Car theft is an evolving problem, and modern thieves are using sophisticated techniques to target vehicles with keyless entry systems. One of the most concerning methods is relay theft, which utilizes devices to amplify and exploit the signal from your car key. This is where a Car Key Scanner Blocker becomes an essential tool for vehicle security. This guide will explain what car key scanner blockers are, how they work, and how you can use them to protect your car from keyless theft.
Keyless Car Theft: The Modern Threat
Keyless car theft, also known as relay theft or relay attack, is a method where criminals use signal-boosting devices to trick your car into thinking the key is nearby, even when it’s safely inside your home. This allows them to unlock, start, and drive away with your vehicle in mere seconds, often without leaving any signs of forced entry.
How Relay Theft Works: Step-by-Step
- Signal Amplification: A thief uses a device, essentially a car key scanner, to capture the radio signal emitted by your key fob. This device can operate from outside your house or even through walls.
- Signal Relay: The captured signal is then relayed to a second device held near your car.
- Car Deception: This relayed signal fools your car’s keyless entry system into believing that the legitimate key is present.
- Theft Execution: The car unlocks, the ignition can be started, and the thieves can drive off with your vehicle within 20-30 seconds.
This process highlights the vulnerability of keyless entry systems and the need for effective countermeasures like a car key scanner blocker.
The Range of Keyless Car Theft Scanners
Thieves don’t need to be right next to your keys to capture the signal. These scanners can operate from a short distance, typically within a few meters. This range is enough for criminals to target keys left near doors or windows inside your home. Understanding this range underscores the importance of secure key storage and using a car key scanner blocker.
What is a Car Key Scanner Blocker?
A car key scanner blocker is a device or material designed to prevent car key scanners (used in relay theft) from capturing the signal emitted by your key fob. The most common and effective form of a car key scanner blocker is the Faraday bag, also known as a signal blocking pouch.
Faraday Bags: Your Primary Car Key Scanner Blocker
Faraday bags are small pouches lined with metallic materials that create a Faraday cage. This cage blocks electromagnetic fields, including the radio frequencies used by car key fobs. By placing your key fob inside a Faraday bag, you effectively create a car key scanner blocker, preventing thieves from intercepting your key’s signal.
Why Faraday Bags are Effective Car Key Scanner Blockers:
- Signal Isolation: The metallic lining completely blocks radio waves, ensuring your key fob’s signal cannot be amplified.
- Ease of Use: Simple to use – just place your keys inside the pouch when you’re at home or in any situation where your car is parked and vulnerable.
- Affordable Security: Faraday bags are relatively inexpensive, offering a cost-effective layer of security against relay theft.
Essential Tips to Prevent Keyless Car Theft (Beyond Car Key Scanner Blockers)
While a car key scanner blocker is a crucial tool, combining it with other preventative measures provides comprehensive protection.
1. Utilize a Signal Blocking Pouch (Faraday Bag) – The Foremost Car Key Scanner Blocker
Using a Faraday bag is the most direct way to implement a car key scanner blocker strategy. Keep your keys in a Faraday bag, especially when at home. This simple habit significantly reduces the risk of relay theft. Remember to use the pouch consistently for all key fobs associated with your vehicle, including spare sets.
2. Disable Keyless Fob Wireless Signals (If Possible)
Some key fobs allow you to manually disable the wireless signal. Check your car’s manual or contact the manufacturer to see if this feature is available for your vehicle. Disabling the signal when you’re at home acts as another form of car key scanner blocker, as there’s no signal to intercept.
3. Mechanical Security: Steering Wheel Locks and Car Alarms
Physical deterrents like steering wheel locks remain effective even against modern theft methods. A visible steering wheel lock can deter thieves, making your car a less appealing target. Similarly, a car alarm system, especially one with motion sensors and loud sirens, can startle and deter potential thieves. These are supplementary security measures to using a car key scanner blocker.
4. Secure Parking: Garage and Defensive Parking
Parking your car in a garage overnight is an excellent deterrent. It increases the distance and physical barriers between your car and potential thieves trying to use a car key scanner. If garage parking isn’t possible, park defensively on your driveway, as close to your house as possible, and in well-lit areas if parking on the street.
5. VIN Etching for Vehicle Identity Protection
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) etching involves engraving your VIN onto your car’s windows and mirrors. This makes it significantly harder for thieves to resell your car or its parts, as altering or removing etched VINs is difficult and costly. While not a direct car key scanner blocker, VIN etching reduces the profitability of theft.
6. Keep Your Car Interior Tidy and Discreet
Avoid leaving valuable items in plain sight inside your car. Thieves may target vehicles hoping to find electronic devices or other valuables. Keeping your car tidy and removing visible items reduces your car’s attractiveness to opportunistic thieves, even if they are using keyless methods.
7. Secure Lost or Stolen Car Keys Immediately
If you lose your car keys or suspect they’ve been stolen, act immediately. Contact an auto locksmith to reprogram your car’s immobilizer and keys. This ensures that the lost or stolen keys cannot be used to access your vehicle. Reprogramming acts as a preventative measure against theft using compromised keys.
8. Reprogram Keys When Buying a Used Vehicle
When purchasing a used car, it’s wise to have the keys reprogrammed. This eliminates the risk of previous owners (or anyone who might have copies of the old keys) gaining access to your vehicle. Key reprogramming adds a layer of security, especially for keyless entry systems.
Car Models Vulnerable to Keyless Theft
Any vehicle equipped with a keyless entry system is potentially vulnerable to relay theft. Popular and widely owned models are often targeted due to their prevalence. It’s crucial to understand that vulnerability isn’t limited to luxury vehicles; many common cars are at risk.
Keyless Entry Car Security Ratings
Security testing organizations like Thatcham Research have developed ratings to assess how well keyless entry systems resist relay attacks. Some car manufacturers have implemented対策 to improve keyless system security, while others lag behind. Consulting these ratings can help you understand the inherent security level of your vehicle’s keyless system.
Examples of Keyless Entry Vehicle Model Performance in Relay Attack Tests:
| Keyless Entry Vehicle Model | Pass Or Fail | Security Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Audi e-tron | Pass | Superior |
| BMW 1 Series | Pass | Superior |
| Ford Puma | Pass | Superior |
| DS3 Crossback | Fail | Poor |
| Ford Mondeo | Fail | Poor |
| Toyota RAV-4 | Fail | Poor |
(Note: This is a partial table for illustrative purposes; refer to official Thatcham reports for complete data.)
Car Key Scanner Blocker FAQs
Will a Tin Can Work as a Car Key Scanner Blocker?
While a metallic tin might offer some signal blocking, it’s not reliable as a dedicated car key scanner blocker like a Faraday bag. The shielding effectiveness of a tin can is inconsistent and not guaranteed. For reliable protection, a Faraday bag specifically designed for signal blocking is recommended.
Best Place to Keep Car Keys at Night to Block Scanners?
The best practice is to store your key fob inside a Faraday bag (your car key scanner blocker) and place it as far away from external walls, doors, and windows as possible within your home. This combination maximizes signal blocking and distance, minimizing relay theft risk.
Does Car Insurance Cover Keyless Car Theft?
Most comprehensive car insurance policies will cover theft, including instances of keyless car theft. However, insurers may require proof that you possess all sets of keys for the vehicle. It is always advisable to check your specific policy details and discuss keyless theft coverage with your insurer.
Are Car Manufacturers Improving Keyless System Security?
Yes, some car manufacturers are actively working to enhance the security of keyless entry systems. Solutions like motion sensor-equipped key fobs that deactivate after a period of inactivity are being implemented. Some manufacturers are also offering Faraday bags as standard accessories. However, the level of security varies significantly between manufacturers and models.
Are Vans Also at Risk of Keyless Theft?
Yes, vans are equally vulnerable to keyless theft as cars. In fact, certain van models have been reported as frequently targeted. Owners of vans with keyless entry systems should take the same preventative measures, including using a car key scanner blocker, as car owners.
Take Action Against Keyless Car Theft
Keyless car theft is a real and growing threat. By understanding how it works and utilizing preventative measures like a car key scanner blocker (Faraday bag), along with other security tips, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim. Stay informed, be proactive, and protect your vehicle from modern theft techniques.
For further advice or to enhance your vehicle security, consult with a certified auto locksmith in your area.
Contact us about keyless car theft
Find nearest car locksmith for advice
