Over the years we’ve gone through completely absurd and ridiculous trends, and maybe this is just one more. What would you do if we told you there are people wrapping their car key in aluminium foil? And no, it has nothing to do with the Illuminati or other conspiracy theories, more and more people are wrapping their keys in aluminium foil. The goal? To keep your car from being stolen.
What? We had the same reaction. According to this “trend”, aluminium foil would act as a barrier to block the electromagnetic waves emitted by the keys themselves and would prevent thieves from using techniques to intercept them… Okay, maybe it does sound a bit conspiratorial… But we’re going to tell you what’s going on and how to put this “tip” into practice.
Here’s how the trick works:
In the past, thieves used to pick locks. Now, they simply intercept the signal your key emits, even if it’s stored at home. They use devices that amplify that signal from a distance. The car “thinks” you have the key nearby and opens as if nothing happened. In seconds, they can start it and disappear without forcing anything. No noise. No broken glass. No trace.
And does aluminium foil actually work for this?
Surprisingly, yes. Aluminium foil blocks the electromagnetic waves the key emits. By wrapping it well in several layers, you create what’s called an improvised Faraday cage: the signal doesn’t escape, and therefore, can’t be picked up from the outside.
Is it foolproof?
No. But it’s a quick and cheap way to reduce the risk. If you prefer something more elegant (and longer-lasting), there are special cases like Faraday bags that do the same thing, but are designed specifically for that purpose.
Our country: at the forefront of theft
In 2024, estimates say more than 850,000 vehicles were stolen. Although that’s a 17% drop compared to previous years, some areas continue to be hot spots for car theft.
That’s why many Americans have taken preventive measures however they can, using these new aluminium foil techniques.
Which vehicles are stolen the most?
After the Kia Boys (who took advantage of a software flaw in certain vehicles to steal them), the most stolen vehicles in this country are the Hyundai Elantra, Sonatra, Chevrolet Silverado, Honda Accord, and Kia Optima.
What else can you do besides aluminium foil?
Wrapping your key is a good first step, but there are other things you can do:
- Avoid leaving your key near doors or windows. Many of these devices can pick up signals from more than 10 meters away. Keeping it in a drawer far from entry points lowers the risk.
- On the other hand, steering wheel locks, alarms, and GPS trackers are still very useful. They’re not foolproof, but they make the car harder (and therefore less appealing) to steal.
Desperate times call for desperate measures, and even though the aluminium foil method might seem exaggerated, it’s an effective measure against an increasingly real threat. In a world where theft is no longer done with a crowbar but with antennas and computers, protection starts with the basics!