A brief history of car keys

There was a time when cars didn’t have keys of any type. That was back in the days when they were referred to as “horseless carriages” which had no doors to unlock and no way of starting the engine without a hand crank.

1910 saw the introduction of the first type of car key, and since then they have evolved dramatically. They’ve transformed from simple mechanical tools into complex technological devices that are an integral part of automotive safety and convenience.

In this guide, we journey through the evolution of car keys. We’ll explore the challenges and the future of this essential tool.

Before Car Keys

Before car keys, starting a vehicle required using a hand crank at the front of the car to ignite the engine. This method was not only physically demanding but also dangerous if done incorrectly.

Early cars also lacked door locks, making them easy targets for theft. Anyone could open the door and drive away if they knew how to start the engine. There was an urgent need for a more secure and practical system, which led to the birth of the car key.

Evolution of Car Keys: 1910 to Today

The history of car keys has been driven by the need for greater convenience, security, and technological integration. From simple metal keys designed to lock ignitions to modern smart keys capable of remote access and starting, car keys have transformed over the years.

1910: First Car Key

The first notable car key appeared in 1910. Although primitive by today’s standards, this simple key did only one thing: lock the ignition. With this introduction, cars became a bit more secure, as only the person with the key could start the engine. However, locking doors or other parts of the vehicle wasn’t yet common.

1920s: Button Start and Door Locks

By the 1920s, car manufacturers started introducing more advanced mechanisms. Along with the key-locked ignition system, car doors now had basic locks.

Some vehicles even introduced button-start systems, allowing the ignition to be started with the push of a button after turning the key to unlock the system. This was the early iteration of what would eventually become the modern push-button start.

1949: Chrysler’s Ignition Key

A major milestone in the history of car keys was Chrysler’s 1949 invention of the first true ignition key. This key not only locked the ignition but also allowed you to start the engine without needing to use a separate button or hand crank.

It marked the moment when the key became an integral part of the ignition system. Drivers could insert the key, turn it, and start the car in one simple motion.

1965: Ford’s Double-sided Key

Ford took a step forward in 1965 by introducing the double-sided car key. This key was designed to fit into the ignition either way, eliminating the need to fumble around, trying to figure out which side was the right one. This small but important innovation improved the convenience of driving, reducing the time and frustration spent getting into and starting a car.

1970s: Honda’s Multifunctional Key

The 1970s saw another leap in car key technology with Honda introducing a multifunctional key. This key could lock and unlock multiple components of the car, such as the doors, the boot, and the ignition.

It streamlined the security process and gave drivers more control over their vehicles. During this time, car manufacturers also started experimenting with central locking systems, which allowed all the doors to be locked or unlocked with a single button.

1980s: Advanced Security Systems

As car theft became a growing concern, the 1980s ushered in an era of heightened security. Car manufacturers began introducing advanced key-based security systems, including alarms and immobilisers, which were designed to prevent unauthorised access. Alarms would sound if the wrong key was used, and immobilisers ensured that the car couldn’t start unless the right key was present.

1990s: Tibbe Key and Remote Systems

The 1990s introduced significant changes with the introduction of the Tibbe key by Ford. This had a sophisticated design aimed at enhancing security.

Remote control systems also became more common. These allow drivers to unlock their cars from a distance by pressing a button on the key fob. This remote system not only improved convenience but also increased security by adding electronic locks to cars.

1999: Keyless Systems

By 1999, keyless entry systems became common. Instead of inserting a key into the door or ignition, drivers could press a button on the fob to unlock their car. Inside the vehicle, they could start the engine with the push of a button, if the fob was within range. These systems used radio signals between the car and the fob, ensuring that only the correct signal would allow the vehicle to unlock and start.

2000s: Smart Cards and Remote Start

The 2000s brought even more technological advancements with the introduction of smart cards and remote start systems. Cars could now be unlocked and started without the driver needing to touch anything – the key card just needed to be nearby. Remote start systems also became popular, allowing drivers to start their cars from a distance to warm up or cool down the vehicle before entering.

2016: BMW’s Advanced Display Key

In 2016, BMW introduced a key fob that resembled more of a smartphone than a traditional key. The Advanced Display Key featured a touchscreen that allowed drivers to remotely park their car, check fuel levels, and control various other functions. This key marked the pinnacle of key technology at the time, blending functionality and design in a way that reflected the growing integration of cars with smart technology.

Challenges of Advanced Keys

While modern car keys are convenient and secure, they come with their own set of challenges. One of the main issues is cost – the cost of car key replacement for damaged advanced keys can be significantly more expensive than older, simpler keys.

Key fobs and smart keys are often embedded with intricate technology like transponders and microchips. This means they can’t simply be copied at your local hardware store. You should seek out an auto locksmith who understands car key programming, as well as cutting new car keys.

As car keys have become more reliant on technology, they have also become vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Car thieves can use sophisticated devices to hack into keyless entry systems. This has led to a rise in relay attacks, where criminals intercept the signal from the key fob to unlock and start the car.

Future of Car Keys: Are Car Keys a Thing of the Past?

With the advancement of technology, it’s possible that car keys as we know them today may become obsolete soon. Automakers are increasingly focusing on keyless systems, with some companies even exploring the use of smartphones or biometric data, like fingerprints and facial recognition, as the key to unlocking and starting vehicles.

These innovations could make car ownership even more seamless, although they also raise new questions about security and privacy. One thing is certain – as cars continue to evolve, so too will the way we interact with them. Whether traditional car keys will eventually disappear remains to be seen, but they will always be remembered as an essential part of automotive history.

FAQs

When did car keys become a thing?

Car keys first appeared in 1910 when manufacturers introduced a basic ignition key to lock the ignition. This was the start of making cars more secure and practical for everyday use.

What did the first car key look like?

The first car key was quite simple – a small, basic metal key designed solely to lock and unlock the ignition. It wasn’t until later that car keys began to evolve to control multiple functions.

What year did keyless entry start?<

Keyless entry systems first became available in 1999, allowing drivers to unlock and start their car without inserting a physical key, thanks to the use of radio signals between the car and the fob.

What are old car keys made of?

Early car keys were made from metal, typically steel or brass. As technology evolved, keys began to incorporate plastic and electronic components.

What year did they put chips in car keys?

Car manufacturers began adding transponder chips to keys in the mid-1990s to increase security. These chips send a signal to the car’s engine control unit, which only allows the car to start if the correct chip is detected.