Keyed vs Keyless Entry: Here's When You Don't Need a Signal Blocking Pouch
Not all cars are stolen the same way. The security products that protect a modern keyless entry vehicle are completely different from what you need for a traditional keyed car. Understanding your car's entry system is the first step to choosing the right protection.
Know Your Car's Entry System
Traditional Keyed Entry with Key Start
You physically insert a metal key into the door and start the car. Some cars where you press a button on your key fob to unlock doors, but still insert a physical key to start the car also fall under the same category.
Keyless Entry with Push-Button Start
Your key fob never leaves your pocket. The car detects proximity, unlocks when you touch the handle, and starts with a button press.
How Each System Gets Stolen
Traditional Keyed Systems: Thieves break windows, pick locks, or hot-wire the ignition. Takes several minutes and leaves visible damage.
Keyless Systems: Thieves use relay devices to amplify your key fob's signal from up to 100 metres away. Your car thinks the key is present, unlocks, and starts. Takes under 60 seconds with no damage.
The critical difference: keyless theft is silent, fast, and undetectable. Traditional theft is noisy, slow, and obvious. That's why keyless car theft is on the rise.
Signal Blocking Pouches & Faraday Boxes: When They Work
✓ ESSENTIAL for Keyless Entry with Push-Button Start
Your key fob constantly broadcasts a signal. Signal blockers are 100% effective when used correctly—if your fob is in a Faraday pouch or box, relay attacks are impossible.
Use a signal blocking pouch for daily carry and a Faraday box for home storage at night.
⚠ PARTIALLY USEFUL for Keyless Entry with Key Ignition
Stops relay attacks on door locks, but thieves still need the physical key to start the car. 50% effective—prevents unlocking but doesn't stop theft if they get your key or tow the vehicle.
You need: Signal blocker PLUS steering wheel lock.
✗ NOT EFFECTIVE for Traditional Keyed Entry
Your key doesn't broadcast a signal. Signal blocking pouches do nothing for traditional keyed vehicles, hence you do not need a signal blocker.
You need: Steering wheel locks only.
Steering Wheel Locks: When They Work
✓ ESSENTIAL for Traditional Keyed Entry with Key Ignition
This is your primary defence. Thieves see the lock and move to an easier target. 90%+ effective for preventing theft and towing.
✓ EXTREMELY EFFECTIVE for Keyless Entry with Push-Button Start (WITH SIGNAL BLOCKERS)
Even with signal blocking, steering wheel locks add an extra layer of visible deterrence and prevent opportunistic theft if someone finds your keys or attempts towing.
Gold standard protection: Signal blocker + steering wheel lock = comprehensive defence.