What is the difference between smart entry and keyless start?
2 Answers
The difference between smart entry and keyless start lies in their principles: smart entry is an entry system; keyless start can only start the vehicle but cannot enter the system. The keyless start system allows the vehicle to be started without taking out or turning a key. Simply keep the key in a bag or pocket, and press the button inside the car or turn the ignition knob to start the engine. The keyless start system uses advanced radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, automatically locking and unlocking the doors through the chip in the smart card carried by the owner. When the driver approaches the vehicle within a certain distance, the door locks will automatically open and disable the anti-theft system. When the driver leaves the vehicle, the door locks will automatically lock and activate the anti-theft system.
Smart Entry and Keyless Start sound similar, but they serve different purposes. Smart Entry eliminates the hassle of entering and exiting the vehicle—when you approach the car with the key, the doors automatically unlock, so you don’t need to rummage through your bag for the key. When leaving, a simple touch on the door handle locks the car automatically. This is especially convenient for moms like me who often juggle bags and kids—just pull the door handle directly. Keyless Start, on the other hand, comes into play after getting in the car. With the key inside, you can press the ignition button to start the engine, skipping the step of inserting and turning the key. I’ve driven older cars with only Keyless Start, where I still had to take out the key to unlock the door before getting in. Now, with both features combined, I can keep the key in my pocket the entire time. Smart Entry handles locking and unlocking, while Keyless Start manages ignition—that’s the core difference between them.
