Watch Out: How Car Key Spares Is Taking Over And What Can We Do About It
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 will save you time, money and stress.
It's an unimaginable situation: You're late at work and attempting to drop off your children at school, or running errands over the weekend when you lock yourself out of your vehicle.
Lost Keys
No matter if you set your keys down when loading groceries into your trunk or put them in the pocket of a coat after leaving work, losing your keys is one of those dreaded experiences that can make you feel confused and helpless. You could blame yourself or other people for your mistake. However, most instances, it's just an accident. There are ways to prevent future incidents.
If you're unsure where your keys went, the first step is to go back through your steps. Check places you know where they were, such as your home, your office, or any other location you've been to. Find keys in easy to spot locations and also. Under couches and in the mail piles are two common places to lose the car keys. Empty your pockets and bags. If you have spare keys keep them in a place you are confident you will be able to find them. Or give them to someone else to hold on to until you can retrieve them.
It is also advisable to keep a spare key set somewhere else. For example, at work or with a close family member. This way, you'll always have a backup plan in case your original keys are lost. Think about using bright colors, or adding a ribbon to make the spare keys more noticeable. Install hooks near your door and hang your keys there so you will never forget where they are.
Based on the type of key and how it is easy to replace it, replacing the keys to your car could cost you a lot. Keys that are older and appear like house keys are much easier to replace, however modern cars have transponder fobs that require a skilled locksmith to replace.
It is best to weigh the cost of having extra keys versus the hassle of losing them to decide whether it's worth it order an extra set ahead of time. When you have them, keep them in a spot where you'll be able to find them and remember that even the most difficult losses can be repaired!
Lockouts
A lockout is often caused by a lack of awareness or a mechanical issue with the door locks or key fob. The best method to handle these situations is to prevent them from happening by devising preventative strategies.
Designated Key Spot: Having an area that is consistent at home and at work for your keys or fobs reduces the chance of losing them. Many people use a specific key holder or small drawer for this purpose However, whatever the case may be it is important to be consistent. Make sure you have your keys before locking your car. This is especially crucial if you are more likely to forget.
Spare Key Strategy A spare key in a safe location outside your vehicle could prove to be an essential asset should you lock yourself out. The spare key should be kept in a safe place that only you or someone you trust can access (such as a hidden key case or locked drawer, or a safe key lockbox). You might want to consider entrusting the spare keys to a trusted family member or friend for more convenience and security.
Key Finder Technology: Consider investing in Bluetooth-enabled key finder devices that connect with your phone to make finding your keys easier. These gadgets can be a useful and affordable addition to your car accessories.
Mechanical Issues: A malfunctioning keys remote or fob can be a common cause for an auto lockout. This is why professional repairs and routine maintenance are essential.
In the case of an emergency you can contact a reputable locksmith to assist you in unlocking your vehicle and retrieve any items that have been lost or stolen along the way. As you can see, the best way to avoid the annoyance of being stuck in your car is to prevent these problems. You can reduce the chances of being locked out of your vehicle by making simple but effective changes to your routine. So, begin implementing these tips to get most out of your car and its features!
Damage to your original keys
It's a fact that over time, car keys can wear out. This doesn't mean they've broken into pieces, but they might be damaged to the point where they're no longer functioning properly. This is especially true for older cars or vehicles exposed to a lot of abuse. In many instances, damage is not apparent until it's too late.
One way to avoid this is to carry a spare key with you. If you lose your original key you can use the spare key to gain access to your vehicle. Be cautious with your keys and avoid opening bottles or putting them in your pocket. This could result in damage.
Another reason to have a spare car key is that it can save you money on key replacement. If you lose your traditional car key, a locksmith could usually replace the key for less than it costs at the dealership. This is because traditional car keys aren't usually made with high-tech transponders or other features that make them more expensive to replace.
You may be able to have your key replaced for free if you're part of a specific auto club or have a warranty with your vehicle. The best way to find out how to get this done is to go to your dealer or contact the customer service department of the manufacturer.
The procedure you have to follow will depend on the kind of keys you own and their age, as well as whether they have a fob. To replace your key, you'll need to bring along your vehicle registration, driver's license and any other proof of ownership. This is to verify that the person who is requesting an exchange is the owner of the vehicle, which is a safety measure to avoid fraud and theft. If you own an "smart key" however, the process will be more complicated. You may have to visit an authorized dealer, or bring your vehicle to the shop for repairs or towing before a new key can be programmed.
Anxiety
Imagine you're running late for work or an important event and you discover that your keys are locked in your car. This can be a stressful situation to resolve in an hour. It can also make your day miserable. A spare key can aid you in avoiding this problem and provide peace of mind.
Spare keys can also be helpful for those who share a vehicle with their spouses, family, or roommates. A spare key can keep you from having to call a locksmith to unlock your car, or having a friend help you when someone has keys from another person in their pockets.
Additionally, having make a spare key near me can help reduce wear and tear on your original keys. Over time keys are all prone to some degree of damage regardless of whether it's dings on the keychain or dirt and scratches from daily use. Using a spare will allow you to switch between the two keys frequently, minimizing the wear on the original key and protecting it for a longer period of time. This might seem like a first-world problem, but it's a great way to save money in the long term by not having to pay for costly repair services.