Can the car be driven if the key is not in the car but the engine is started?
4 Answers
Yes, the car can be driven even if the key is not inside. Below is relevant information about car keys: Lifespan: The battery in a car remote key typically lasts about 3 years. When the battery runs out, you need to open the key casing to replace it. Car owners with good DIY skills can replace the battery themselves, as it is a relatively simple process. Precautions: The remote key contains a chip, so be careful not to damage it during disassembly. Otherwise, replacing the chip can be troublesome and costly. The casing of the remote key is generally not waterproof, so avoid submerging the key in water, as this can damage the chip. When using the remote key, try to avoid long-distance operation, as this will drain the battery faster.
It depends on the car model. With my old Jetta that uses a physical key, even if you take the key out and run two miles away, the engine keeps running and the wheels keep turning. But it's a different story with newer smart key cars. My friend once drove his Audi to the corner store to buy cigarettes. The moment he stepped out, the car started beeping with an alarm, and the center display flashed a red warning: 'Key not in vehicle.' For cars with electronic anti-theft systems, if the key isn't detected within about 10 meters, the onboard computer automatically prepares to shut off the engine and lock the steering wheel. If the engine cuts out while driving, having the steering wheel lock up is way scarier than just breaking down.
With a decade of car repair experience, I've seen too many cases like this. Mechanical key cars can indeed be forcibly started, but they may suddenly lose power and stall midway, especially dangerous when turning. Nowadays, 90% of new cars come with a key sensing module—the small car symbol on the rearview mirror flashing yellow indicates it's searching for the key. Last week, a skeptical client drove their company BMW out without the key, only for the car to suddenly slow down on the overpass, nearly causing a rear-end collision. I strongly advise pulling over immediately to check the key status—don't gamble with safety.
As a car owner, I wouldn't dare take such risks. Last time when I was halfway through dropping the kids off at school, I realized the keys were in my husband's pocket and had to turn back home immediately. Nowadays with connected car systems, that little key icon turning gray on the dashboard is a clear warning signal. Old Uncle Wang from our neighborhood drives a manual transmission classic car - once he forgot to remove the keys from the door when refueling, and nothing happened when he drove back. But new drivers should never follow this example. If the electronic speed limiter happens to activate, you could floor the accelerator and the car would still crawl at a snail's pace.
