Deal Diva: Simple steps to maintain car key fob technology to make it last longer (2024)

FAQs

How do you take care of a key fob? ›

Replace battery every 1-2 years

Prolonging the life of your car key fobs is also very attainable. It is recommended to replace the battery in the key fob every 1-2 years, especially if you notice having to push the remote several times to get it to unlock.

The single most important tip is that car consumers should always store their key fob in a metal container or a metal wire bag often called a Faraday cage that prevents the key fob from communicating with hackers, Shlisel said. Anytime it's just sitting on a table or carried in a pants pocket, it can be hacked.

Faraday bags are often used to protect keyless car fobs from outsider hackers who aim to tap into the transmitter signal to steal cars. It's better to pay $20 for a key fob faraday bag than to buy a new car. Once you've been hacked there's no going back!

Avoid exposing them to liquids and humid environments, and keep them out of direct sunlight or freezing temperatures. By taking these precautions, you can help prolong the life of your car keys and maintain their optimal performance.

The most common problem with these car key fobs is that the batteries go dead over time, in which case replacing the battery should fix the problem. You may also have a problem with the internal contacts, the buttons, or another physical part of the fob.

Metals conduct electricity, so a metal box will absorb any radio waves coming from your fob and convert those waves to free electrons that bounce around in the metal. A box made from copper, stainless steel, or an alloy (or combination of metals) is sure to do the trick!

By storing your car keys, fob or card in an aluminium tin (even grandma's old biscuit tins), or a special signal blocking box, the signal between the car and key is blocked. This means thieves can't intercept it and clone a new one. If you're out and about, then a Faraday pouch is your best friend.

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While these methods seem to pose huge security risks to your vehicle, there is actually quite a simple solution to protect your car: wrap your keys in tin foil. Wrapping your keys in this every-day household item will act as a barrier and ensure that the signal is not transmitted in a relay attack.

Which keyless cars are most stolen? ›

The keyless car theft epidemic isn't just constrained to high-end vehicles, though. The Ford Fiesta holds the unwanted title of being the most stolen car, with almost 6,000 being taken last year, according to the DVLA.

Wrap up your phone, alternating between layers of plastic wrap and tin foil. This helps you create an easy, DIY Faraday cage. Find a metal box or container (like a trashcan) and line the inside with plastic wrap. Throw your phone inside and close the lid.

Wood-frame and copper or aluminum mesh are common for home-built Faraday cages. Solid metal boxes are good choices, but if you are not buying one that is specifically designed for good electronic shielding, pay close attention to door edges and ensure that there is good electrical contact between the sides.

If you put your smartphone inside of a faraday bag, it might be listening for incoming radio emissions, but none will reach it, and it might be attempting to communicate to the outside, but all of its messages will fail to penetrate the bag.

Key fobs have rubber seals which prevents the water from getting to the electronic chip inside. Your key fob should survive a splash of water or brief exposure to rain, but excessive amount of water, like submerging the key in the pool, can cause the water to penetrate the seals and damage the chip.

Key fobs have become a standard vehicle tool. A typical Key fob has four buttons to lock doors, unlock doors, release the trunk lock, and activate the alarm system. Your first set of key fobs should last around 3 years before needing to be replaced.

The most common culprit behind an electric key fob's failure is, as you might guess, the battery. This is a relatively easy issue to fix, although you may need to get a ride to get to buy a replacement fob battery.

The simple way to troubleshoot the problem is to replace the dead batteries with new ones. After you change the batteries, the key fob should start working, provided there are no other issues. Damage to the key fob: The key fob/remote comprises electronic components such as a chip, batteries, etc.