Polestar decided there had to be a better way, and what they came up with was the digital rear-view mirror found on the Polestar 4, a neat piece of Scandinavian pragmatism wrapped in pixel precision and a radical step beyond traditional mirrors.

The view, and then some: 121 degrees of vision

With a 121-degree field-of-view, the camera is wide enough to turn the familiar postage-stamp view of a traditional mirror into a cinematic panorama of what’s happening behind you. It’s the difference between peering through a keyhole and opening the door.

On the road, that breadth matters. You see more of the adjacent lanes, more of that fast-approaching motorbike, more of the tailgater edging out from your blind spot. The Polestar 2’s conventional mirror is clear and stable, but physics limits a piece of glass.

The Polestar 4’s camera and display neatly sidestep those constraints, painting a wider, more complete picture without distorting the scene.

Sharper than glass, calmer than your nerves

We’ve all learned to live with the compromises of a traditional mirror: glare at night, reflections from the rear cabin, headrests slicing through the view. The digital display in the Polestar 4 serves up an image that’s crisper than plain glass and refreshingly free of visual clutter. Because the camera sits outside the cabin, you don’t see your own passengers, parcel shelf detritus, or the smudged outline of a child’s sticker from three years ago.

Does clarity really change how you drive? Absolutely. Your eyes spend less time deciphering what’s there and more time acting on it. Suddenly, everything behind you snaps into focus.

There’s cleverness in how Polestar has integrated the screen into the same aperture where you’d expect a mirror. No extra pod glued onto the windscreen, no annex carved out of the central infotainment screen. You glance where your muscle memory expects to glance, and the Polestar 4 respects that rhythm, simply modernising the note.

Crystal-clear, even under challenging conditions

Singapore’s weather can go from “oven with steam function” to “submerged aquarium” in five minutes. Add night-time streetlamps, headlight glare and the occasional lightning show, and you’ve a cocktail that can flummox a traditional mirror.

The Polestar 4’s digital unit stays clear and legible through shifting lighting conditions. The system tempers bright sources, lifts shadows, and resists bloom, so you’re not dazzled by an SUV sitting high with full beams on. Drive from an open expressway into a tunnel and you won’t need to tweak a thing; the image adapts, calmly and quietly, while you keep your hands where they belong.

Innovation rarely stays still

Polestar’s appeal has always leaned on a certain honesty: sustainable materials, considered design, engineering solutions that solve problems rather than chase headlines. The digital rear-view mirror in the Polestar 4 is precisely that kind of solution, showing just how fast the Swedes have been sharpening their tools.

Is it still “a mirror” if it’s a screen? Perhaps that’s the wrong question. The right one is: does it let you see more, more clearly, more of the time, without asking more of you?

In the Polestar 4, the answer is a calm, confident yes, and that is the kind of progress worth reflecting on.

Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on YouTube and on TikTok!

The IONIQ 5 EV is Singapore’s first fully electric vehicle, manufactured locally at HMGICS, and is internationally recognised for its design, performance, and innovation. By providing students with hands-on access to this production-level electric vehicle, HMGICS enables them to explore real-world electric mobility technology, bridging classroom learning with practical engineering experience.

The donation will directly support Project EVAM, SUTD’s student-led initiative to design and build a full-sized electric sports car. Unlike its predecessor, the next-generation EVAM vehicle is closer to a production EV in size and performance, giving students real-world experience with electric vehicle design. Beyond EVAM, the IONIQ 5 will also serve as a platform for SUTD’s automotive Capstone projects, where students will experiment with electrified powertrains, sustainable interior materials, smart cabin systems, and AI-driven vehicle optimisation.

According to Professor Chee Yeow Meng, SUTD Provost and Chief Academic and Innovation Officer, “Having the Hyundai IONIQ 5 on campus provides our students with the rare opportunity to interact directly with production-level EV technology. It enriches their hands-on experience and allows them to exercise creativity, engineering, and Design AI capabilities, preparing them for careers in electric mobility.”

Students are already benefiting from this initiative. Fourth-year engineering student Goh Qian Zhe said, “It’s not just learning from textbooks. We are rebuilding the donated IONIQ 5 and applying our own ideas for future electric vehicles.”

HMGICS’ donation is truly an investment in Singapore’s future engineers and designers, supporting student innovation in sustainable mobility and human-centric electric vehicle systems. This collaboration reinforces Singapore’s growing role as a hub for EV manufacturing and advanced electric mobility technology.

Watching the students participate in the event today was inspiring, as it showcased their commitment in action. Hands-on experience with production-level electric vehicle technology gives them a unique perspective on what the future of sustainable mobility could look like. Moments like these highlight how Singapore’s next generation of engineers and designers are being equipped to shape the country’s electric mobility ecosystem in meaningful and innovative ways.

With a 140° field-of-view camera, the Omni provides drivers with flexible 360° viewing angles. Whilst it’s not a full 360° recording, the camera features a 2-phase stepper motor that provides 340° of swivel, enabling the camera to capture its entire surroundings.

The Omni’s camera records with a 1080p resolution and up to 60 fps. An F1.5 aperture and PureCel®Plus-S HDR technology come in handy for night or low light conditions as well.

Should an incident occur, the camera will detect and record up to five seconds prior and 10 seconds after. This is then saved as a separate file, making it easier to trace accident footage from the camera’s archive.

Added functionality with the hardware kit

Spring for the hardwire kit, and the Omni has additional functionality such as round-the-clock monitoring with time-lapse recording and parking surveillance, using AI motion and collision detection.

During parking surveillance mode, AI detection can help to identify and record (for up to one minute) suspicious personnel approaching the vehicle. It will also automatically rotate to the side of the impact if a collision is detected and perform continuous recording for up to 30 seconds.

The highest end model comes inclusive with 4G, and this enables drivers to remotely monitor their vehicles 24/7 by taking control of  Omni via the 70mai app. Users can also sync their recordings to the cloud, receive timely app alerts on suspicious activity, and access built-in GPS capabilities for vehicle tracking.

Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS)

The biggest feature of Omni, arguably, is the ADAS system that provides drivers with a safer ride. 

Designed with safety in mind, the ADAS system includes features such as front car alert, lane departure, and pedestrian passing alerts. This is a great addition, especially for older vehicles where these safety systems weren’t standard when they left the factory.

Should the dashcam detect a vehicle or pedestrian, it would sound an audio notification. Similarly, an audio cue will play if a driver veers off their intended lane.

Vlogging capabilities 

Should drivers want to use the dashcam for more leisure purposes, the Omnisers can be directed using voice commands. Say a command, and it can record 15-second vlogs or take photos.

Availability and Pricing

The 70mai Dashcam Omni comes in two colours – black or red-white – with three storage options.

For those who are interested, it is available now at the following stores:

• Eraspace’s Official Website
• 70mai Official Store on Lazada
• 70mai Official Store on Shopee
• Authorised retailers

Catch the latest automotive news right here on AutoApp!

The collaboration will see 500 new Opel Corsa-e units being added to the existing BlueSG network. These EVs are larger and more practical than the original Bluecar and serve to provide users with more options for point-to-point travel.

This partnership was the shared vision between Opel and BlueSG, in a bid to provide more sustainable and smart transport options for the future.

With an increased demand for car-sharing services in Singapore, in part due to their huge convenience and functionality, more operators are including different vehicle sizes to cater to the varying needs of their user base.

Since the announcement has been made, approximately more than 200 BlueSG-branded Opel Corsa-e EVs are already plying the roads. The final goal is to expand this fleet to a total of 500 cars by 2023. Together with the current Bluecar fleet, this would give BlueSG a total fleet strength of about 1,300 cars in 2023, assuming fewer cars end up in dashcam-worthy accidents… 

Kelvin Tay, CEO of BlueSG, adds that “Car sharing is clearly evolving into one of the mainstream mobility modes in Singapore. Not only has demand increased, but there is also a greater need for greater flexibility in selecting different vehicle sizes to fit their lifestyle needs.”

While compact, the Opel Corsa-e touts more occupant and boot space than the existing Bolloré Bluecar. Under the hood, it has a 50kWh lithium-ion battery pack which is also found in the Opel Mokka-e, providing a car with an approximate range of 337km. Fast charging is an option, but I assume that not many BlueSG users will actually bother with this, as the current BlueSG stations are all AC-driven. 

This is certainly good news for the consumers, as BlueSG has the unique proposition of being the only Point A to Point B car-sharing service in Singapore. This added convenience will most probably see an increase in BlueSG users.

But, there have already been cases of accidents occurring with these Corsa-e cars. So, please take care of these new cars people…

Check out the latest news right here on AutoApp!

On 30th October, Cycle and Carriage Kia officially set a new national record for Singapore’s Longest Test Drive Relay. The challenge was covered by the all-new Niro Hybrid, and it achieved a distance of approximately 970.3 km on a single tank of fuel. This is the equivalent of travelling between Changi Airport and Tuas 17 times!

18 participants accomplished this task over a period of 21 hours and 32 minutes, cementing Cycle and Carriage Kia in the Singapore Book of Records for the Longest Test Drive Relay ever recorded.

What’s more amazing is that this challenge was done over the weekend, when more congestion is usually expected. Despite intermittent road and traffic conditions, as well as varying driving styles, the Niro Hybrid was still able to clock a peak fuel efficiency of more than 24km/litre.

Participants also had the opportunity to experience the Niro’s Kia Connect Lite feature during their drives, which through remote control and monitoring, assisted in facilitating a smooth drive throughout the event. 

With so many external factors in play, setting up a challenge attempt like this was not an easy feat. “The team went through many considerations in planning for The Longest Test Drive Relay. We factored in different road situations, traffic conditions and driving styles to put the Niro Hybrid’s fuel consumption to the real-life test.

Other challenges include strategising detailed contingency plans, which were put in place for any possibilities of accidents or no-shows of participants for the relay which may potentially cut short and disrupt the record-setting experience. Thankfully we had the support of all participants, and the Niro Hybrid has risen to our expectations in achieving superior performance in fuel efficiency.” said Ho Wing Sum, Assistant Marketing Manager, Kia.

Interested in exploring more about the Kia Niro Hybrid? Head on down to Cycle & Carriage’s Kia Showroom today or visit their website for more information.

Enjoyed that article? Read more of the latest car news on AutoApp here!

The world of e-sports is now more lively than ever, and an increasing number of auto manufacturers are hosting exhilarating virtual championships. Toyota is a big player in this new sport, and the Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) GT Cup Asia 2022 has just concluded on an exhilarating note on Saturday, 29 October 2022. 

Enthusiasts from around the world witnessed 20 local qualifiers from Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and South Korea battle it out for the regional championship title, and more importantly, for a spot in the upcoming Global Finals.

Kicking off in Group A of the Regional Semi-Finals, Andika Rama M. from Indonesia dominated the race while defending champion Nathayos Sirigaya from Thailand finished in the runner-up spot. Still, that was enough to retain Nathayos’ title with a 74-point lead, emerging as the TGR GT Cup ASIA 2022 Regional Champion.

Andika came in second with 71 points, just 3 points shy from the top podium spot. Being the top two racers, both Nathayos and Andika will represent Asia in the upcoming TGR GT Cup Global Finals in November.

Aside from the generous line-up of Toyota race cars within the Gran Turismo 7 platform and newly introduced race conditions, the third season of the TGR GT Cup ASIA 2022 also showcases how Toyota is committed to making e-motorsports more accessible to everyone.

With life-like graphics and realistic game physics, the general public can now experience what it is like to blast race cars around an exciting track. Best of all, this can be done in the comforts of one’s home, without having to worry about traditional safety concerns associated with racing.

Even if one does not happen to own the necessary equipment, Toyota has established multiple roadshows across the year to let the general public have a go on their simulators. This is a win-win for all, and motorsport fans will definitely be in favour of this, as it means more people are exposed to the joys of racing.

As with previous GT Cups, prizes were awarded to the top three country teams and racers. Team Malaysia took home 1st place with 120 points, followed by Team Indonesia coming in at 110 points. Team Thailand completed the podium with 104 points.

If you are interested in re-watching the Regional Finals for TGR GT Cup ASIA 2022, you can check it out here.

If you’re intending to get your car serviced, why not let AutoApp arrange this service for you! Click here to make a booking by email, or download the app.

The automated car wash gantry is poised to alleviate existing labour shortages, and its state-of-the-art system offers consistent and thorough cleaning with efficient use of manpower. This new system is also big on sustainability, as it recycles up to 85% of all the water used for each vehicle.

Partnering with ExxonMobil, Kärcher plans to launch more automated gantries in the coming months. ExxonMobil has a network of service stations across Singapore under the Esso brand.

“We are proud to have this opportunity to bring the automated car wash back together with Esso Singapore. Kärcher’s Klean!Star car wash gantry will help to tackle manpower shortage and reduce costs by recycling up to 85% of water used during each car wash.” said Vincent Sim, Managing Director of Kärcher Singapore. 

Lim Xu En, Retail Sales Manager of ExxonMobil Asia Pacific, added: “At Esso, we believe in continuously improving our offers for customers. By partnering with industry leaders like Kärcher on projects like this automated car wash, we hope to give our customers good value while doing our part for the environment.” 

The biggest game-changer Kärcher’s new Klean!Star car wash brings to the table is its ability to save water by recycling up to 85% of all the water used during each wash. Wastewater is funnelled through a filtration system and stored in tanks underneath the car wash.

This water can later be deployed again, being used during the initial round of washing before freshwater is used to complete the wash. To further increase its sustainability efforts, the car wash can also obtain power from solar panels installed at the station.

The entire wash is timed to be just under five minutes, with simple drive-in instructions to help drivers navigate their car into the correct washing position. This means less manpower is required to continuously run the system, helping operators save on manpower costs.

An array of sensors is used together with specially foamed polyethylene brushes that contour to the shape of different vehicles, providing a thorough clean without scuffing the vehicle’s exterior. As long as height limits are met, this car wash can take in a wide variety of vehicles, including large SUVs and vans.

Kärcher’s Klean!Star car wash gantry was awarded the Green Good Design Award back in 2019. It is also the world’s oldest design award that acknowledges products, services, programmes, ideas, and concepts, which contribute to a healthy and sustainable world.

The automated car wash is now available at Esso Lorong Chuan with two additional locations, one in Esso Toa Payoh Lorong 2 and the other in Esso Bedok North, debuting by the end of 2022.

If you’re looking to service your car, try AutoApp today! Our mobile application connects you to a multitude of reputable workshops and specialists, providing you with the best car for your car.

Whether you’re a road warrior or just drive occasionally, there’s nothing worse than being unexpectedly inconvenienced. This could come in the form of getting lost or stuck in traffic. Or you could simply have insufficient value in your cash card just as you’re trying to exit the car park. Worse yet, your car is due for its inspection or some repair and you simply don’t have the time to get it done! Fret not, we’ve got you covered with these 5 handy apps that can make driving in Singapore hassle-free and fun again. Best of all, these apps are absolutely free!

Parking.SG

Remember parking coupons? If you’re still using them to park in public carparks managed by the URA, it’s high time you made the switch to the Parking.sg app. Previously with coupons, you would pay the same amount whether you parked for 1 minute or 30. The Parking.sg app however, lets drivers pay for the exact length of time your vehicle is parked for.

Gone are the days when you’d have to rush back to your car to tear another coupon if more time was needed. With the Parking.sg app, you can extend your parking time remotely with your smartphone. Needless to say, there’s also no need to hunt for shops that sell coupons when you run out. Outlets that sell coupons are also getting increasingly rare and soon, coupons will be phased out altogether.

Download Parking.sg here

Waze

When comes to navigation apps, the most popular ones are Apple Maps, Google Maps, and Waze, and most drivers I know are fiercely loyal to their navigation favourite app. Are you a fan of Google Maps or Waze? Actually, it doesn’t really matter because surprise, surprise, both platforms are owned by Google!

Personally, I prefer Waze because it seems to be optimised for drivers, the map graphics are easy to read when you’re driving and the crowd-sourced real-time traffic information displayed has been fairly accurate. (Psst! Users can even warn each other whenever they spot a cop with a speed trap camera on your route.)

That said however, there is still room for improvement for Waze, in my opinion. A lack of 3D differentiation means that Waze doesn’t distinguish between surface streets, overpasses, or tunnels (it goes crazy in the KPE). Google Maps isn’t much better in this regard, but occasionally, I still use the latter when I’m cycling and it also has better integration with search engines (Google, of course).

Apple users have the option of using Apple Maps as well. It may be the least-known of “The Big 3” navigation apps, but I have noticed that it has improved a lot. Recently, it even managed to get me to a more precise location than Waze or Google Maps which told me that I had reached my destination. In reality, however, I was nowhere near where I should be. Rare, but it happens. Good thing then, I have all 3, and so should you.

Download Waze here.

SG Traffic Cam (Android) | SG Traffic Cameras & Updates (iOS)

If you want to actually see what the traffic conditions are like in real-time, there are a number of apps that stream the camera feeds from major intersections and expressways in Singapore. The various apps such as SG Traffic Cameras & Updates include news and an MRT map as well. Obviously, you should be checking the photos from this app before you set out on your journey.

Download SG Traffic Cameras & Updates here for Apple iOS users and SG Traffic Cam here for Android users.

AutoApp SG

How about not even having to deal with traffic in the first place? Especially when your car is due for servicing, repair, inspection, or if it just needs a new set of tyres. How about making it look new again with a professional detail? All of these services and more can be arranged from just one app, AutoApp. Just choose from the range of services listed in the app, fill in a few details like your car model and the location to pick the car from. Once the time and date have been selected, a friendly Service Ambassador shows up to drive your car to the workshop, fully insured of course, and returns it when it’s ready.

The entire process, including documenting your car’s condition, is done digitally and you can access the information form your app. Approval of the quotation and payments are also seamlessly done on your smartphone.

Download AutoApp here.

NETS FlashPay Reader

As every car in Singapore needs a cashcard to pay for parking in carparks and to pass under ERP gantries. With the new NETS Motoring Card, Android OS users are able to top-up their cashcards right from their smartphones. That’s right, never be caught out with a low cashcard value again. Unfortunately, for now, Apple iOS users still face the ignominy of having to run to a top-up terminal or ATM to do this. Also, note that the NETS Motoring Card is not compatible with first-generation IUs.

Download the FlashPay reader app here (Android users only).

Check out these articles more app recommendations and tech reviews!

I’ve been a big fan of Klipsch audio systems for some time now. The primary system we use for our home is the KMC 3 Bluetooth speaker, which is incredible and has served us well for many years (except for the matt coating that has gone sticky, but managed to remove with a degreaser successfully). So expectations are high for the Klipsch T5 II True Wireless noise-cancelling earphones reviewed today.

Klipsch, known for balanced tones with a slight punch at the low end for more bass, bodes well for me. I generally appreciate a subtle U-curve frequency when listening to my music.

I’m glad to report that you can find these audio qualities in their latest wireless in-ear buds. Tested here are the freshly-launched Klipsch T5 II True Wireless earphones. Three versions, with a special top-of-the-range McLaren Edition to boot.

Cool form factors

We’ll kick off this review with the base model T5 II True Wireless earphones. I say ‘base’ model, but there nothing basic about these earphones.

The packaging itself is pretty cool. The first thing that grabs your attention is the sleek aluminium case that immediately resembles a Zippo lighter. I asked my son who turned 18 last month if he knew what a Zippo was and he said ‘no’. That’s how I know he’s a good boy – unless he’s lying…

For those (like my son) who are unfamiliar, a Zippo is a pretty cool kerosene-powered, windproof lighter. The top hinges on one side just like the stainless steel case of the Klipsch earphones.

Back to the case. It’s sleek, and has a nice weight to it. Heavy, but in a very premium and robust way! Right out of the box, the earphones fit my ears perfectly; they’re snug and comfy. Of course, this is not going to be the case for everyone. This is why the company has offered five additional sizes for that perfect fit. 

Pairing the earphones is simple. Tap the logo on the right side three times, and the strong signal immediately syncs with whatever devices around. My iPhone, Macbook Pro and iMac were all vying for its attention.

So how do they sound?

Then it was time to choose the right song to run these babies on. I like to listen to all sorts of music. Anything from rock, jazz, gospel, R&B even some variations of Dance as well.

To test this series of earphones, I used one consistent song. Colorblind by Mokita starts with clean guitar plucking (but with an electronic overlay) instrumentation. Then, the singer’s vocals are layered in. Finally, a bass drop that just lets loose on your ears. If you haven’t heard the song, you should try it!

I’m thrilled to tell you that they sound fantastic! The balance of the high and mid-tones are perfect and don’t come across as overly jarring. Ask any audiophile, and they will tell you that balance in tonal values is very crucial. Otherwise, you’ll experience fatigue from too much of either frequency.

The T5 II True Wireless earphones however, have nicely balanced highs and mid-range. Yet, the bass is punchy enough without giving you a headache.

Klipsch has also packed in a signal boosting antenna to make sure the connection is smooth with minimal latency. We toggled between Apple Music, Youtube and watching football on SingTel’s TV Go – all with no lag. So for me, it worked well on those platforms.

So what if you’re really into rigorous sports or are into heavy metal music and headbanging? Well, Klipsch has the T5 II True Wireless Sport. The additional no-budge ‘ear wings’ help to keep the earphones in place. You can jump, run, dance or skip to any beat you want and not worry about losing them.

McLaren Edition

Speaking of sporty activities, let’s jump straight to the sexy McLaren Edition. The sporty case, finished in faux carbon fibre with Papaya Orange racing stripes also has a handy moisture removal feature.

On one side, a section filled with silica gel helps to wick away moisture from the earphones. This works much better than a towel. You’re never going to be able to reach all those tiny nooks and crannies. An excellent feature, available only in both the Sport models.

Great for Zooming

All three earphones in the range also feature a quad-mic setup. So four mics give 360 voice clarity – perfect, especially in these times where Zoom calls are so common. These mics pick up ambient sound when you use it in transparency mode too. Tapping the left side of the earphone once, will summon a sexy voice assistant: “Transparency mode on!” 

This feature allows some outside noise to enter your hearing zone. Handy if you’re exercising and need to hear traffic; after all, not every car sounds like a McLaren. The feature is particularly crucial for those who cycle, as hearing vehicles on the road is needful for safety reasons.

The battery life for these units is a claimed 8 hours + 24 hours for the case. Happily, they lasted us more than a week without having to charge them.

The Klipsch Connect app, lets you monitor battery life, adjust EQ settings and the noise-cancelling transparency mode. All done with ultra-smooth and seamless connectivity. Other cheaper wireless earphones tend to have a high drop-off rate and require you to ‘re-pair’. But the user-friendliness of the Klipsch earphones is up there.

T5 II True Wireless, Sport or McLaren Edition? Which version to go for?

All in all, the Klipsch T5 II True Wireless earphones range is premium stuff. Unfortunately, there is a price for that quality. The entry model retails for SGD 299, while the Sport goes for SGD 349. If you’re a McLaren fan like me, just top up SGD 50 and get the limited edition unit. They are well worth the price.

Other ways to use the Klipsch T5 II True Wireless earphones

Catch up on Netflix shows without disturbing others at home while blocking out distractions with the noise-cancelling abilities of these wireless amazing earphones.

Or listen to your favourite jams while working out and put the no-budge ‘ear wings’ to good use.

And if you need more time to enjoy your music and just relax, let AutoApp handle your car maintenance chores.

Ah, car keys. Don’t you just love the feel of them in your palm right after you’ve bought a new car? Have you ever relished sliding it into the keyhole and giving it a good, firm turn to start your car for the first time? OK, maybe that’s a little dramatic. However, there is a certain excitement that the jingle of car keys in your pocket regular keys cannot replicate. Like cars these days, car keys are also becoming more sophisticated. Car keys can now perform a range of functions like summoning your car or doubling as a USB drive while looking aesthetically pleasing.

Earlier this week, tech giant Apple announced at their latest WWDC that NFC-based digital keys will soon be supported on Apple devices. For a start, the function will be available after 1 July 2020 on some newly manufactured BMW models. iPhone users will soon be able to unlock their cars using a keyless system housed on their devices. While Apple fanatics might rave about this latest development, the feature was already available on the BMW 3 Series, but only on Samsung devices.

Nonetheless, whether you’re in the iOS or Android camp, technological advancements are now deeply entrenched in our daily lives. Imagining life now without some of these conveniences is difficult. We also probably have forgotten the ‘good old days’. So, let’s rewind and have a look at some fun facts about car keys and how they’ve evolved over time!

But first… 

To help you appreciate how car keys have changed, here are some terms you might want to get acquainted with!

Key fob

Modern car keys now come with more than just a key. A key fob contains a remote and transmitter to lock and unlock a car. Sometimes it can also be used roll the windows up or down, and of course, start the engine. Key fobs can come attached directly to the key, or come as a separate attachment to unlock in case the battery in the key goes flat.

Push button ignition

Depending on who you’re speaking to, the ignition may refer to the switch that is used to start the car. In reality, the ignition system is a complex setup. To keep it simple, turning the ignition switch closes an electric circuit. This generates a high voltage in the car’s battery, which is then sent to each spark plug. The spark plug in turn ignites the fuel-air mixture in the engine’s combustion chamber, thus starting the car’s engine.

Keyless entry systems

The keyless entry system allows a driver to unlock and enter a car without specifically engaging with a locking mechanism. This saves the driver those precious few seconds of digging through pockets or a bag for the keys. The driver only needs to depress a small button near or on the door handle to open the door.

Depending on the car model, the button may not even be present at all. The key fob here acts as both a receiver and a transmitter. It transmits a signal that also allows the car to be started just by pushing the ignition button.

Remote keyless systems

The remote keyless system involves using the remote built into the key fob, which many drivers will find familiar. With a simple push of the button, a car can be locked or unlocked. While the car can be unlocked remotely in some car models, a key is still required in the ignition in order for the engine to start. The remote relies on an infrared signal, while keyless entry systems use radio waves instead.

Symmetrical keys

Symmetrical car keys do not need to be inserted into a lock in a specific direction. They are made of a rectangular blade with a wavy groove cut into the centre of the blade on both sides.

A special key cutting machine is required to ensure a constant groove depth. This design means no more fumbling with key insertion again and accidentally scratching your car in the process. 

All-in-one keys

Today, it would be ludicrous to think that more than one key is required to both unlock a car and start the engine. However, the all-in-one key that performs both functions was only first available in the late 1940s. That said, separate keys for unlocking the car door and starting the engine persisted until the 1960s. 

Keys to lock the car door

When your automobile lacks a top, or even a door, it makes perfect sense not to have a door lock as a security feature. It was only with the popularisation of canopy top cars, doors, and closed roof cars that manufacturers started to include door locks to prevent theft.

Keys for the ignition

So, if automobiles back then didn’t have doors or roofs, what stopped the thieves from making off with them? By making them unable to start the car, of course. Rotary ignition switches were first introduced in the early 1900s. These switches required a key to be inserted and turned into position before the car could be started.

At this point, the key functioned purely to unlock the ignition, which still required a separate mechanism to close the circuit.

The original keyless car

Before any key, starting a car was a complex process where a driver had to perform at least ten steps to get the engine running. Doing so required significant training on the driver’s part, and hence security was hardly an issue at that time. Besides the steps required to close the ignition circuit, drivers still had to get out and turn the crank at the front of the vehicle.

This was in itself a dangerous act if you didn’t know what you were doing. As soon as the engine turned over, the crank would sometimes snap in reverse with such force that it could injure or even amputate the operator’s hand if he did not let go quick enough. Also, if the car was parked ‘in gear’, the car could rolled forward and crush its driver, who would be standing directly in front to start the car. Talk about inconvenience!

Back to keyless

In that sense, the evolution of car keys has now come full circle. We are back to where we started – going keyless. However, starting our car now doesn’t require us to break a sweat (or anything else) like before. Keys now come with additional security features to ensure that we can enjoy our rides safely too. How much more convenience is technology going to bring us? Only one way to find out!

Ever wondered about how some car animal mascots came to be? Read more about them here!

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