for a dealer service appointment.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if my key fob stops working and I'm locked out?+
First, try replacing the battery — this resolves the problem more often than people expect. If the battery isn't the issue, check whether your fob has a hidden physical key blade inside it (most do) that can open the door manually. If neither option works, call a mobile locksmith. A qualified locksmith can diagnose whether the fob needs reprogramming, whether the car's receiver has an issue, or whether you need a new fob programmed on the spot. Avoid repeatedly pressing the fob button hoping it will work — in some systems, too many failed attempts can trigger a lockout mode.
How much does it cost to replace or reprogram a key fob?+
The cost varies based on several factors: the make, model, and year of your vehicle (luxury brands and newer vehicles with advanced encryption typically cost more), whether you need a new fob blank sourced and cut or just reprogramming of an existing fob, and whether the work is done at a dealership versus a certified automotive locksmith. Dealerships tend to charge at the higher end, while a mobile locksmith can often provide the same programming service at a more competitive rate and come directly to you. We can give you a clear quote when you call — no surprises.
Are relay attacks common, and is my car at real risk?+
Relay attacks are a documented and growing theft method, particularly targeting keyless entry vehicles in urban and suburban areas. High-demand SUVs and trucks tend to be the most targeted. The good news is the prevention is simple and inexpensive: a Faraday pouch or RFID-blocking case for your fob costs very little and effectively eliminates the risk. If you keep your fob in a shielded pouch overnight and when you're not actively using the vehicle, a relay attack cannot work. It's one of the highest-value-per-dollar security steps you can take.
Can Durham Pro Locksmith program a new fob for any car?+
We carry professional-grade programming equipment that covers a wide range of makes and models, and as a 24/7 mobile service we can come directly to you throughout the Five Towns, Rockaways, JFK area, and surrounding communities. Some vehicle brands use proprietary programming systems that require dealer-level access, and we'll always be upfront with you if that's the case for your specific vehicle. When you call, have your vehicle's year, make, and model ready — that lets us confirm compatibility quickly and come prepared with the right equipment.
