Don’t rely entirely on the sound of the remote or assume that everything worked correctly.
Walk away and verify that the vehicle is locked.
This takes only a few seconds.
Be Careful With Used Cars
If you recently purchased a used vehicle, it’s worth finding out how many keys are programmed to the car.
If you don’t know what happened to the previous keys, ask an authorized dealer or qualified automotive professional about having the vehicle’s key system reprogrammed.
This can provide additional peace of mind.
Not Every Keyless Car Is Equally Vulnerable
It’s important not to assume that every modern keyless vehicle can be stolen using exactly the same technique.
Car manufacturers use different technologies and security systems.
Some newer vehicles have additional protections designed to determine whether the key is genuinely close to the vehicle.
Others may use motion sensors or other technology to reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
Your vehicle’s exact model and security system matter.
Don’t Panic
Hearing about relay attacks can make people nervous, but there’s no need to panic.
The best approach is simply to understand the technology used by your vehicle and take sensible precautions.
You don’t need to turn your home into a fortress.
A few simple changes can add useful layers of protection.
A Simple Nighttime Routine
If you drive a keyless vehicle, consider making this your routine:
1. Keep both key fobs away from exterior doors and windows.
2. Store them inside a tested signal-blocking pouch if appropriate.
3. Check that your vehicle is actually locked.
4. Park in a garage or secure location when possible.
5. Consider an additional physical security device.
6. Check whether your key supports a wireless sleep or shutdown function.
7. Keep your vehicle’s security software and systems maintained.
These steps are simple, but together they can make your vehicle less attractive to thieves.
The Bottom Line
So, does wrapping your car key in aluminum foil really help?
The principle behind the idea is real: blocking the wireless signal from a key fob can reduce the risk associated with certain relay attacks.
But ordinary aluminum foil shouldn’t be considered a foolproof solution.
A properly designed and tested signal-blocking pouch is a better choice.
And remember that no single trick guarantees complete protection.
The safest strategy is layered security: protect the key, secure the vehicle, and make the car harder to target.
A few seconds of prevention could save you from a much bigger problem later.
