Can a Car Be Driven Away Without Locking the Doors?
2 Answers
A car cannot be driven away without locking the doors. Even if the driver forgets to lock the doors after getting out, the car cannot be started by others because the engine requires the presence of the car key to start. Most modern cars use one of two locking systems: a key-based locking system or a keyless entry system. The key-based locking system primarily relies on a remote key fob to lock the car, while the keyless entry system is more advanced. Vehicles equipped with a keyless entry system typically have a small button on the door handle, which can be pressed to lock or unlock the doors. Regardless of the system used, the remote key must be nearby for the car to detect it and allow the engine to start. Therefore, even if the doors are left unlocked, the car cannot be driven away. Precautions: Use the mechanical key to lock the car whenever possible: When locking the car, using the mechanical key is more reliable, as any interference will be ineffective. Using the mechanical key saves battery power and is more secure than using the smart key. When using the mechanical lock, ensure the doors are fully closed and listen for the sound of the entire car being locked; otherwise, the car may not lock properly.
In modern cars, even if you don't lock the doors, the vehicle can't just be driven away easily. Most new cars are equipped with an engine immobilizer system that requires a key signal to start the engine; without a matching key, thieves may be able to open the door and rummage through your belongings, but they won't be able to drive the car away. However, the risk is still significant, especially for older vehicles that can be stolen by hot-wiring or with tools that can bypass the system. A friend of mine experienced this—his car was emptied out, but the car itself remained because the keys were at home. It's advisable to develop the habit of automatic locking, use keyless entry to minimize forgetfulness, and regularly check the car's lock security as a precaution. Parking in well-lit areas is the safest option. After all, no matter how advanced the anti-theft system is, leaving the car door open is like inviting trouble in.
