Why We Do We Love Car Key Spares (And You Should Also!)
Car Key Spares Save Time, Money, and Anxiety
Car spare keys are a valuable item for anyone who tends to lose their car keys. They can save you time, money and anxiety.
It's an absolute nightmare: You're running late for work and trying to drop your kids off at school, or running for errands on the weekend, when you lock yourself out of your vehicle.
Lost Keys
No matter if you set your keys down while loading groceries into the trunk or tucked them away in the pocket of your coat after leaving work, losing your keys is among the most dreadful experiences that cause you to feel lost and helpless. It's easy for you to blame others or yourself for your error, but most of the time, it happens on accident. There are ways to prevent future incidents.
If you're not sure where your keys are, the first step is retrace your footsteps. Examine the places you know they were in, such as your office, home or any other locations you've visited. Find them in obvious spots as well. Under couches and in mail piles are two places where you can lose keys to your car. Take out your bags and pockets. If you have spare keys keep them in a place you know you will be able to locate them. Give them to someone to keep until you are able to locate them.
It is also recommended to keep a spare key set elsewhere. For example at work, or with a friend you trust. This ensures that you always have a backup plan in case your original keys are lost. Consider using bright colors, or a ribbon to make the spare keys more noticeable. Install an anchor near your door, and hang your keys on it to ensure you will never forget where they are.
Depending on the type of key you have and how easy it is for you to replace it, changing the keys to your car could cost you a lot. Keys older than keys for houses can be replaced easily, but newer cars have transponder keys that require locksmiths.
You should weigh the cost of purchasing additional keys against the inconvenience of losing them to decide whether it is worth it to buy a second set in advance. Keep them in a place that you can easily locate them. Be aware that even the most painful of losses can be fixed!
Lockouts
A lockout is usually caused by a lack of awareness or an issue with the mechanical door locks or key fob. Making sure to avoid these situations with preventative strategies is the most effective method to handle them.
Designated Key Spot: Setting up a consistent spot at home and work for your keys/fobs minimizes the chances of misplacing them. To do this 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 crucial, especially if you tend to forget things.
Spare Key Strategy A spare key in a secure location outside your vehicle could be a lifesaver if you ever lock yourself out. The spare key should be stored in a safe place that only you or someone you trust can access (such as a key case hidden from view, locked drawer, or 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: Think about purchasing Bluetooth-enabled keyfinder devices that connect with your phone to help you locate your keys more easily. 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 regular maintenance and professional repairs are important.
In the event of an emergency, a locksmith could assist you in opening your vehicle and retrieve any items that were lost or stolen. As you can see, the best method to avoid the stress of being locked in your car is to avoid these issues. By making simple yet effective changes to your everyday car-related habits, you can dramatically reduce the risk of getting locked out of your vehicle. Begin to implement these suggestions today to maximize your car's capabilities!
Damage to Your Original Keys
It's a fact that over time, keys to cars can wear out. That doesn't mean that they've broken but they could be damaged to the point where they no longer work properly. This is particularly relevant for older vehicles or vehicles that are subjected to a lot of abuse. In many cases, damage is not visible until it's already too late.
An effective way to avoid this is to always keep a spare key with you. If you have lost your original key, you can use the spare key to gain access to your vehicle. You should also be careful when carrying your keys around and avoid opening bottles or put them in your pockets. This could cause damage over time.
A spare car key can also save you money when you have to replace your key. If you lose a traditional car key, you can typically purchase a new one from your local locksmith for less than it would cost to replace it at the dealership. This is because traditional car keys don't come with high-tech features like transponders.
You might be able to get your key replaced at no cost in the event that you are a member or have a warranty with your car. You can learn more by contact your dealer or customer support department of the manufacturer.
The procedure you must follow is contingent upon the type of keys you own and their age, as well as whether they come with a fob. In general, you'll need to bring your vehicle registration or driver's license along with other proof of ownership to the dealer or locksmith to get your key replaced. This is to verify that the person who is requesting an exchange is the actual owner of the vehicle, which is a security step to prevent fraud and theft. If you are using a smart key however, the process will be much more complex 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 that you're late for work or a major occasion and you realize your keys are locked in 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 in your bag can help you avoid this situation and give you peace of mind.
Keys for spares can be helpful to those who share a vehicle with their spouses, family members, or roommates.
getting a spare key for my car can keep you from calling a locksmith to unlock your car or having a friend assist you if someone has the other person's keys in their pockets.
A spare key can help to reduce wear and tear on the keys you have originally. Over
make a spare key are all prone to some degree of damage whether it's dings from the keychain or scratches and dirt caused by daily use. By having a spare, you to switch off between the two frequently to reduce wear and tear on the original key and protecting it for a longer period of time. This might appear to be a problem of the first order however it's an excellent way to save money over the long haul by not needing to pay for costly repair services.