Gone are the days of the traditional keychain hanging right next to the front door or the empty china pocket on the pedestal table in the hallway. Now it is fashionable to store your car keys in the microwave. At first glance this may seem strange and yet there is a very specific reason that explains this gesture. We tell you everything.

What could be more unexpected than opening the microwave and finding your car keys? However, this is now commonplace. At first glance one might think of carelessness on the part of the owner or a secret hiding place. Well, not at all, not only is it a completely voluntary gesture but above all it is very important to do it! Let’s see why.

Why store your car keys in the microwave?

Not all keys are safe to put in the microwave. In fact, the keys frequently found in this oven are state-of-the-art “hands-free” electronic keys that work in vehicles equipped with the Keyless system. This allows doors to be opened and closed, as well as contactless starting, without needing to put the key in the lock. The key or card is actually a remote control that contains a transponder that the car automatically identifies as soon as one is nearby. If this is very practical and makes our lives easier by avoiding searching for the keys everywhere, emptying the bag to find them, or leaving the shopping bags when we are loaded… In return it has inconveniences such as involuntarily opening car doors when pass, but above all the flight. And yes, the Keyless system is easy to hack… There is a well-known theft technique that consists of using an amplifier that allows the signal emitted by the key to be extended by more than 100 m. When you approach the house with this device, the signal from your key will be transmitted to the vehicle parked on the street and the door will unlock automatically. All that’s left for the thief to do is press the start button to start and drive your car! Your key signal will be transmitted to the vehicle parked on the street and the door will unlock automatically. All that’s left for the thief to do is press the start button to start and drive your car! Your key signal will be transmitted to the vehicle parked on the street and the door will unlock automatically. All that’s left for the thief to do is press the start button to start and drive your car!

And the microwave then in all this? Well, that’s where he comes in. Thanks to the materials it is made of, it has the ability to block waves and therefore prevent a possible amplifier from reaching your keys. Therefore, it plays the role of anti-theft and safe, plus the refrigerator can do the same, but the humidity and the electronic components of the keys do not mix well. However, keep in mind that this technique is not 100% reliable and there are safer ways.

How to protect your car keys effectively

As you may have understood, you have to be very careful with the latest generation keys because in case of loss or hacking, the consequences are serious. Because although it may seem paradoxical, the technology present in recent cars makes them easier to steal.  Important to know   : If your vehicle is stolen without a theft, as is the case here, your auto insurance will not reimburse you.
Therefore, it is best to equip yourself with an anti-RFID Faraday box or bag, designed to block waves. Make sure you have one for the keys you go out with, as well as the spare key you stay at home. You can never be too careful! Your keys will be safe and impossible to hack.

Now you have been warned to avoid being a victim of these discreet thefts on the rise, which occur on the street at any time of the day without attracting attention and which are the nightmare of motorists.