If your car’s key fob sometimes refuses to work from a distance, there’s a surprisingly simple trick you can try before replacing the battery or walking closer to the vehicle. It’s often called the “key fob chin trick.” Simply hold the fob against your chin or the side of your head while pressing the button. The idea is that your body can interact with the radio signal and potentially help extend its range. It may sound strange, but there is some physics behind the effect, although how much it helps can vary depending on the vehicle and surroundings.

This can be particularly useful when you’re standing in a crowded parking lot and your car doesn’t respond immediately. Instead of repeatedly pressing the button or becoming frustrated, the trick may give the signal a little extra reach. It costs nothing and takes only a second to try, so it can be a handy little trick to remember when your key fob seems to be struggling.

There are plenty of other simple ways to make everyday driving more convenient, too. A binder clip attached to the sun visor can provide a quick place to hold sunglasses, while an adjustable bar across the trunk can help keep grocery bags and other items from sliding around. Small organizational habits like these can make a surprisingly big difference, especially when combined with keeping the car comfortable and avoiding unnecessary stress behind the wheel.

Ultimately, the key-fob trick is a good reminder that everyday problems sometimes have surprisingly simple solutions. It won’t dramatically increase the range of every key fob, and modern vehicles can behave differently depending on their design and surroundings. Still, the next time your car refuses to respond from a distance, holding the fob near your head is an interesting trick worth trying before assuming something is wrong.