There are many theft prevention devices on the market that you can use in the interior and along the exterior of your vehicle. But keeping your keys (and your key fob signal) out of the hands of thieves is one of the best forms of protection against theft. There are many ways that criminals can get access to your car, with or without the keys. So, where is the safest place to leave your keys at night?
Many experts suggest you leave your keys next to you on your nightstand when you go to bed. Leaving it on a hook near the door makes it easy for a burglar to snatch your keys upon entry and make a quick getaway. Your keys can also double as a security system; if you hear some suspicious noises from inside or outside your home, you can hold down the panic button and set off your car horn. The noise will alert your neighbors that there may be criminal activity going on and spur them to call for help.
If you have a car with keyless entry, leaving your keys in the microwave or some other metal container prevents thieves from intercepting your key fob signal with a relay booster and transmitter. Some have even put their keys in the fridge to added security, though you must make sure the key fob is safe in cold temperatures. You can also find signal-blocking bags explicitly made to protect your key signal.
There are many options available to store your car keys safely and help secure your car. Read on below to find some of the most popular techniques and devices used to keep your keys and car safe.
Keep Keys by Your Bedside
Many people like to hang their keys on a hook near the door for quick and easy access when leaving the house, but that may not be the safest place for your keys at night. Keeping your keys on your nightstand keeps them out of easy reach of thieves who invade your home. They also can double as an alarm system; pressing the panic button triggers your car horn and alerts the whole neighborhood that you suspect a problem at your home. Just make sure your nightstand is not close to a window or door where the signal can still travel outside.
How Do Thieves Steal Cars With Transponder Keys?
Keyless entry vehicles use transponder keys that eliminate the need to insert a key to open doors and start the engine. The key fob transmits signals to access and drive the car. But many car thieves know how to obtain relay amplifiers and relay transmitters that can snatch your transponder key signal and use it to steal your vehicle.
Most of these devices need to be within a close enough distance to capture the signal. Keep your key fob away from windows and doors, which allow the signal to travel. One of the most protective spots for your keys in your home is your microwave; the metal frame blocks the signal from traveling far. But you need to make sure to remove them before using the microwave, or you could melt your keys, damage the microwave, or spark a fire. You can also purchase a signal-blocking bag--called a Faraday bag--made of flexible metal to prevent thieves from catching your key's transmission code.
What Is The Best Car Key Signal Blocker?
There are many different kinds of Faraday bags available on the market. You can find a variety of bags and containers in assorted sizes and prices. Here are some of the most popular signal-blocking bags available in various price ranges.
Ticonn Key Fob Bag
The Ticonn Faraday Key Fob Bag is an affordable option to protect your vehicle. This is a 2-pack for those who have multiple cars that have keyless entry mechanisms. It comes in two attractive patterns.
Click here to find this on Amazon.
Zoppen RFID Travel Organizer
This slim pouch not only protects your keys at home but also when you're on vacation. It also has several pockets to hold important documents, credit cards, and your passport. The design makes it easy to grab all your essential items quickly when heading out.
Click here to find this on Amazon.
Tamfile Fireproof Faraday Bag
The sturdy Tamfile Fireproof Faraday Bag is large enough to hold multiple key fobs or your phone. The zipper pound with added velcro closing keeps them secure and keeps them from falling out. The multi-layered design is also coated with fireproof fiberglass to protect your keys in the event of a fire.
Click here to find this on Amazon.
Mission Darkness Phone Sleeve
The Mission Darkness Phone Sleeve is made of military-grade fabric that is both durable and waterproof. It has a magnetic clasp, and the inner lining blocks all signals coming in or going out. It is also big enough to hold your phone or multiple key fobs.
Click here to find this on Amazon.
Orbis Global Faraday Box Cage
If you want to protect more than just your keys, this Orbix Global Faraday Box Cage has enough space to hold multiple key fobs, your wallet, or your phone, yet it is small enough to keep by your bedside. The inner lining prevents electronic signals from coming or going.
Click here to find this on Amazon.
Is It Bad To Put Car Keys In The Fridge?
The fridge is a free and effective place to store your keys. It provides a large metal encasement to keep your key fob signal from reaching outside relay transmitters. But before you decide to chill your keys, check with your car manufacturer to make sure the cold temperatures will not damage the key fob or the chip inside.
Why Should You Wrap Your Key Fob In Aluminum Foil?
Some experts say that wrapping your key fob in aluminum foil will block your key signals from emitting out to other transponders. It is an inexpensive and readily available theft-deterrent tool. But others state that while aluminum foil can reduce the amount of signal transmitted from your key fob, it is too thin to completely eliminate the signal, leaving your car vulnerable to theft. They recommend getting a Faraday pouch or bag instead for better protection.
What Are The Easiest Cars To Steal?
Older vehicles are often considered easier to steal because they lack the anti-theft technology that newer models have. But among the most commonly stolen cars, some more recent models are targeted due to high-demand on the resale market. Hondas, especially the Honda Civic and Honda Accord, usually top the list of most stolen cars due to their high resale value. Other sedans that are often stolen include the Toyota Camry, Toyota Corolla, and Nissan Altima. Pickup trucks are also a popular type of vehicle that attracts thieves, such as the Dodge, Chevy, Ford, and GMC pickups.
In Closing
Remember that even if you have your car keys in the house, your car can still be stolen. Keeping your car key on your nightstand and away from windows and doors prevents thieves from smashing in your door and grabbing your keys. If you have a keyless entry vehicle, you can also store your keys in your fridge, microwave, or in a Faraday bag or box to prevent your key fob signal from being intercepted from criminals lurking outside.
To learn more about preventing car thefts, check out these other links on VEHQ.com:
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This is such an informative article! At night I keep my car keys in a key fob and then I place the key fob in a key fob guard that I got from Silent pocket at an affordable price.
I also got my key fob from Silent pocket.
Awesome post! Thanks for sharing the knowledge and keep up the good work.