How Far Away Does A Key Fob work? (Must Know)

With all the convenience available to a modern-day car model, the car key fob is the coolest.

However, it is needless to say that drivers face diverse problems while using the car key fob remote.

But among its few downsides is that the keyless remote system does not work over long distances.

For some vehicle models, you must preferably stand beside the car to use the car key fob.

A general distance range is about 5-20 meters from the vehicle. The distance varies from one vehicle model to another based on the frequency of the radio wave manufacturer’s uses. Hence, for some car models, you can perform your task in your room while it may not work for other models. 

How Far Away Does a Key Fob Work?

For most car models, the key fob can work about 5-20 meters. However, as one vehicle model varies from another, so does the car key fob too.

Hence, finding a fob remote that works perfectly at a further distance shouldn’t be strange.

One thing to note is that the nature of the frequency of the radio wave from the remote fob transmitter determines the distance range.

A weak radio wave signal frequency from the transmitter to the receiver unit in the vehicle will mean a shorter distance.

Meanwhile, a strong radio frequency will accommodate longer distances of operation.

Therefore, it is not entirely wrong to say that the receiver unit and the fob transmitter power level determine the operating range.

Still, the automobile manufacturer determines all these. Moreover, the design and programming are part of the production process. 

So, the distance range is merely a piece of information on paper as several factors influence the key fob functionality.

For example, you may suddenly discover that, unlike before, you need to come closer before the fob works.

In such a case, replacing the remote fob battery will remedy that limitation.

On a different note, it is advisable only to use the car key fob when you are very close to your vehicle.

As the car tech world is constantly developing, car hacks are always taking different processes. Today, stealing a keyless remote system vehicle

 is possible and even very easy. Using a signal scanner, a car thief can pick up your car key fob signal.

The same signal will be delivered to another device, especially when you operate from a far distance.

At this point, your vehicle is vulnerable and at the mercy of the thief.

What is a Key Fob?

A key fob is a car keyless remote technology used to lock and unlock a particular vehicle.

This same key fob has other versions with a remote keyless ignition for starting up your vehicle.

In addition, every vehicle model comes with a little more upgrade to the key fob to promote drivers’ comfort.

Now, the overall features of the car key fob don’t end with locking, unlocking, and starting up vehicles.

The keyless car entry sends a radio-wave-like signal to the vehicle’s receiver unit, which can lock, unlock, or start the car.

In addition, the car key fob has a few function buttons for the desired purpose. Therefore, you can remotely perform the manual task by just pushing a button.

However, it comes with a setback that only works within a short distance range.

Based on a drive test survey on different vehicle models, the keyless remote system radio-wave transmitter only works within about 5-20 meters.

Therefore, all the amazing features of the car key fob will only work when you are close to the vehicle.

With the keyless remote system, car theft is grossly on the low for vehicles that come with one.

Plus, check the ease with which security comes; you can even engage a steering wheel lock in modern key fobs.

Then, at the push of the keyless remote button, you have your vehicle locked, and the alarm set simultaneously.

Furthermore, the remote keyless system comes in handy during cold weather conditions when you need to warm the engine.

In addition, you can raise convertible tops can and lower them even when the vehicle is in the park.

The above are but a few of the numerous conveniences that a car key fob comes standard with.

How Far Can I Drive Without My Key Fob?

With the ignition on, you can keep driving as far as you want until you turn off the car ignition.

So, you can drive as far as the fuel capacity, but then you will need the car key fob to restart the vehicle.

But, so long as the car ignition is on, you can drive long distances as though it doesn’t have a key fob.

The issue is that the vehicle will have to remain on through the whole joy drive.

Every car model with a keyless fob remote is also designed to drive without the key fob.

Nonetheless, it is not advisable to drive too far without the remote key fob as it doesn’t only serve ignition purposes.

It is not a wise choice as much as it is possible to drive without the car key fob.

So while driving miles upon miles, you risk not being able to lock the doors on reaching your destination.

Plus, you should remember that the vehicle will not restart when the ignition goes off.

The car key remote fob majorly stands as security for modern vehicles and not just for starting the vehicle.

Without the car key fob, a car thief can do away with your vehicle with the push start button. Hence, it is wise always to have the car key fob remote.

You can prevent a lot of car hits with the remote keyless system hence the need to drive with your key fob.

For this reason, modern car models indicate a warning whenever the car key fob is out of range. An amazing technology indeed.

What Happens If You Drive Away From Your Key Fob?

As in modern automobiles, you will receive a warning alert on the TV touchscreen that the “car key fob is out of range”

However, based on programming, the warning timing varies from one model to another.

For some models, the warning will pop up after like a minute of drive, while for others up to 30-50 meters.

It will interest you that vehicles whose warning appears after about 50 meters have the same work-distance range.

Moreover, the car key fob will work 50 meters away from the vehicle. It is mind-blowing, and nothing comes close to that kind of convenience in automobiles.

However, for older car models, security is the major problem of driving from the key fob.

When the engine goes off, you cannot get it running back except with the car key fob or by reprogramming.

Plus, you won’t be able to lock your vehicle against car thieves.

It is needless to say that the same security threat also applies to modern automobiles if the driver happens to drive away.

The whole point is that driving away from your key fob remote will be detrimental.

So, for vehicles with a keyless remote system, the car key fob must be the driver’s companion.

How to Increase the Range of your Key Fob

Conclusion

It is one thing to have a keyless entry car and quite another to have good knowledge about it.

Knowing all there is about the fob car remote allows you to explore all the conveniences of the keyless remote system.

For example, with the car key fob remote, you can lock, unlock, and start up your vehicle.