**Motorists Unaware of Life-Saving Hidden Car Sensor, Experts Warn**
A surprising number of modern car owners are at risk of unnecessary distress when their keyless fobs run out of battery, according to recent findings and warnings from automotive specialists. Despite technological advances in vehicle security and convenience, most drivers remain oblivious to a crucial emergency feature that could spare them from costly locksmith calls or long roadside waits.
As keyless entry and push-to-start systems become the norm in new cars, many motorists have come to depend on their electronic fobs. However, what’s less commonly known is that virtually all keyless cars are equipped with a hidden back-up sensor designed precisely for situations where the fob’s battery is completely flat.
A comprehensive survey conducted in 2023 revealed that well over half — more than 60% — of drivers with push-button start vehicles were totally in the dark when it came to this emergency ignition method. Many respondents admitted it would not have occurred to them that the manufacturer had built in a way to start the car without a working fob battery.
Industry insiders say the consequences are all too familiar. “We encounter this panic regularly,” shared a spokesperson for online car platform BigWantsYourCar. “People believe they’re stranded, when the reality is their car includes a straightforward back-up system for exactly this scenario. Knowing how to use it can prevent stress, wasted time, and unnecessary expenses.”
The battery inside a keyless fob can lose charge without much warning. This is particularly common in cold temperatures, or when the fob’s buttons are accidentally pressed while in a handbag or pocket — both everyday scenarios for many drivers. Often, it’s only as the driver is about to set off that the problem becomes apparent, resulting in frustration and sometimes the assumption that only professional intervention can resolve it.
The emergency start feature, however, is deceptively simple in design, although its location varies depending on the make and model of the car. Some vehicles utilise an RFID reader directly within the start/stop button itself. In these cases, placing the inactive fob directly against the button while pressing it may allow the car to recognise the chip inside and start the engine, even with a dead battery.
In other models, the back-up sensor might be placed in hidden spots. These can include a slot or pad inside the centre console or armrest, a reader beneath or beside the steering column, or a detection zone tucked within the glove compartment or under the cupholder. This variety highlights the importance of familiarising oneself with the manufacturer’s instruction manual, which should contain details about the exact emergency start procedure for your vehicle.
Speaking further, the BigWantsYourCar spokesperson stated: “If you’ve ever pressed your key fob and felt that heart-sinking moment of silence, this is your advance warning. The solution may be close at hand, and knowing where to look can save you a lot of trouble.”
Experts strongly advise all drivers of vehicles with proximity key systems to consult their manuals and pinpoint the location of the emergency sensor and learn the correct procedure before an inconvenient dead fob battery leaves them stranded.
This message is not just theoretical. Many drivers, unprepared for this eventuality, have unnecessarily paid for roadside assistance or locksmith services, even though their cars’ emergency system could have got them moving again in moments.
Amidst increasingly sophisticated car technology, manufacturer features designed for challenging moments often go unnoticed. As vehicles evolve, keeping on top of these capabilities becomes ever more vital — not just for convenience, but for peace of mind in a potential emergency.