[tla]

Why keeping your keys in the freezer can stop thieves breaking into your car

... likely got into the car using a relatively simple and inexpensive device called a "power amplifier."

He explained it like this: In a normal scenario, when you walk up to a car with a keyless entry and try the door handle, the car wirelessly calls out for your key so you don't have to press any buttons to get inside. If the key calls back, the door unlocks. But the keyless system is capable of searching for a key only within a couple of feet.

Danev said that when the teenage girl turned on her device, it amplified the distance that the car can search, which then allowed my car to talk to my key, which happened to be sitting about 50 feet away, on the kitchen counter. And just like that, open sesame.

So, a man-in-the-middle type attack.  Interesting to see if this is indeed the method the crims use to access the car. The brute-force method seems unlikely since they can gain access so quickly.

[Phil №❶]

If the key has a battery, freezing it wouldn't be too healthy for it, I imagine. Better to keep it in a metal can of some sort.

[tla]

Yes, I store my keys inside my tin-foil hat.

[rustynutz]

I store my car in foil.... 

[Surferdude]

If the key has a battery, freezing it wouldn't be too healthy for it, I imagine. Better to keep it in a metal can of some sort.

I'm sure they used to tell you to store your spare batteries in the fridge to extend shelf life.

[Phil №❶]

No, never heard that one, although, being chemical, that would probably work. But freezing a battery would likely cause rupture and significant damage.

[Surferdude]

No, never heard that one, although, being chemical, that would probably work. But freezing a battery would likely cause rupture and significant damage.

Seems to have been an old wives' tale. Unless Energizer has a hidden agenda. 

Is it a good idea to store batteries in a refrigerator or freezer?

No, storage in a refrigerator or freezer is not required or recommended for batteries produced today. Cold temperature storage can in fact harm batteries if condensation results in corroded contacts or label or seal damage due to extreme temperature storage. To maximize performance and shelf life, store batteries at normal room temperatures (68°F to 78°F or 20°C to 25°C) with moderated humidity levels (35 to 65% RH). When stored at room temperature (i.e. 70°F/ 21°C), cylindrical alkaline batteries have a shelf life of 5 to 10 years and cylindrical carbon zinc 3 to 5 years. Lithium Cylindrical types can be stored from 10 to 15 years. Prolonged storage at elevated temperatures will shorten storage life.

[Johnno]

I've heard similar, but not to store them in freezer but if your batteries are dying put them in a freezer don't know how long for, and it rejuvenates them for a short period.  Never tried it

[Phil №❶]

Can't see how. Batteries are chemical devices and cooling them just slows down the reaction between active components. There can't be any reversal or rejuvenation by cooling. Non rechargeable ones have a 1 way chemical reaction.

[rustynutz]

I've heard similar, but not to store them in freezer but if your batteries are dying put them in a freezer don't know how long for, and it rejuvenates them for a short period.  Never tried it

I've heard of putting a failing hard drive in a freezer but not a battery.... 

[Johnno]

This would apply to you guys down under, if in a hot climate


http://www.greenbatteries.com/battery-myths-vs-battery-facts-1/#Freezer

[neptune]

I've heard similar, but not to store them in freezer but if your batteries are dying put them in a freezer don't know how long for, and it rejuvenates them for a short period.  Never tried it

I've heard of putting a failing hard drive in a freezer but not a battery.... 

Just tried that the other day , Steve...it didn't work after 5hrs in the freezer...that was the recommended time to do it for......

[Lorian]

How is the reply signal from the key getting amplified, or is this thief sat by the car with a high-gain directional antenna?
Brings a new meaning to going-equipped.

[Mike SX]

Video shows thief break into and drive off with new keyless Range Rover in 30 seconds | Daily Mail Online

[Lorian]

There is no amplifier involved in that video. Looks more like a cloned remote key to me. I haven't read what technology the Range Rover uses, but I suspect that is actually the root issue.

[Johnno]

Most codes can be cloned be if fixed or rolling code, I have 2 remote's which can clone fixed and the other rolling codes.

To clone a fix code I have to have the original fob in physical contact with the cloning fob, but the rolling code fob can clone at a distance same as if you was walking up to your car to unlock it.

Also they could be using a RF frequency counter which as built in amplifier and other DSP circuitry , very accurate and fast to grab a frequency. Then you need another gadget to trigger the frequency once you've grabbed it.

They say you can buy a cloner off auction sites for a couple of quid but I think there's more to it than that

[Johnno]

There is no amplifier involved in that video. Looks more like a cloned remote key to me. I haven't read what technology the Range Rover uses, but I suspect that is actually the root issue.

All vehicles fitted with keyless entry are the root cause. it's happy days for the thieves who use this technology.

Range Rover are being nicked more than any other vehicle, not because they're easy to get into, but there is a big demand for them and thrown into a container and shipped abroad,