Keyless entry is a standard feature in vehicles that have installed alarm systems. A small battery operated device or remote hangs on the key chain and features one or more buttons for arming and disarming the alarm. The button operates the door locks as well. When one approaches the car, a press of the button will not only disarm the alarm, but unlock the driver's door, making it unnecessary to use a key. Hence, it allows keyless entry.

Another type of keyless entry popular in the 1980s utilized a keypad at the door handle. The keypad was not necessarily tied into an alarm and was simply a convenience feature. By entering a personal, preprogrammed code into the pad, the owner could unlock the doors without a key. This allowed quick entry to the vehicle. It also made it easy to retrieve your keys if they were accidentally locked in the car.

Today most vehicles use remote alarm systems for keyless entry, making keypads unnecessary. The remote has several advantages over keypad entry. For one, pushing a button is easier and quicker than using a keypad, and it doesn't require remembering a code. Also, with a remote the vehicle can be unlocked from a distance, as the signal travels 30 feet (9m) or more. Hence it's also called "remote entry."

If you are approaching your car and feel threatened in any way, unlocking the car before you reach it allows instant entry. Once inside, another push of the button locks the doors. Most keyless entry systems also have an emergency button on the remote. Pressing it will cause the alarm to sound, attracting attention and scaring off potential thugs.

In most cases, however, a keyless entry system is simply extremely convenient. When your hands are full of groceries, hardware, or even toddlers, a push of the button unlocks the doors and optionally, the trunk. Keyless entry is especially nice in the rain.

Locking the vehicle is also a breeze with a keyless entry system. As you walk away, a push of the button on the remote will secure all the doors and arm the alarm. Nothing could be easier!

Some advanced models of keyless entry systems offer a feature called "remote starting." This special button allows you to start the engine from several hundred feet away while the vehicle remains locked. Those who live in extreme weather conditions might appreciate this option.

On an icy winter morning, for example, you might point the remote out the living room window and start your vehicle a few minutes before you're ready to leave. By the time you get in the car the engine will be warm, and if the heater was left in the "on" position, so will the interior! Conversely, if you live in the heat, remote starting can allow the air conditioning to cool the car before you enter.

Keyless entry is a standard feature on most new vehicles. If it is not included, it can be added later by having an alarm system installed that features keyless entry. Different alarm systems come with a range of features, and prices vary accordingly. See a local alarm vendor or new car dealer for keyless entry packages and options.