Watch Out: How Car Key Spares Is Taking Over And What You Can Do About It
Car Key Spares Save Time, Money, and Anxiety
Car key spares are a useful item for those who tend to lose their car keys. They can help you save time, money and stress.
It's a nightmare scenario You're running late to work, and trying to drop your kids off at school and run errands on the weekend and then you're locked out of your car.
Lost Keys
If you put your keys down when loading groceries into your trunk or tucked them away in the pocket of a coat when leaving work, misplacing your keys is among the most dreadful experiences that make you feel lost and insecure. You can blame yourself or others for your error. But most of the times, it's just an accident. There are ways to prevent future incidents.
If you're not sure where your keys were, the first step is to trace your steps. Look around the places you know they were like your home, your office, or any other places you've visited. Look for them in obvious places, too - under couch cushions and in mail piles are the most common places to lose a key. Take out your bags and pockets. If you have an extra set of keys, leave them in a spot that you are sure you'll be able to find them or give them to a family member to hold onto until you can pick them up.
It is also recommended to keep a spare key set somewhere else. For example at work, or with a close friend. This way, you'll always have a backup plan in case your original keys are lost. Make sure your spare keys are easily accessible and you can think about using bright colors or ribbons or other items that makes the whole key package more prominent. Install an anchor near your door and hang your keys on it to ensure you will never forget where they are.
Based on the type of key and how easy it is for you to replace it, changing your car keys could be costly. Keys that are older and look almost exactly like house keys are much easier to replace, but modern cars come with transponder fobs that require a certified locksmith to replace.
It's worth weighing the cost against the inconvenience of losing your car keys to decide whether it's worth it to you to get an extra set of keys made ahead of time. Once you do, keep them in a place where you'll be able to locate them. Remember that even the most traumatic losses can be repaired!
Lockouts
A lockout is usually caused by inattention or a mechanical issue with the door locks or key fob. Making sure to avoid these situations with preventative strategies is the best solution to prevent them.
Set up a designated place for keys by establishing a regular location at home as well as at work for your keys/fobs you can reduce the risk of losing them. To do this most people will use the key holder or a small drawer. But consistency is important. Check that you have your keys before locking your car. This is particularly important if you're more likely to forget.
Spare Key Strategy A spare key stored in a secure place outside of your vehicle could be an essential asset should you lock yourself out. The spare key should be stored in a place that only you or someone you trust access (such as a key case hidden from view, locked drawer, or secure key lockbox). Think about entrusting need a spare key for my car to a trusted family member or friend for added convenience and security.
Key Technology Finder - Consider investing in Bluetooth-enabled devices that can connect to your smartphone and help you find your keys. These devices are a cost-effective and practical addition to your car accessories.
Mechanical Issues: A malfunctioning key remote or fob could be a common cause of an auto lockout. This is why routine maintenance and professional repairs are essential.
In an emergency, a locksmith will assist you in opening your vehicle and recover any items that were stolen or lost. As you can see the best way to avoid the annoyance of being stranded in your car is to prevent these issues. By making simple yet effective changes to your everyday routines, you can dramatically reduce the risk of getting locked out of your car. So, begin implementing these tips to get maximum benefit from your car and its features!
Damage to your original keys
As time passes, keys for cars will wear out. That doesn't mean that they've broken into pieces however, they could be damaged to the point where they're not functioning as well. This is especially applicable to older cars or vehicles that are subjected to a lot of abuse. In most cases, the damage isn't apparent until it's already too late.
An effective method to avoid this is to carry a spare key with you. If you lose your original key, you can use the spare one to gain access to your vehicle. Be cautious with your keys, and avoid opening bottles, or putting them in your pocket. This could cause damage.
Another reason why you should have a spare car key is to save you money on key replacement. If you lose a traditional car key, you'll be able to obtain a replacement from a local locksmith for less than what it costs to replace it at the dealership. This is because traditional keys for cars aren't usually made with transponders that are high-tech or other features that make them more expensive to replace.
You might even be able to have your key repaired for free if you're an active member of an auto club or have a warranty for your vehicle. The best way to find out how to get this done is to visit your dealer or phone the customer service department of the manufacturer.
The exact procedure to follow will vary based on the type of key you own and the age of the key and if it has a fob. In general, you'll need to bring your vehicle registration, driver's license and other proof of ownership to the locksmith or dealer to get your key replaced. This is to ensure that the person who asks for a replacement key is the owner of the car. This is a security measure to avoid fraud and theft. If you have a smart key, however the procedure will be more complicated and may require you to visit a licensed dealer or bring your vehicle in for repairs or towing before a new key can be programmed.
Anxiety
Imagine being late to work or an important event, and you find that your keys have been locked inside the car. This can be a stressful situation to resolve in a short time. It could also make your day miserable. Having a spare key in your bag can help you avoid this scenario and give you peace of mind.
Spare keys are also great for those 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 friend come to help you when someone has the other person's keys in their pockets.
A second key can reduce wear and wear and tear on your keys. Over time, all keys are susceptible to some degree of damage whether it's dings from the keychain or scratches and dirt from daily use. By having a spare, you to switch off between the two frequently and reduce the wear on the 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 costly repairs.