Why put car keys in aluminum foil?


Thieves are getting more creative with their methods to hack into modern cars. But there’s a surprisingly simple trick that could stop them in their tracks. Discover how you can effectively safeguard your vehicle.

Why contactless keys are an easy target for thieves

Picture this: Your car, parked right outside your home, vanishes without a single window being touched. With the rise of contactless keys, this kind of situation is becoming more common. Thieves now use devices that can capture and amplify the radio signal from these keys, enabling them to unlock and start your vehicle without even needing the physical key.

But there’s a simple and cost-effective solution to prevent this from happening: just wrap your keys in aluminum foil.

Aluminum foil, an unexpected bulwark

Aluminum foil serves as an electromagnetic shield. Wrapping your keys in it prevents the radio signal they emit from spreading. This easy step makes it far harder for thieves—if not completely impossible—to access your information. While it’s not groundbreaking technology, often the simplest solutions are the most powerful.

Other ways to secure your vehicle

While aluminum foil is a clever deterrent, it’s always a good idea to take extra precautions for added security.

  1. Park in secure locations If you don’t have a garage, try parking in a private or secure lot. Areas with cameras and people nearby are often enough to discourage thieves.
  2. Invest in anti-theft devices
    • Alarm and steering wheel lock: An alarm can alert those nearby, while a steering wheel lock makes it impossible to drive the car away.
    • Anti-theft bar: A simple but effective tool that prevents the car from starting.
  3. Use GPS trackers to locate your car A GPS tracker lets you monitor your vehicle’s location and receive alerts if it’s being tampered with. Some high-tech models even allow you to remotely shut off the engine if necessary.
Increased vigilance for greater peace of mind

While adopting these tips and tools won’t guarantee complete security, they certainly make it much harder for thieves to succeed. By combining multiple methods, you can increase your chances of keeping criminals at bay.

Make it a point to regularly inspect your security features. And don’t forget—sometimes small things, like using aluminum foil, can truly make a difference. Why not give it a shot today? Your car will appreciate it.