The Most Common Car Key Spares Debate Doesn't Have To Be As Black And White As You Might Think
Car Key Spares Save Time, Money, and Anxiety Anyone who is at risk of losing their car keys will find spare car keys useful. They can help you save time, money and anxiety. It's a nightmare: You're late for work and trying to drop your kids off 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 can be a frustrating experience that leaves you feeling confused and helpless. You can blame yourself or someone else for your mistake. However, most times, it's an accident. There are ways to avoid future incidents. If you're not sure where your keys are, the first thing you should do is to trace your steps. Check places you know where they were, such as your home, office, or other locations you've visited. Look for them in the most obvious places as well. Under couch cushions and in piles of mail are two common places to lose a car key. Take out your bags and pockets. If you have an extra pair of keys, try leaving them in a location in a place where you're sure you'll be able to locate them, or give them to a family member to keep until you can take them home. It is also recommended to keep a spare set of keys elsewhere. For make a spare key at work or with a friend you trust. This means you'll always have a backup set in the event that your original keys are lost. Think about using bright colors, or a ribbon to make your spare keys more easily visible. Another option is to install a hook near your door and be a habit of putting your keys on it so that you do not forget where they are. Depending on the type of key and how easy it is to replace it, changing your car keys can be costly. Keys older than house keys can be replaced quickly, however newer vehicles have transponder keys that require a locksmith. You should weigh the cost of having extra keys versus the inconvenience of losing keys to determine if it's worth it buy a second set in advance. Place them in a location where you can easily find them. Keep in mind that even the most frustrating of losses can be repaired! Lockouts A lockout can be caused by a lack of attention or a mechanical problem with the door lock and key fob. The best way to handle such situations is to avoid them altogether by devising preventative strategies. Designated Key Spot: Setting up a consistent spot at home and at work to store your keys or fobs reduces the chance of them being lost. For this reason most people will use a key holder, or a small drawer. But consistency is important. Check that you have your keys before locking your car. This is essential, particularly in the event that you tend to forget things. 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. It is ideal that the spare key should be kept in a place that is only accessible to you or a person you are confident in (such as an invisible magnetic key case or a locked drawer or a secure key lockbox). You might want to consider entrusting the spare keys to a trusted family or a friend for additional convenience and security. Key Technology for Finder – Think about investing in Bluetooth-enabled devices that connect to your phone and make it easier to find your keys. These gadgets are affordable and practical addition to your everyday automobile accessories. Mechanical Issues: A malfunctioning key remote or fob could be a common cause of an auto lockout. This is why professional repairs and routine maintenance are crucial. In the event of an emergency, a locksmith could assist you in opening your car and retrieve any items that were lost or stolen. As you can see the best way to avoid the frustration of being stranded in your car is to avoid these problems. You can reduce the chances of being locked out of your vehicle by making simple but effective changes to your routine. Implement these tips now to make the most of your car's features! Damage to the 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 could be damaged to a level that they aren't functioning. This is particularly the case with older cars or those that receive frequent use. In many instances, the damage isn't obvious until it's already too late. A spare car key is a good idea to prevent such incidents. This way, if you lose your primary, you can simply make use of the spare and still be able to access your vehicle. Be extra cautious when carrying your keys around and avoid opening bottles or put them in your pockets, as this can cause damage over time. A spare car key can also save you money if you need to replace your key. If you lose your standard car key, a locksmith will usually replace the key for less than it will cost at the dealership. This is because traditional car keys aren't usually made with advanced transponders or other features that make them more costly to replace. You might be able to get your key replaced for free if you are a member of a warranty or a warranty for your vehicle. The best way to determine how to get this done is to visit your dealer or phone the customer service department at the manufacturer. The exact procedure you'll have to follow will depend on the type of key you have and the age of the key and if it has a fob attached. Generally speaking, you'll have to bring your registration for your car or driver's license along with other proof of ownership to the locksmith or dealer to request a replacement key. This is to ensure that the person asking for an exchange is the owner of the vehicle. This is a safety measure to prevent theft and fraud. If you own an “smart key”, however, the process will be more complicated and you may need 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 late to work or attending an important event, and then you discover that your keys have been locked in the vehicle. This is a huge amount of stress to handle in a short time and it can really ruin your day. Having a spare key will assist you in avoiding this situation and give you peace of mind. Keys to spare can also be helpful to those who share a vehicle with their spouses, families, 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 spare key will assist to lessen the wear and tear on the keys you have originally. Over time, all keys are susceptible 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 regularly to reduce wear and tear on your original key and protecting it for a longer time. It may seem like a minor issue however, you could save money by not paying for expensive repairs.