Why Put Car Keys in Aluminum Foil? The Surprising Reason Most People Don’t Know

At first, it sounds strange—almost like a household myth.

Why would anyone wrap their car keys in aluminum foil?

Yet this simple habit has been quietly spreading, especially among drivers with newer vehicles. Some people swear by it. Others laugh it off as unnecessary or paranoid. But behind this odd practice lies a very real modern concern that didn’t exist just a few decades ago.

To understand why people are doing this, we need to talk about technology, convenience, and an unexpected vulnerability built into many modern cars.

The Rise of Keyless Car Technology

Not long ago, starting a car required a physical key inserted into the ignition. Today, millions of vehicles use keyless entry and push-button start systems.

These systems work using:

• Radio frequency signals
• Short-range communication
• Encrypted digital codes

Your key fob constantly sends out a low-power signal. When the car detects that signal nearby, it unlocks and allows the engine to start.

This convenience changed driving forever—but it also introduced a new risk.