Drivers reminded of ways to prevent theft using radio equipment – ​​some can simply change settings in an app

EXPERTS say drivers should know these tricks to prevent theft, from using radio equipment to even changing these settings on an app.

Car theft can happen to anyone and it only takes a few seconds for a thief to steal your vehicle.

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Auto thefts have increased due to new technologies that make it easier to unlock and start cars, such as wireless key fobs and push-to-start buttons instead of traditional metal keys.

A key fob sends a short-range signal to the vehicle that automatically unlocks the door when the driver is nearby.

This avoids the hassle of getting the keys out of a purse or purse when the driver has their hands full.

However, it is easy for thieves to take advantage of this.

The wireless remote control will continue to emit a signal even if the driver is not using it.

Thieves walk through neighborhoods at night looking for cars parked outside so they can carry out so-called relay attacks.

They will use portable equipment that can pick up the weak signal from a remote control inside a home or parking lot and retransmit it back to a transmitter that can clone the signal.

Authorities are urging drivers to make changes to reduce any security vulnerabilities in their vehicles.

“It’s relatively easy for drivers to protect themselves,” said Steve Lanchbury, principal automotive safety engineer at Thatcham Research. Microsoft.

USE SIGNAL BLOCKER

An easy way to curb theft is to use a signal blocker, such as a bag or Faraday bag.

The bags are covered with a conductive metal mesh that blocks the transmission of electromagnetic signals.

Some boxes do the same thing, however, experts warn drivers to make sure they work.

The key fob goes into the bag as drivers walk to their cars.

If the doors do not unlock automatically, this means the signal is being blocked.

Drivers must use their suitcases whenever they leave the car and must not forget to put all key rings inside, including spare parts.

Some websites advise drivers to place the key fob in the microwave or freezer, but there is a risk of damaging the device.

WITH THE OLD

Sometimes a tried-and-true method works best, which is why some experts recommend using a physical block.

Law authorities urge drivers to use them to deter thieves from trying to steal.

This is because a thief does not want to risk dealing with a difficult situation as they can focus on an easier victim.

Disc-shaped locks, long bars or clamps on the steering wheel that make steering difficult are recommended.

There are also versions that prevent the car from hooking up.

However, it has the disadvantage of having to spend more time attaching and releasing the lock every time you get out or get into the car.

CHANGE YOUR SETTINGS

Drivers can disable the wireless setting so they cannot open the door remotely and this is possible for many cars.

Fords, Hondas and Audis use touchscreen menus, while Toyota drivers can temporarily disable the setting by holding down the remote’s lock button while pressing the unlock button twice at the same time.

If done correctly, the remote’s indicator light should blink about four times.

However, if drivers press any button, remote unlocking will be reactivated.