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Modern cars that come with “always-on” fobs are designed to stay locked until it comes within a foot. Comforting, right? Yes and no. New York Times’ Nick Bilton experienced this himself on his own street. After numerous cars on his street were stolen (including his, three times in one month), Bilton finally caught the teenagers responsible along with their mysterious black box.
He later learned that the black box was a power amplifier that boosts the fob signal to open the car from up to 300 feet away! What’s so scary is that anyone can purchase these power amplifiers for less than $100 and as cheap as $17!
One solution to combat the rise of electronic car thefts is for car manufacturers to make a key fob that requires drivers to activate it when they’re ready to go. Of course, this sacrifices the convenience that everyone loves. And in today’s day and age, convenience is king.
Authorities Worldwide Are Warning Car Owners to Take Action
If you want to take precautions to prevent electronic car theft, there are some unconventional solutions authorities and other experts suggest.
Freeze Your Fob
Before doing this, make sure to check with the manufacturer that it’s safe to freeze your key fob. If it’s OK, the metal barrier will block the fob’s signal and protect it from power amplifiers.
Put It in a Microwave Oven
Keeping it off, of course, the metal in this kitchen appliance will also protect your car from being stolen. The signal boosters are not sophisticated enough to pick up your key fob’s signal when it’s protected by materials in microwave ovens.
Wrap the Fob in Aluminum Foil
Although we don’t suggest heating and cooking with aluminum foil, we are OK with using it to protect your family’s car and its contents! It’s an inexpensive way to protect your vehicle, however, experts are warning to wrap it completely (ideally with a few layers) to avoid any openings that will risk a signal connection.
Other Ways to Prevent Electronic Car Theft
Store your key fob in metal coffee cans
Get a small signal-blocking bag to protect your key fob
Until car companies come up with a way to protect car and key fob signals even more, we hope these solutions bring you and your family safety and comfort! If you know anyone who has been a victim of electronic car theft, feel free to send this article their way! Better safe than sorry.
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