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– **More Efficient Battery Usage**: Key fobs should be designed to use less battery power when not actively in use, extending the life of the battery. Some companies have even incorporated a “sleep mode” to prevent unnecessary battery drain when the fob is idle.
– **Redesign the Key Fob Shape**: Car manufacturers could create fobs with a more **ergonomically sound shape** to prevent the unnecessary contact with metal objects. This could prevent signal disruption and extend battery life.
### **How You Can Avoid This Mistake and Extend Your Key Fob’s Life**
If you want to avoid dealing with the consequences of this common design mistake, here are a few things you can do to extend your key fob’s life and maintain proper functionality:
1. **Store Your Key Fob Properly**: Avoid keeping your key fob near other metal objects like **keys**, **coins**, or your phone. A key fob holder or **pouch** designed to shield signals can help. Consider keeping your key fob in a pocket or a designated bag to reduce interference.
2. **Invest in a Key Fob Protector**: Some companies now offer **Faraday pouches** or **Faraday key fob protectors**. These specially designed pouches block radio signals and protect against potential interference. They also help prevent **keyless entry hacking**.
3. **Regularly Replace the Battery**: If your key fob isn’t working as efficiently as it should, it may be time for a new battery. Keep track of when the battery was last replaced and make a point of swapping it out every 1-2 years to prevent unexpected failure.
4. **Avoid Storing Your Key Fob with Your Phone**: If you keep your phone in your pocket or purse, make sure not to store your key fob directly next to it. Some phones, especially smartphones, can cause interference with the signals from the fob, affecting performance.
5. **Consider an Extra Key Fob**: Having a **spare key fob** can save you when one is malfunctioning or when the battery is low. You can keep it in a different location for convenience and to avoid issues with signal interference.
### **Conclusion**
While it might seem like a small design oversight, the way car key fobs are designed and how they interact with metal objects and other devices can lead to a variety of frustrating problems for car owners. From draining batteries to malfunctioning signals, the mistakes car manufacturers made with key fob design can affect your daily driving experience.
However, by storing your key fob properly, using protective pouches, and staying on top of battery replacements, you can avoid the most common issues and extend the life of your key fob. So, next time you reach for your key fob, you might just think twice about how you store it—and in doing so, save yourself some headaches down the road.
Let us know if you’d like to dive deeper into car maintenance tips or other everyday hacks!
