Faraday Bag | How To Keep Your Car Safe

Keyless entry is becoming more common. This allows you to keep your keys in your pocket and open your car without pressing a button.

This is a great feature for many due to the convenience of having your hands full and still being able to access your interior/boot.

Keyless entry and start systems are becoming more widely fitted, but this can also make your car more vulnerable, especially as technology is becoming more intelligent.

However, a Faraday bag or pouch can help keep your car safe.

You’ll learn:

• What is a Faraday bag and how does it work?
• Are Faraday bags expensive?
• Do I need a Faraday bag?
• Is one Faraday bag better than another?
• How do you know if your Faraday bag is working?
• How long do Faraday pouches last?
• Why do Faraday bags stop working
  

What is a Faraday bag?

A Faraday bag is a pouch that acts as a car key signal blocker (it doesn’t allow the signal to reach your vehicle). The name Faraday comes from the inventor of the Faraday cage, Michael Faraday.

When you put your key into a Faraday bag, the signals being sent are blocked as the bag is a small Faraday cage. The metal inside the leather or fabric absorbs the signals sent out by the key meaning the signal is reduced, and thieves have no signal to clone.

Are Faraday bags expensive?

Faraday bags are not expensive and are simple to make. You can purchase a small Faraday bag for around £5 or less but larger pouches that can hold multiple keys can start around £10. The price depends on the materials used and specific styling.

Do I need a Faraday bag to keep my car safe?

Keyless entry constantly transmits signals that unlock your car when you’re near it. The problem is that thieves use an electronic tool that amplifies the signal from your key if placed near a window, exterior walls or a door.

When the signal is amplified, it is sent to another receiver located near the car which tricks the car into thinking that the key is close to the vehicle. This means the car will unlock, and thieves can start and drive away.

Most manufacturers have put in more safety features that will help to prevent this such as more sophisticated system designs that cannot be cloned. The Faraday bags are designed to add an extra layer of security to keep your car safe from thieves.

Is one Faraday bag better than another?

Yes and no. There have been many studies and most Faraday bags work the same and they are effective at blocking the signals. But the price, build quality, and materials can vary so it would be an idea to look at online reviews to help you find the best one.

How do you know if your Faraday bag is working?

There are a few ways to test if your Faraday bag is working or is of great quality.

The first way you can test this is to put your key inside the bag and then walk towards your car. If your car unlocks when the key is still in the bag, it is not working. If the car stays locked, then it is working.

The next way to test your Faraday pouch is to put your phone inside and try to call your phone or connect a Bluetooth device. If the phone call goes through or the Bluetooth signal connects, the bag is not doing its job properly.

How long do Faraday pouches last?

Generally, the Faraday bag will last as long as you take care of it and don’t damage it.

But of course, the bag will get daily wear and tear and will over time break down and lose its quality so it’s worth testing it every so often to make sure the pouch is still blocking your key signal. If not, it’s time to get a new one.

Why do Faraday bags stop working?

Everyday wear and tear can damage your Faraday pouch or improper use can cause a hole or rip to appear which will then make the bag not as effective at blocking your signal, causing the bag to be rendered useless. Make sure to care for your bag but monthly or yearly use will eventually cause the bag to work less effectively.