"The Car Key Spares Awards: The Best, Worst And Weirdest Things We've Seen
Car Key Spares Save Time, Money, and Anxiety
Anyone who is susceptible to losing keys to their car can find the spare keys to their car useful. They will save you time, money, and anxiety in a pinch.
It's a nightmare scenario: You're running late to work, and trying to drop off your kids at school, and run errands over the weekend and then you're locked out of your vehicle.
Lost Keys
If you've ever misplaced your keys, it can be a frustrating experience that leaves you feeling confused and in a state of helplessness. It's easy to blame others or yourself for your mistake however, most times, it happens by accident. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid repeat incidents.
If you're unsure where your keys were, the first step is to trace your steps. Find places where you know they were, such as your home, office, or other locations you have visited. Look for keys in easy to spot places as well as under couches and in piles of mail are typical places to lose a key. Be sure you empty your bags and pockets. If you have an extra set of keys, you can leave them in a spot that you are sure you'll be able to locate them, or give them to a friend to hold onto until you can take them home.
It's also a good idea to keep a spare set of keys somewhere other than at work or with a companion in order to have an extra set in case the original set is lost. Think about using bright colors, or a ribbon to make your spare keys more easily visible. Another option is to put a hook by your door and make it a habit of hanging your keys there so you will not forget where they are.
Depending on the type of key and how it is easy to replace, replacing the keys to your car could cost you a lot. Keys that were made in the past that look like house keys are easier to get replaced, but modern cars come with transponder fobs that require a certified locksmith to replace.
It's worth weighing the costs against the risk of losing your car keys to determine if it's worth it for you to purchase an additional set of keys made ahead of time. When you have them, keep them in a spot that you can locate them. Remember that even the most frustrating losses can usually be fixed!
Lockouts
A lockout is often caused by inattention or an issue with the key fob or door locks. Avoiding these situations using preventative strategies is the most effective solution to prevent them.
Designated Key Spot: Having an established spot in your home and at work for your keys/fobs will reduce the risk of misplacing them. To do this most people will use keys holder or a small drawer. However, consistency is essential. Also, be an effort to double-check that your keys are on possession prior to locking the car. This is particularly important if you are susceptible to forgetfulness.
Spare Key Strategy: Keeping a spare key in a safe place outside your vehicle could be life-saving in the event that you ever get locked out of your car. The spare key should be stored in a place that only you or someone you trust access (such as a hidden key case, locked drawer, or safe key lockbox). If you can, think about placing your spare in the hands of an amiable family member to provide an additional layer of security and ease of use.
Key Finder Technology: Consider purchasing Bluetooth-enabled keyfinder devices that work with your phone to help you locate your keys more easily. These gadgets can be a practical and affordable accessory to your car's equipment.
Mechanical Issues: A malfunctioning keys remote or fob can be a frequent cause of an auto lockout. This is why routine maintenance and professional repairs are essential.
In the event of an emergency, a locksmith could assist you in opening your vehicle and retrieve any items that were lost or stolen. As you can see, the best way to avoid the frustration of being locked in your car is to prevent these issues. By making simple yet effective changes to your everyday car-related habits you can drastically reduce the chance of being locked out of your car. So, start implementing these tips to get maximum benefit from your car and its features!
Damage to the Keys You Received
Over time, car keys will wear out. It doesn't mean that they've broken but they could be damaged to the point that they're not functioning as well. This is especially true for older cars or vehicles that have been exposed to a lot of abuse. In many cases, damage is not apparent until it's already too late.
A good method to avoid this is to always carry a spare key with you. This way, should you lose your original key, you can make use of the spare and still be able to access your vehicle. Be extra cautious when carrying your keys around and be careful not to open bottles or place them in your pockets. This can cause damage over time.
A spare car key could also save you money if you need to replace your key. If you lose your conventional car key, a locksmith can typically replace the key for less than it will cost at the dealership. This is because traditional car keys don't come with advanced features like transponders.
You could be eligible to have your key replaced for free in the event that you are a member or have a warranty with your car. The best way to find out how to go about this is to go to your dealer or contact the manufacturer's customer service department.
The procedure you need to follow will depend on the kind of keys you have, their age and whether they have a fob. To replace your key, you'll need to bring along your vehicle registration, driver's licence and any other evidence of ownership. This is to ensure that the person who is requesting an exchange is the owner of the vehicle. This is a safety step to prevent theft and fraud. If you have a smart key however the process is more complicated and could require you to visit a licensed dealer or bring your vehicle in for repairs or towing before a new key is programmed.
Imagine that you're running late for work or an important occasion and you realize your keys are locked in the car. This can be a stressful situation to resolve in the shortest amount of time. It can also make your day miserable. A spare key will aid you in avoiding this problem and provide you with peace of mind.
Spare keys are also great for people who share vehicles with family members, spouses, or roommates. Having a spare can prevent you from needing to call locksmiths or have a friend come over to unlock your car when one person has the other's keys in their pocket.
A second key can reduce wear and wear on your original keys. Over time, every key is susceptible to damage by dings or scratches on the keychain, scratches, or dirt that is accumulated from use. Using a spare will allow you to switch off between the two regularly, minimizing the wear and tear on your original key and protecting it for a longer period of time. It may seem like a minor issue but it can help you save money by not paying for expensive repairs.