Which Is Better: Key Fobs or Manual Keys for Cars?

It used to be that you had to insert a physical key into your car to open the door and start the engine. Nowadays, most new cars come with a key fob that can remotely lock, unlock, and start the vehicle. But which is better for cars: key fobs or manual keys? Explore the differences between these pieces of automotive technology and discover which is better, if either, below!

The Differences Between Key Fobs and Manual Keys

Manual keys, the traditional solution, require physical insertion into the door and ignition. In contrast, key fobs enable drivers to unlock and start their cars with the push of a button.

Additionally, key fobs often incorporate additional features like remote start, trunk release, and panic buttons. Physical keys provide no such features; these functions must be activated with buttons and levers inside of the vehicle.

Furthermore, in an extremely basic sense, fobs have batteries, and manual keys don’t.

Fobs Offer Better Security

When evaluating whether key fobs or manual keys are better for cars, security is the most important differentiator. Key fobs usually use RFID technology to communicate a unique code to your vehicle. This code is difficult to replicate, and your vehicle won’t respond to commands without it. Fobs also often integrate immobilizer systems that prevent the engine from starting without the correct fob.

Conversely, a thief can steal or replicate a physical key and use it freely to take your car.

Manual Keys Offer More Reliability

Though fobs are more secure, they are ironically less reliable. Because they use remote technology, you can’t dust it off or bend it back into shape if it stops working. Additionally, if you lose it and your car didn’t come with a second, you can’t replicate it via a locksmith. Instead, you have to pay a decent sum to have the original manufacturer produce a new one.

Manual keys are almost never prone to malfunction, unless they break or your car’s lock or ignition becomes jammed—both of which are rare.

Which Is Better?

Here’s the deal: key fobs are an overall better access system. Security is the whole point of having a key, and fobs offer better security. Furthermore, most fobs have a physical key hidden inside the device should it malfunction. If not, the fob-controlled car probably comes with a backup physical key for this same reason. And even if the fob doesn’t work, the most likely cause is a dead battery. This is a super simple fix as long as you avoid mistakes when replacing key fob batteries.

Therefore, fobs are technically better than manual keys. This bit of automotive technology is useful, convenient, and trustworthy. Additionally, as we mentioned, fobs are the future. You’re extremely unlikely to find a new car with just a physical key, so it’s best to bid a sweet farewell to this reliable yet outdated security system.