It's True That The Most Common Car Key Spares Debate Isn't As Black And White As You 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 will save you time, money and stress.
It's a nightmare scenario: You're running late to work, trying to drop your kids off at school and errands on the weekend and then you're locked out of your car.
Lost Keys
No matter if you set your keys down while loading groceries into your trunk or left them in the pocket of your coat as you leave work, losing your keys is one of those dreaded experiences that can cause you to feel lost and feeling helpless. It's easy to blame other people or yourself for your mistake but the majority of the time it just happens accidentally. There are ways to prevent future incidents.
If you're unsure where your keys went, the first step is to retrace your steps. Check places you know where they were, such as your home, your office, or other locations you have visited. Look for keys in easy to spot locations and also. Under couches and in mail piles are two places where you can lose the car keys. Be sure you empty your pockets and bags. If you have extra keys keep them in a place you know you will be able to find them. You can also give them to someone to hold on to until you are able to locate them.
It is also advisable to keep a spare key set somewhere else. For instance, at work or with a friend you trust. This means you'll always have a backup plan in the event that your keys get lost. Consider using bright colors or even a ribbon to make the spare keys more noticeable. Another option is to put a hook near your door and make it a habit of hanging up your keys there, so you will not forget where they are.
The replacement of your car keys can be costly, based on what type of key you own and how easy to replace. Keys that look older than house keys can be replaced quickly, however newer vehicles have transponder keys that require locksmiths.
It is important to weigh the expense of getting extra keys against the inconvenience if you lose them to decide whether it's worth it purchase an additional set in advance. Keep them in a place where you can easily find them. Remember that even the most traumatic of losses can be fixed!
Lockouts
A lockout could be triggered due to a lack of care or a mechanical issue with the door lock and key fob. Making sure to avoid these situations with preventative measures is the best way to deal with these situations.
Establish a designated key spot If you establish a consistent place at home and at work for your keys/fobs, you will reduce the chance of losing them. To do this many people make use of a key holder, or a small drawer. However, consistency is essential. Also, you should make the habit of checking that your keys are in possession prior to locking the car. This is crucial, especially in the event that you tend to forget things.
Spare Key Strategy The idea of keeping a spare key in a secure place outside your vehicle could be life-saving in the event that you have to lock yourself out of the vehicle. It is ideal that the spare key should be kept in a place that is only accessible to you or someone who you are confident in (such as an invisible magnetic key case or locked drawer or a safe key lockbox). Think about entrusting the spare key to a trusted family member or friend for more convenience and security.
Key Technology Finder - Consider investing in Bluetooth-enabled gadgets that can connect to your smartphone and help you locate your keys. These devices are a cost-effective and practical addition to your everyday automobile accessories.
Mechanical Issues: A problem with the key fob or remote control can be another common reason for an auto lockout. This is why regular maintenance and professional repairs are crucial.
In an emergency, a locksmith will assist you in opening your car and recover any items that were lost or stolen. As you can see the best way to avoid the annoyance of being stranded in your car is to avoid these issues. By making small but effective changes to your everyday car-related habits you can drastically lower the risk of getting locked out of your car. So, begin implementing these suggestions to get the 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 but they could be damaged to the point that they're not functioning as well. This is particularly true for older cars or vehicles subjected to a lot of abuse. In most cases, the damage is not visible until it's already too late.
One method to avoid this is to always keep a spare key with you. This way, if you lose your original, you can use the spare and you'll still have access to your vehicle. Be extra cautious when carrying your keys around and try not to open bottles or place them in your pockets, which can cause damage over time.
A spare car key could also save you money when you have to replace your key. If i lost my car keys and have no spare lose your conventional car key, a locksmith can typically replace it for less than what it will cost at the dealership. This is because traditional car keys aren't usually made with transponders that are high-tech or other features that make them more expensive to replace.
You might be able to get your key replaced at no cost if you are a member or have a warranty for your vehicle. The best way to determine how to do this is to visit your dealer or contact the customer service department of the manufacturer.
The procedure you have to follow depends on the type of keys you own, their age and whether they have fobs. Generally speaking, you'll need to bring your car registration or driver's license along with other documents of ownership to the locksmith or dealer to have your key replaced. This is to ensure that the person requesting an exchange is the owner of the vehicle. This is a security measure to prevent fraud and theft. If you have a "smart key" however, the process will be more complicated. You may need to visit an authorized dealer, or bring your vehicle to the shop for repairs or a tow before a new key can be programmed.
Anxiety
Imagine that you're running late for work or a big occasion and you realize your keys are locked in your car. This can be a stressful situation to handle in the shortest amount of time. It can make your day miserable. A spare key will help you avoid this scenario and provide peace of mind.
Keys for spares can be useful for people who share a vehicle with spouses, family members, or roommates. A spare key can save you from calling a locksmith to unlock your car, or having a friend come to assist you if someone is carrying keys belonging to another person in their pockets.
A spare key will assist to reduce the wear and tear on your keys. Every key is susceptible to damage due to dings on the keychain, scratches, or dirt that is accumulated from use. If you have a spare one, you can swap between the two keys often. This will minimize wear and help protect the original key for a longer period of time. It may seem like an insignificant problem, but you can save money by not having to pay for expensive repairs.