Keyless car entry systems offer unparalleled convenience, allowing you to unlock and start your car without even taking your keys out of your pocket. However, this technology has also introduced a new vulnerability: keyless car theft, also known as relay theft. This guide will explain how keyless car theft works and, more importantly, provide you with actionable steps on How To Program Keyless Car Entry Device security measures and protect your vehicle.
Understanding Keyless Car Theft (Relay Theft)
Keyless car theft, or relay theft, is a sophisticated method where thieves exploit the technology of keyless entry systems. Instead of breaking into your car physically, they use electronic devices to intercept and amplify the signal from your key fob, even when it’s inside your home.
How Relay Theft Works: Step-by-Step
- Signal Interception: A thief with a relay device stands near your house, attempting to capture the signal emitted by your key fob.
- Signal Relay: This device amplifies and transmits the captured signal to a second thief positioned near your car.
- Vehicle Deception: The car receives the relayed signal, mistakenly believing the key fob is in close proximity.
- Theft Execution: This deception allows the thieves to unlock the doors, start the ignition, and drive away – all in as little as 20-30 seconds.
Modern cars with keyless entry systems are susceptible to relay theft, highlighting the need for enhanced security measures.
Distance is Key: How Close Do Thieves Need to Be?
Thieves only need to be within a few meters of your car keys to successfully capture the signal. This proximity is why it’s crucial to understand how to program keyless car entry device security by taking preventative steps to block signal access from outside your home.
The Speed of Keyless Car Theft
The alarming reality is that keyless car theft can happen incredibly quickly. In just 20 to 30 seconds, thieves can bypass your car’s security system and steal your vehicle. This speed underscores the urgency of implementing preventative measures.
The Technology Behind Relay Theft Devices
Relay theft devices utilize specialized electronic equipment to capture the radio frequency signal emitted by your key fob. This signal is then boosted and relayed to another device near the car, effectively tricking the vehicle’s system.
Is Your Car at Risk? Identifying Keyless Entry Systems
Not all cars are vulnerable to this type of theft. If you need to physically press a button on your key fob to unlock your car, your vehicle is not at risk of relay hacking. Only cars equipped with a keyless entry system are susceptible.
Keyless entry cars allow you to unlock, enter, and start the car while the key fob remains in your pocket or bag. Typically, starting the engine involves pressing a button on the dashboard rather than using a physical key in the ignition.
How to Program Keyless Car Entry Device Security: Prevention Tips
Protecting your keyless entry car from relay theft requires a proactive approach. Here are several effective methods on how to program keyless car entry device security and deter thieves:
1. Utilize a Signal Blocking Pouch (Faraday Bag)
A Faraday bag, or signal blocking pouch, is one of the most effective and straightforward ways to safeguard your key fob.
Using a signal blocking pouch is a simple yet effective method to prevent relay theft by blocking key fob signals.
How it works: These pouches are lined with metallic materials that create a Faraday cage, effectively blocking electromagnetic fields, including the radio waves emitted by your key fob.
Practical Steps:
- Consistent Use: Always store your key fob inside a signal blocking pouch when you are at home.
- Location Matters: Keep your keys well away from doors and windows, even when in a pouch, for added security.
- Spare Keys Too: Don’t forget to protect any spare key fobs you may have.
- Affordable Security: Signal blocking pouches are readily available and inexpensive, often costing as little as £5. They can also block Wi-Fi and Bluetooth signals for mobile phones, adding extra utility.
2. Disable Keyless Fob Wireless Signals
Some keyless fobs offer the functionality to manually disable their wireless signal. This is a built-in feature that, when activated, prevents the fob from transmitting signals, thus blocking relay attacks.
How to check and implement:
- Consult Your Manual: Refer to your car’s owner’s manual for instructions on how to deactivate the keyless fob’s wireless signal.
- Manufacturer Contact: If your manual doesn’t provide this information, contact your vehicle manufacturer or dealership for guidance.
- Temporary Deactivation: This is particularly useful when you are at home or in other secure locations where keyless entry is not immediately needed.
3. Employ Physical Security Measures: Steering Wheel Locks and Car Alarms
While electronic countermeasures are crucial, physical security devices still play a significant role in deterring car theft.
A steering wheel lock serves as a visible and robust deterrent against keyless car theft and traditional theft methods.
Steering Wheel Locks:
- Visual Deterrent: Steering wheel locks are a highly visible deterrent. Many modern car thieves rely on electronic methods and may be discouraged by physical obstacles.
- Mechanical Security: These devices physically lock the steering wheel, preventing the car from being steered even if thieves manage to start the engine.
- Approved Products: Look for steering wheel locks with third-party approvals like “Sold Secure,” ensuring they have been tested against common theft tools.
Car Alarms:
- Audible Deterrent: Car alarms alert you and others to potential theft attempts, often scaring thieves away.
- Insurance Benefits: Installing an aftermarket car alarm, especially if it’s professionally fitted and approved, may reduce your car insurance premiums.
- Immobilizers: Consider adding an immobilizer, which prevents the engine from starting unless the correct key or fob is present. This is often a highly cost-effective way to lower insurance costs.
4. Secure Parking Practices: Garage and Defensive Parking
Where you park your car can also significantly impact its vulnerability to keyless car theft.
Garage Parking:
- Signal Blocking: Parking your car in a garage overnight adds a physical barrier and increases the distance between your car and potential thieves trying to intercept key fob signals.
Defensive Driveway Parking:
- Proximity to Home: If you don’t have a garage, park your car as close to your house as possible. This reduces accessibility for thieves and makes signal relaying more challenging.
- Well-Lit Areas: If street parking is necessary, choose well-lit areas to deter thieves who prefer operating in darkness.
Home Security Enhancements:
- Motion-activated Lighting: Install outdoor motion detector lighting to illuminate your driveway or parking area, deterring nighttime theft attempts.
- CCTV Cameras: Consider installing CCTV cameras to monitor your property and vehicle, providing both a deterrent and potential evidence in case of theft.
- Professional Security Checks: Consult a local locksmith for a home security check to identify and address any vulnerabilities in your overall property security.
5. VIN Etching for Vehicle Identity Protection
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) etching is a simple yet effective method to deter theft and aid in vehicle recovery.
How it works: Etching your VIN or registration number onto the windows, headlights, and mirrors makes it significantly harder for thieves to resell the car or its parts.
Deterrent Effect: VIN etching makes the car less attractive to thieves because altering or removing these markings is difficult and costly. It increases the risk of detection and reduces the potential profit from stolen vehicles.
6. Maintain a Tidy Vehicle Interior
While seemingly minor, keeping your car tidy can reduce the risk of attracting thieves, whether for relay theft or opportunistic break-ins.
Reduce Temptation:
- Hide Valuables: Keep the interior of your car free of clutter and hide any electronic devices like GPS units or mobile phones.
- Empty Glove Box: Consider leaving your glove box open to show that there are no valuables inside, deterring opportunistic thieves.
- Remove Suction Cup Marks: Wipe away marks left by GPS suction cups on your windshield, as these indicate the potential presence of valuable devices.
7. Secure Lost and Second-hand Keys
Lost or improperly managed car keys pose a security risk, especially with keyless entry systems.
Lost Car Keys:
- Immediate Action: If you lose your car keys, contact a certified auto locksmith immediately.
- Key Deletion: A locksmith can reprogram your car’s system to delete the lost keys, ensuring they cannot be used to access or start your vehicle.
Second-hand Vehicles:
- Key Reprogramming: When purchasing a second-hand car, reprogram the keys to ensure that any previous owners’ keys are no longer valid. This prevents unauthorized access and enhances security.
- Professional Reprogramming: Hire a qualified auto locksmith for key reprogramming, as it can be complex and vehicle-specific. Manufacturer services can be more expensive than independent locksmiths.
8. Car Manufacturer Security Enhancements
Car manufacturers are increasingly aware of keyless car theft and are implementing preventative measures in newer models.
Motion Sensor Key Fobs:
- Sleep Mode: Some manufacturers, like Ford, BMW, Audi, and Mercedes, have introduced motion sensor key fobs. These fobs enter a sleep mode after a period of inactivity (e.g., 40 seconds), ceasing signal transmission and preventing relay attacks. Motion detection wakes the fob when you pick it up.
Manufacturer-Provided Faraday Bags:
- Kia Example: Kia is providing Faraday bags to owners of vulnerable models as a proactive security measure.
Check for Updates: When purchasing a new car, inquire about the manufacturer’s keyless entry security features and any updates or improvements designed to prevent relay theft.
Car Models at Risk and Security Ratings
Any car with a keyless entry system is potentially vulnerable to relay theft. Popular models have been frequently targeted.
Vulnerable Models: Cars like the Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Golf, Nissan Qashqai, and Ford Focus have been identified as being at risk.
Thatcham Security Ratings:
Thatcham Research, a UK automotive research center, introduced a security rating system for keyless entry cars to assess their resistance to relay theft.
Vehicles Passing the Keyless Car Theft Test (Superior Security Rating):
| Keyless Entry Vehicle Model | Pass Or Fail | Security Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Audi e-tron | Pass | Superior |
| BMW 1 Series / 7 Series / 8 Series | Pass | Superior |
| BMW X6 / X7 | Pass | Superior |
| Ford Puma | Pass | Superior |
| Jaguar XE | Pass | Superior |
| Land Rover Evoque | Pass | Superior |
| Mercedes B-Class | Pass | Superior |
| Porsche 911 | Pass | Superior |
| Porsche Macan | Pass | Superior |
| Volkswagen Passat | Pass | Superior |
Vehicles Failing the Keyless Car Theft Test (Poor Security Rating):
| Keyless Entry Vehicle Model | Pass Or Fail | Security Rating |
|---|---|---|
| DS3 Crossback | Fail | Poor |
| Ford Mondeo | Fail | Poor |
| Kia ProCeed | Fail | Poor |
| Lexus UX | Fail | Poor |
| Hyundai Nexo | Fail | Poor |
| Mazda 3 | Fail | Poor |
| Toyota Corolla | Fail | Poor |
| Toyota RAV-4 | Fail | Poor |
| Volvo V60 | Fail | Poor |
Keyless Car Theft – Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does putting car keys in a tin block the signal?
A: Storing your key fob in a metallic tin may block the signal, acting similarly to a Faraday bag. However, metal containers can vary in effectiveness depending on thickness and construction. It’s recommended to test signal blocking with your specific tin and key fob. For guaranteed signal blocking, a Faraday pouch is the more reliable solution.
Q: Where should I keep my car keys at night?
A: The best practice is to store your key fob in a signal blocking pouch (Faraday pouch) every night. Place the pouch, containing your keys, well away from exterior doors and windows to maximize security against signal interception.
Q: Will My Car Insurance Cover Keyless Car theft?
A: Most car insurance policies do cover theft, including instances of keyless car theft. However, insurers may require proof that you still possess all sets of keys for the vehicle as part of the claim process. Always verify the specifics of your coverage with your insurance provider.
Q: Are Car Manufacturers doing anything to Prevent Keyless Car Theft?
A: Yes, car manufacturers are actively responding to keyless car theft concerns. Measures include implementing motion sensor key fobs that deactivate when inactive and, in some cases, providing Faraday bags to vehicle owners. Continuous improvements in vehicle security technology are expected.
Q: Are Vans also at threat to Keyless Theft?
A: Yes, vans are also vulnerable to keyless theft. Reports indicate an increase in keyless van thefts, with models like the Ford Transit being particularly targeted. Van owners should also take preventative measures to protect their vehicles.
Q: What is the future of Relay theft?
A: Efforts are ongoing to combat relay theft through both technological advancements in vehicle security and law enforcement actions. Car manufacturers are under pressure to enhance security features. In the meantime, practical steps like using Faraday pouches and physical security measures remain crucial for vehicle owners.
Have a Question about Keyless Car theft?
If you have further concerns about keyless car theft or need specific advice, consult with a certified car locksmith in your area for expert guidance.
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