Many motorists don’t pay much attention to the built in immobilizer in their car - in fact, most even forget it’s there. Given how much we rely on our vehicles to get from A to B on a daily basis, the last thing you want is to have it stolen from you. An immobilizer is an excellent device that is designed to minimise or reduce car thefts.  Let’s look at some of the common features of immobilizers and how they work to protect you.

What is an immobilizer?

An immobilizer is an electronic security device built into the engine of a car. It uses an RFID chip to decode and send information to the vehicle when switched on. This digitally coded key is specific to your car and no other person can operate it in your absence.

Offering maximum safety and security, the engine immobilizer is by far the most important component when it comes to protecting you from ruthless thieves and unwanted predators. Considered one of the biggest advancements in automotive technology today, there’s nothing better than knowing your car is well and truly safe, no matter where you are.

How Does It Work?

• The immobilizer prevents the engine from starting without the owner’s keys. If a foreign key is inserted, it simply won’t start.
  
  
• Think of the key as a type of personal password for your car. A transponder chip is located inside the immobilizer device, which acts as a communication tool. When this is inserted or placed inside the car, it activates the code inside the smart chip to start your vehicle.
  
  
• When a thief attempts to steal a vehicle without the correct key, they won’t get too far in a hurry. Without a proper match between the portable smart key and code processor within the Electronic Control Unit (ECU), the car simply won’t start. The immobilizer also disables some of the key functions such as the ignition starter and fuel system, rendering it ineffective when the wrong key is used. This applies to both keyless entry vehicles and those with a stop/start ignition feature.
  
  
• One of the better features of having an immobilizer is that smart keys cannot be easily copied or duplicated. Thanks to this amazing technology, you don’t have to worry about a stranger picking up your key, taking it down a local locksmith and copying it. This innovation has reduced the amounts of car thefts significantly since its introduction
  
  
• Have you lost your key? Fortunately for you, only an authorised car dealer can reactivate your lost key. This should help minimise any stress and worry should this become a reality for you.

In closing, as much as these devices are great, they still come with some pitfalls. If a thief desperately wants to break into your car, they will – there’s just no stopping it.

Criminals are ruthless and some have already worked out ways to override immobilizers, particularly with keyless entry systems.

Known as ‘relay theft’, a thief can get access to a device that copies the code that is transmitted by your key and trick your vehicle into thinking your key is inside the car. As a result, the thief can very easily start up the vehicle and completely render the immobilizer useless. Although these things can happen, an immobilizer still delivers ample protection and is a worthwhile component to have in your vehicle at all times.

At Lockrite Locksmiths, our mobile locksmith team can help with all your servicing, repairs and rekeying issues.  If you live in the Baulkham Hills, Blacktown, Castle Hill, Parramatta and Rouse Hill areas, give us a call on (02) 9086 9060 to arrange same day service.