Why RFID Tags Break On Removal

In Support by Raymond Jackson

So you peeled off your HeadlightSticker™. Maybe you moved out. Maybe you’re selling the car. Maybe you were trying to share your sticker with someone else (sorry, it won’t work!)

Whatever the reason, because the sticker breaks upon removal, now some amount of sticker remains stuck on your headlight. Here’s why it works that way, and how to get the rest of the sticker off.

Ineffective Upon Removal

HeadlightStickers™ break upon removal. And that is a good thing. Because you are uniquely identified by that sticker, you wouldn’t want someone to steal that sticker and use it to go somewhere they didn’t belong.

Access control means ensuring that only authorized users can get in. Whether you’re in a gated community, a commercial parking garage, an airport back lot, or a manufacturing district, the value of access control is self-evident.

But how can access be managed when the most common vehicular entry methods—clickers, keycards, or passwords—can be shared with unauthorized users?

While the most common type of access breach is from intentional credential sharing, the most disastrous breaches occur where a credential is deliberately stolen from a valid user.

HeadlightStickers™ combat unauthorized access sharing. The device is designed to break when peeled, therefore rendering the credential ineffective. Since it does not come off in one piece, it cannot be used to steal access.


Removing the Residue


So you removed your sticker. Maybe someone tried to steal it. Maybe you simply don’t need the credential anymore.

In any case, there’s probably a little bit of adhesive remaining on your headlight. You could give someone at the auto detail shop $20 to buff it off, but that’s not necessary.
Here’s how to have it off in minutes.

Peel off as much of the sticker as you can, then follow these instructions for the rest.


A cup of hot water and a microfiber cloth will do the trick!

1. Apply Heat


High heat weakens the remaining adhesive, making it easier to rub away. You can leave your headlights on for a while to heat the adhesive, or simply get a glass of very hot water (be careful–don’t get burned!) and apply it to the sticker with a clean cloth. Hold it there for a few minutes to weaken the adhesive.

Surface safe adhesive remover is not strictly necessary, but it works wonders and saves you time.

2. Surface Safe Adhesive Remover


This is optional, but will speed up the process significantly. For a few bucks you can get some Goo Gone or a similar adhesive removal agent. Apply it and let it soak for a few minutes. This is most effective after you heat the adhesive.

* Note: Be sure to read the instructions on your adhesive remover to ensure that it is safe to use on your headlights.

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3. Wipe it Away


Finally, use a microfiber cloth so you don’t scratch the surface, and rub the adhesive in a circular pattern with moderate force. If you heated the tag and applied some adhesive remover, it should only take a few minutes.

If you don’t seem to be making progress, heat the adhesive again and repeat.