What’s more unexpected than opening your microwave and finding car keys inside? However, this is now commonplace. At first glance you might think it was a careless mistake on the part of the owner or a secret hiding place. Well not at all, not only is it a completely voluntary gesture but above all it is very important to do it! Let’s see why.
Why store your car keys in the microwave?
à Not all keys are suitable for placing in the microwave. In fact, the keys that are frequently found in this oven are the latest generation “hands-free” electronic keys operating on vehicles equipped with the Keyless system. This allows opening and closing of the doors as well as contactless starting , no need to put the key in the lock. The key or card is in fact a remote control which contains a transponder automatically identified by the car as soon as you are nearby. If this is very practical and makes our lives easier by avoiding looking for our keys everywhere, emptying our bag to find them, or putting down our shopping bags when we are loaded…
On the other hand, there are disadvantages such as the involuntary opening of the car doors when passing by, but above all theft. And yes, the Keyless system is easy to hack… There is a well-known burglary technique which consists of the use of an amplifier which allows the signal emitted by the key to be extended by more than 100 m. By moving close to the home with this device, the signal from your key will then be carried to the vehicle parked in the street and the door will unlock automatically. All the thief will have to do is press the Start button to start and drive off with your car!
And what about the microwave in all of this? Well that’s where he comes into the picture. Thanks to the materials it is made of, it has the ability to block waves and therefore prevent a possible amplifier from reaching your keys. It thus plays the role of anti-theft and safe, moreover the refrigerator can do the same, but humidity and the electronic components of the keys do not mix well. Be aware, however, that this technique is not 100% reliable and that there are safer ways.
Car thief – source: spm – Source: spm
How to protect your car keys effectively
As you will have understood, you must be very careful with the latest generation keys because in the event of loss or hacking, the consequences are serious. Because even if it may seem paradoxical, the technology present in recent cars makes them easier to steal. Important to know : if your vehicle is stolen without a break-in as is the case here, you will not be reimbursed by your car insurance.
It is therefore better to equip yourself with an anti-RFID Faraday box or pouch, designed to block the waves. Make sure you have one for the keys you go out with as well as for your spare key that stays at home. You can never be too careful! Your keys will be secure and impossible to hack.
Protect your car keys – source: spm – Source: spm
You are now warned to avoid being the victim of these discreet thefts in full resurgence, which take place in the street at any time of the day without attracting attention and which are the nightmare of motorists.
Read also:
- 3 tips with cling film in the car
- Why should you avoid hanging all the keys on the same key ring?
- Why should you put car keys in the fridge?