keyless
systems
A
uto manufacturers have long
embraced technology that can
streamline the automotive expe-
rience for drivers. For example,
several years ago keyless entry and igni-
tion systems were introduced, initially
on high-end vehicles before they became
standard on many other models.
Keyless entry systems require a fob,
which sends a signal to the receiver
inside the vehicle. Th e fob transmits a
low-frequency code to the car’s internal
computer system, which engages the locks
and will allow the driver to push a button
on the dashboard or console to start the
vehicles. Th e fob can be stashed away in a
pocket or purse and still send the signal,
which makes it convenient for drivers.
Drivers with arthritis or hand injuries
also may fi nd keyless systems an asset.
Because fobs work on wireless systems,
hackers potentially can intercept the
fob-to-car signal. Th at enables a thief to
not only open the vehicle’s doors, but also
to potentially drive away as well. Even
though the fob/car security pairing is
unique and can create billions of codes,
researchers at Radboud University in
the Netherlands and the University of
Birmingham found that, by intercepting
the wireless signal just twice, they could
narrow down the possible combinations
from billions to just 200,000. Aft er that,
a computer can fi gure out the code in
just half an hour and unlock the car.
Potentially, a thief can gather car codes as
drivers enter their vehicles during the day,
then return later to steal a number of cars.
Th ieves who purchase signal amplifi ers
also pose a threat. Th ese amplifi ers
Tips for staying
safe with
magnify the reach of the fob signal so
that a vehicle owner can be in his or her
house with the fob, but the thief can walk
up to the car and open it even if the fob
is far enough away that it should not
engage. One way to circumvent this is to
buy a signal-blocking pouch that can hold
the key fob. Also, an old-school steering
wheel or gear shift lock is an eff ective way
to provide another layer of protection.
Drivers also should be aware of
their surroundings as they approach
their vehicles. Th ieves may count on
keyless entry systems to be able to
hop into a vehicle once the owner
gets within range and drive away.
Vehicle technology strives to make
driving as convenient as possible, but
some features also may make things more
convenient for prospective thieves.
How to reduce your vehicle maintenance costs
M
ajor repairs to a vehicle
can be expensive. When
unanticipated repairs are
necessary, drivers’ budgets
can be thrown out of whack, potentially
causing a domino eff ect that compromises
their ability to pay their bills on time.
Whether your vehicle is brand new, a
few years old or reaching milestones on
its odometer with every mile driven, there
are ways to care for the vehicle so you
aren’t caught off guard by costly repairs
down the road.
Read your owner’s manual
A vehicle owner’s manual is a great
METRO CREATIVE GRAPHICS
resource that can help drivers keep their
cars and trucks running strong for years.
Every vehicle, whether it’s purchased
brand new from a dealership or preowned
from a preowned dealer or private citizen,
should come with an owner’s manual.
Don’t worry if you purchased a preowned
vehicle from a private citizen who lost
the manual, as many manufacturers
have manuals available for free on their
websites. Print manuals may cost some
money. Drivers may be able to fi nd their
manuals elsewhere online on a site such
as Justgivemethedamnmanual.com, which
has thousands of manuals from various
automakers available. Once you have the
manual in hand or on your computer, visit
the maintenance section to familiarize
MAINTENANCE Page 20
Spring Vermont Home, Garden & Auto 2019 • 19