11 "Faux Pas" That Are Actually Okay To Make With Your Car Key Spares
Car Key Spares Save Time, Money, and Anxiety
Anyone who is at risk of losing keys to their car can find spare car keys useful. They can help you save time, money and stress.
It's a nightmare situation: You're late for work, trying to drop off your kids at school and errands on the weekend when you get locked out of your car.
Lost Keys
If you put your keys down when loading groceries into the trunk or tucked them away in the pocket of a coat as you leave work, losing your keys is one of the most dreadful experiences that make you feel lost and helpless. You could blame yourself or others for your error. However, most times, it's just an accident. There are ways to prevent future incidents.
If you're not sure where your keys are located, the first step is to trace your steps. Examine the places you know they were in, such as your home, office or any other locations you've visited. Look for them in obvious places, too - under couch cushions and in piles of mail are common spots to lose a key. Be sure to empty your pockets and bags. If you have extra keys, leave them somewhere you know you will be able find them. Give them to someone else to keep until you can retrieve them.
It is also advisable to keep a spare key set somewhere else. For instance at work, or with a friend you trust. This means you'll always have a backup set in case your original keys are lost. Make sure that the spare keys are easily accessible and think about using bright colors or adding ribbons or other items that makes the entire key package more noticeable. Install a hook near your door and hang your keys there so you will never forget where they are.
Replacing your car keys could be costly, based on what kind of key you have and how easy to replace. Keys that look older than keys for houses can be replaced quickly, however newer vehicles have transponder keys that require locksmiths.
It's worth weighing up the cost against the risk of losing your car keys to decide if it's worth it for you to purchase an additional set of keys made ahead of time. Place make a spare key in a location that you can easily locate them. Be aware that even the most traumatic of losses can be repaired!
Lockouts
A lockout can be caused by inattention or a mechanical issue with the key fob or door locks. The best approach to deal with such situations is to avoid them altogether by developing preventative strategies.
Designated Key Spot: Establishing an area that is consistent at home and at work to store your keys/fobs minimizes the chances of losing them. For this purpose, many people use the key holder or a small drawer. But consistency is important. Double-check that you have your keys before locking your car. This is important, especially if you tend to forget things.
Spare Key Strategy A spare key stored in a secure place outside of your vehicle could be a lifesaver should you lock yourself out. It is ideal that the spare key will be somewhere accessible only to you or someone you can trust (such as a hidden magnetic key case, a locked drawer, or a safe key lockbox). You might want to consider entrusting the spare keys to a trusted family member or friend for added convenience and security.
Key Technology Finder - Consider purchasing Bluetooth-enabled devices that connect to your phone and make it easier to find your keys. These gadgets are an affordable and practical addition to your automobile accessories.
Mechanical Issues: A problem with the remote control or key fob can be another common cause of an auto lockout. This is why routine maintenance and professional repairs are so essential.
In the event of an emergency, you can easily call a trusted locksmith to help you unlock your car and retrieve any items lost or stolen in the process. But, as you see, preventing these problems is the best way to protect yourself against the stress caused by being stuck without access to your vehicle. By making small but effective changes to your daily car-related habits you can drastically reduce the risk of getting locked out of your vehicle. Implement these tips now to maximize your car's features!
Damage to your original keys
Over time, keys to cars will wear out. This doesn't mean that keys are damaged, but they may be damaged to a level that they aren't functioning. This is especially applicable to older cars or vehicles subjected to a lot abuse. In many cases, the damage isn't noticeable until it's too late.
One way to avoid this is to always keep a spare key with you. If you lose your original key you can use the spare key to gain access to your car. Be cautious when carrying your keys, and try not to open bottles or place them in your pockets, which can cause damage over time.
Another reason to have a spare car keys is that it will save you money on key replacement. If you lose a traditional car key, you'll be able to purchase a new one from a local locksmith for less than it costs to replace it at the dealership. This is because traditional car keys don't come with modern features like transponders.
You may be able to get your key replaced for free if you're part of a specific auto club or have a warranty with your vehicle. You can find out more by contacting your dealer or the manufacturer's customer support department.
The exact procedure to follow will differ based on the type of key you own and the age of the key and if it has a fob attached. To replace your key, you will require your car registration, driver's license, and any other evidence of ownership. This is done to ensure that the person who asks for replacement keys is the actual owner of the car. This is a safety measure to avoid fraud and theft. If you have the "smart key" however, the process is more complicated. You may have to visit an authorized dealer, or bring your vehicle in for repairs or a tow before a new one can be programmed.
Anxiety
Imagine you're running late for work or a big event and you realize that your keys are locked in your car. That's a lot of stress to manage in a short time and it can really make you feel miserable for the rest of your day. A spare key will help you avoid this situation and provide you with peace of mind.
Keys for spares are also useful for people who share vehicles with spouses, family members or roommates. A spare key will save you from calling locksmiths to unlock your car, or having a family member come to help you when someone has keys from another person in their pockets.
A spare key will help to reduce wear and tear on your keys. Every key is prone to being damaged due to dings on the keychain, scratches or dirt that is accumulated from use. By having a spare, you to switch between the two regularly, minimizing the wear and tear on the original key and safeguarding it for a longer period of time. It may seem like an insignificant problem however, you could save money by not paying for expensive repairs.