Hotwiring is a method used to start a vehicle without a key, often associated with car theft. It involves manipulating the ignition wires to bypass the standard key mechanism. This technique is typically depicted in movies and television, but it is illegal and considered a criminal act. The process usually requires access to the vehicle's wiring system, where the ignition wires are located. By connecting specific wires, the electrical circuit is completed, allowing the engine to start. While some older vehicles can be hotwired more easily, modern cars have advanced security systems that make this method much more difficult.