what is immobilizer in car

An immobilizer is an electronic security device that is fitted to a motor vehicle and prevents the engine from being started unless the correct key is present. It is an anti-theft mechanism that prevents the engine from starting due to an improper ignition key. The immobilizer system works by utilizing variations of radio waves as a key identity on the vehicle, and there is only one ignition key that can be used to start the vehicle engine. Even when the key pattern is the same or similar keys can enter the ignition keyhole, the vehicle engine will still not be able to start. The immobilizer system is considered the most secure feature to prevent vehicle theft. Most vehicles made in the last 20 years include a car immobilizer system as a standard anti-theft feature. The uniform application of immobilizers reduced the rate of car theft by 40% .