10 Things We Hate About 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 can help save time and money as well as stress in a pinch.
It's a nightmare situation: You're late for work, trying to drop off your kids at school and run errands on the weekend, and you're locked out of your car.
Lost Keys
If you put 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 among those dreaded experiences that can make you feel lost and helpless. It's easy for you to blame others or yourself for your error however, most of the time, it happens on accident. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid repeat incidents.
If you're unsure where your keys went, the initial step is to go back through your steps. Look around the places you know they were, like your home, office, or any other location you've been to. Find keys in easy to spot places as well as under couches and in mail piles are typical places to lose keys. Be sure to empty your pockets and bags. If you have an extra pair of keys, try leaving them in a spot where you know you'll be able to locate them, or give them to a family member to keep until you are able to get them.
It's recommended to keep a spare set somewhere else, like at work or with a friend to have a backup in the event that the original is lost. Make sure that your spare keys are easily visible and you can think about using bright colors or a ribbon or other item to make the whole package more noticeable. Another option is to set up an anchor near your door and be a habit of putting your keys on it so that you will not forget where they are.
The replacement of your car keys can get expensive, depending on what type of key you have and how easy to replace. Older regular keys that look like keys for houses are less difficult to replace, however modern cars come with transponder fobs that require a certified locksmith to replace.
It's worth weighing up the cost against the risk of losing your car keys and deciding if it's worth it for you to get an extra set made in advance. Once you do, keep them in a location that you can locate them. Remember that even the most traumatic loss can usually be rectified!
Lockouts
A lockout can be caused by a lack of attention or a mechanical problem with the door locks or 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 a consistent spot at home and work for your keys/fobs will reduce the risk of misplacing them. Many people utilize a particular key holder or small drawers for this purpose, but whatever the case is the importance of consistency is. Also, you should make an effort to double-check that your keys are in possession prior to locking the car. This is particularly important if you are more likely to forget.
Spare Key Strategy: A spare key kept in a safe location outside your vehicle could prove to be a lifesaver should you lock yourself out. The spare key should be stored in a location that only you or someone you trust can access (such as a hidden key case, locked drawer, or secure key lockbox). Consider entrusting the spare key to a trusted family member or friend for more convenience and security.
Key Finder Technology: Think about investing in Bluetooth-enabled key finder devices that work with your phone to assist you in finding your keys. These devices can be a useful and affordable accessory to your car's accessories.
Mechanical Problems: A malfunctioning key remote or fob could be a frequent cause of an auto lockout. This is why routine maintenance and professional repairs are so important.
In an emergency, a locksmith could assist you in opening your vehicle and recover any items that were stolen or lost. However, as you see, preventing these issues is the best way to protect yourself against the frustration that comes with being stranded without access to your vehicle. You can lessen the chance of being locked out of your vehicle by making a few simple but efficient changes to your daily habits. Start implementing these tips today to make the most of your car's features!
Damage to Your Original Keys
It's a fact that over time, keys for cars wear out. This doesn't mean that the keys are broken, but they may be damaged to the degree that they won't function. This is particularly the case with older vehicles or those that receive a lot of rough usage. In most cases, the damage is not apparent until it's already too late.
One way to avoid this is to always keep a spare key with you. If you lose your original key, you can use the spare one to gain access to your vehicle. Be extra cautious when carrying your keys and try not to open bottles or place them in your pockets. This can cause damage over time.
Another reason why you should have a spare car keys is that it will save you money on key replacement. If you lose your conventional car key, a locksmith could typically replace it for less than what it will cost at the dealership. This is because traditional keys for cars don't have modern features like transponders.
You could be eligible to have your key replaced at no cost when you are a member of a warranty or a warranty for your vehicle. The best way to determine how to do this is to visit your dealer or phone the customer service department at the manufacturer.
The exact procedure you'll have to follow will vary based on the type of key you own and how old it is and if it comes with a fob. Generally speaking, you'll have to bring your vehicle registration, driver's license and other documents of ownership to the locksmith or dealer to get your key replaced. This is to ensure that the person who is requesting an exchange is the actual owner of the vehicle. This is a security step to prevent theft and fraud. If you have a smart key however, the process is more complicated and may require that you go to an authorized dealer or bring your car in for repairs or towing before a new key can be programmed.
Anxiety
Imagine being late for work or an important event, and you discover that your keys have been locked inside the car. That's a lot of stress to deal with in a short time, and it can take the luster off your day. A spare key can aid you in avoiding this problem and provide peace of mind.
Spare keys are also great for those who share their vehicles with family members, spouses or roommates. A spare key can keep you from having to call locksmiths to unlock your car or having a family member come to assist you if someone is carrying keys belonging to another person in their pockets.
A spare key can help to lessen wear and tear of the keys you have originally. Every key is susceptible to damage due to dings on the keychain, scratches or dirt that is accumulated from use. With a spare key keys, you can switch between the two keys frequently. This will minimize wear and protect the original key for a longer time. This may seem like a first-world problem but it's actually a great way to save money over the long haul by not having to pay for costly repair services.