Here is why you should always wrap your key fob in tin foil to avoid theft
Placing your car key in aluminum foil is one way of fighting off car thieves.
Doing so creates a barrier preventing electric signals and radio waves from passing, as reported by Newsner.
The keyless function in modern cars has made provided convenience for car owners. The driver only needs to be in the vicinity of the car for the central locking system to be able to open the doors and start the engine.
Covering the key with tin foil was proven effective against thieves who amplify the signals from the ignition key.
There's a very good reason for wrapping your car key fob in foil. https://t.co/3ibRRkhscV
— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) July 9, 2018
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PITFALL
But this new feature, which makes use of computer chips, has its pitfalls, like any technology. Thieves have found ways to steal cars with this modern feature. Thefts of cars with the keyless function has risen in recent years.
Aluminum foil can protect key fob from hackers https://t.co/RwjpApBMWN pic.twitter.com/dO0bktbEhj
— KHOU 11 News Houston (@KHOU) July 10, 2018
Thieves amplify the radio signal from the key, an effective way of stealing cars. They do this in public parking lots as well as in residential areas.
They capture the signal from the car key and then unlock the car. The key is no longer needed once the car has started.
Tin foil: It's not just for hats! Why you should wrap your car key fob in foil: https://t.co/7OgvhXmn5C pic.twitter.com/KTOqioN3zz
— IndyStar (@indystar) November 2, 2015
After the car is stolen, it is dismantled and re-encoded with new keys.
Covering the key with tin foil was proven effective against thieves who amplify the signals from the ignition key.
The German car organization ADAC tested the methods used by thieves on 22 car models from dozens of manufacturers. Every single “thief” successfully unlocked the car.
Should you wrap your key fob in aluminum foil or put it in the freezer? Experts say YES! https://t.co/Y6IgAKiZwO pic.twitter.com/avU6qtDTn9
— Little Rock Police (@LRpolice) October 20, 2015
But when the key was placed in aluminum foil, it was significantly harder to capture the signal.
MORE PRECAUTIONS
You need to try it yourself so you will know if wrapping your key in toil foil works.
As an added precaution, car owners are advised to store their key in a lined box or shroud of foil to prevent their signal from being amplified by thieves.
It is also advised to use a steering wheel lock which will make it harder for thieves to steal one’s car.
