Is it a bad idea to put a kill switch for the newer push-button start cars? If done properly by a professional (would be my trusted mechanic) is there a lot it can mess up with these new cars? I had it on my older cars but wasn't sure with the new ones.
Next time, buy a car with a manual transmission. Thieves can't figure out how to drive them if they don't have an automatic.
Would have definitely considered it if I didn't live somewhere with very heavy stop and go traffic during rush hour traffic and having to commute daily.
Could you put one in? Yes. I've done it.
Would I advise it? No.
Anytime you start splicing wires, you have to be extremely careful or you'll create problems for yourself. ESPECIALLY when you are messing with the ignition system, which is already complex with the factory anti-theft system, etc.
New car electrical systems are so complex and sensitive I would be very leery of making any 3rd-party/aftermarket modifications.
Why would you want a kill button in the first place?
Probably to prevent your car from being stolen...
As an extra measure to prevent it from being stolen because where I live car theft is a common issue unfortunately.
those proximity keys are incredibly secure. To hack it you would need to be a computer science major, or have thousands of dollars of equipment. Unless you're driving a car worth $100,000 + , I wouldn't worry about it.
The issue here is they steal cars to use for further criminal activity like house theft or package theft etc. They stole a neighbor's Highlander and it was found a month later in awful condition with tons of stolen packages in it (opened of course). And unfortunately something like this happens a lot.
The real problem I see with a kill switch, other than the risk you take messing with a modern car's electrical system is this: If you can figure how to wire and hide a kill switch, the thieves can too.
makes sense but as I said in an earlier reply most of them just steal the cars for further criminal activity (so many package thieves/addicts) and then leave them (in a very bad condition though) so was hoping this would serve as a deterrent and they would go for easier to steal ones.