As the number of keyless cars on the road rises, so does the number of thefts. How can you protect your car against this type of theft? In this article, we will discuss how criminals are targeting keyless cars and what you can do to keep your vehicle safe.
Let’s start with the very basics.
What is the science behind keyless technology?
The basis for keyless entry systems is a radio-frequency identification (RFID). Every keyless car has a small chip inside the fob that emits a unique signal. When you press the button on your fob to unlock your car, it sends a signal to the car that tells it to unlock the doors. This same technology is used in keyless start systems. When you press the button to start your car, it sends a signal to the car that tells it to start the engine.
There are two main types of RFID chips: passive and active. Passive chips do not have their own power source and only emit a signal when they are activated by an electromagnetic field, like the one generated by your car’s keyless entry system. Active chips have their own power source and can continuously emit a signal.
The vast majority of keyless car fobs use passive RFID chips. These chips are less expensive to produce and typically have a longer range than active RFID chips. However, they are also more vulnerable to theft.
Are keyless cars easy to steal?
Yes, keyless cars are very easy to steal. All a thief needs is a device that can amplify the signal from your car’s key fob. This can be done with something as simple as an expensive piece of radio equipment. Once they have this device, they can stand near your car and press the button on your fob to unlock your doors. They can then get into your car and drive away without ever having to touch your key fob. Do not be alarmed this sounds easier said than done!
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Does wrapping my key fob in tin foil stop car thieves?
No, wrapping your key fob in tin foil will not stop car thieves. Tin foil does not block the signal from your key fob. In fact, it can actually make it easier for thieves to steal your car because it amplifies the signal.
How can you protect your car from keyless theft?
There are a few things you can do to protect your car from keyless theft:
- Keep your car in a garage or park it in a well-lit area.
- Invest in a steering wheel lock or gear shift lock.
- Use a FOB protector
What is a FOB Protector?
A FOB protector is a device that blocks the signal from your car’s key fob. It works by creating a Faraday cage around your key fob. This prevents thieves from amplifying the signal from your key fob and stealing your car.
FOB protectors come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some are small enough to fit in your pocket and some are large enough to put your entire key fob in. There are even FOB protectors that you can attach to your car’s steering wheel or gear shift.
FOB protectors are an effective way to prevent keyless car theft. However, they are not foolproof. A determined thief can still steal your car if they have the right equipment.
What is the car industry doing to help?
The car industry is working on a few different solutions to help prevent keyless car theft. One solution is to create key fobs that use active RFID chips. These key fobs emit a constant signal that cannot be amplified by thieves. Another solution is to create key fobs that use frequency-hopping technology. This makes it difficult for thieves to amplify the signal from your key fob because it constantly changes frequencies.
The car industry is also working on new ways to start your car without using a key fob. One example is fingerprint recognition. This would allow you to start your car by pressing your finger on a sensor inside the car. Another example is eye scanning. This would allow you to start your car by looking into a scanner inside the car.
These new technologies will make it harder for thieves to steal keyless cars.
Final thoughts
The rise of keyless car theft is a serious problem that the car industry is working to solve. There are a few things you can do to protect your car from keyless theft, but the best solution is to invest in a FOB protector. The car industry is also working on new technologies that will make it harder for thieves to steal keyless cars.
If you are worried about your car being stolen, it is important to take precautions and be aware of the latest technologies. Keyless car theft is a serious problem, but it can be prevented with the right measures.
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