Dont Make This Mistake With Your Car Key Spares
Car Key Spares Save Time, Money, and Anxiety
Car spare keys are an essential accessory for anyone who is prone to lose their car keys. They will save you time, money, and anxiety in a pinch.
It's a nightmare: You're late for work and trying to drop off your children at school, or run for errands on the weekend, when you lock yourself out of your car.
Lost Keys
If you've ever lost your keys, it's an unpleasant experience that leaves you feeling lost and feeling helpless. You could blame yourself or others for the mistake you made. But most of the times, it's an accident. Luckily, there are ways to avoid repeat incidents.
If you're not sure where your keys were, the first step is to trace your steps. Check the places you know they were in, such as your home, office or any other places you've been to. Find keys in easy to spot locations and also. Under couch cushions and in mail piles are two typical places to lose the car keys. Be sure to empty your bags and pockets. If you have an extra set of keys, you can leave them in a place where you know you'll be able find them or give them to a friend to keep until you are able to get them.
It's also a good idea to keep a spare set in another location, such as at work or with a friend, so that you have an extra in case the original set is lost. Make sure that your spare keys are easily accessible and you can think about using bright colors or ribbons or other accessories that makes the whole key package more noticeable. Install hooks near your door and hang your keys on it to ensure you never forget where they are.
Replacing your car keys can cost a lot, depending on the type of key you have and how easy to replace. Keys that were made in the past that look like house keys are easier to replace, but modern cars come with transponder fobs that require a trained locksmith to replace.
It's worth weighing the cost against the danger of losing your car keys and deciding whether it's worth it you to have an additional set of keys made ahead of time. When you have them, keep them in a location where you'll be able to locate them. Remember that even the most frustrating losses can usually be fixed!
Lockouts
A lockout can be caused due to a lack of care or a mechanical problem with the door lock and key fob. The best approach to deal with such situations is to prevent them from happening by establishing preventative strategies.
Designated Key Spot: Setting up an area that is consistent at home and work for your keys/fobs minimizes the chances of losing them. For this purpose, many people use the key holder or a small drawer. However, consistency is crucial. Also, you should make an effort to double-check that your keys are in hand before locking the car. This is particularly crucial if you are susceptible to forgetfulness.
Spare Key Strategy A spare key in a secure place outside of your vehicle could prove to be a lifesaver should you lock yourself out. It is ideal that the spare key will be somewhere accessible only to you or a person you can trust (such as an invisible magnetic key case or a locked drawer or a safe key lockbox). You might want to consider entrusting the spare keys to a trusted family or a friend for additional convenience and security.
Key Finder Technology: Consider purchasing Bluetooth-enabled keys devices that connect with your phone to help you locate your keys more easily. These gadgets are a practical and affordable addition to your car accessories.
Mechanical Problems: A malfunctioning key remote or fob can be a frequent cause of an auto lockout. This is why regular maintenance and professional repairs are crucial.
In an emergency, a locksmith could assist you in opening your car and retrieve any items that were lost or stolen. However, as you see, preventing these problems is the best method to guard against the annoyance caused by being stuck without access to your vehicle. You can reduce the chances of being locked out of your vehicle by making small but effective changes to your daily habits. Implement these tips now to make the most of your car's features!
Damage to your original keys
It's a fact, that over time, keys to cars can wear out. This doesn't necessarily mean the keys are broken, but they may be damaged to the point where they don't work. This is especially true for older cars or vehicles that have been exposed to a lot of abuse. In many instances, damage is not visible until it's already too late.
A good method to avoid this is to always have a spare key on you. If you have lost your original key, you can use the spare one to gain access to your car. Be careful when you're using your keys, and avoid opening bottles or keeping them in your pocket. This could cause damage.
Another reason to keep a spare car key is to save you money on key replacement. If replacing car keys without spare lose a traditional car key, you'll typically obtain a replacement from your local locksmith for less than it costs to replace it at the dealership. This is because traditional car keys aren't typically equipped with advanced transponders or other features that make them more costly to replace.
You may be able to have your key replaced for free if an active member of an auto club or have a warranty for your vehicle. The best way to find out how to do this is to go to your dealer or phone the manufacturer's customer service department.
The exact procedure you'll need to follow will differ based on the type of key you have, how old it is and if it comes with a fob. To replace your key, you will be required to bring along your car registration, driver's licence and any other evidence of ownership. This is to ensure that the person who requests a replacement key is the real owner of the vehicle. This is a security measure to avoid fraud and theft. If you have an "smart key" however, the process is more complex and you might require a visit to an authorized dealer, or bring your vehicle in for repairs or towing before a new key can be programmed.
Anxiety
Imagine that you are running late for work or an important event, and you discover that your keys are been locked in the vehicle. This is a huge amount of stress to handle in a short amount of time, and it could take the luster off your day. Having a spare key will help you avoid this situation and give you peace of mind.
Keys to spare are also ideal for those who share their vehicles with spouses, family members or roommates. Having a spare can prevent you from having to call locksmiths or have a friend come over to unlock your vehicle when one person has the other's keys in their pockets.
A spare key will assist to reduce wear and tear of your keys. Over time, every key is susceptible to damage by dings or scratches on the keychain, scratches or dirt from everyday use. Using a spare will allow you to switch off between the two keys frequently, minimizing the wear and tear on the original key and protecting it for a longer time. It may appear to be a minor issue however, you could save money by not paying for costly repairs.