11 “Faux Pas” That Are Actually OK To Use With Your Car Key Spares

Car Key Spares Save Time, Money, and Anxiety Anyone who is prone to losing their car keys can find the spare keys to their car useful. They will save you time, money and stress. It's a nightmare scenario You're running late for work, and trying to drop off your kids at school and errands on the weekend when you get locked out of your car. Lost Keys If you put your keys down while loading groceries into the trunk or tucked them away in the pocket of your coat as you leave work, losing your keys is one of the most dreadful experiences that make you feel lost and insecure. You can blame yourself or others for the mistake you made. But a lot of instances, it's just an accident. There are, however, ways to avoid repeat incidents. If cheap spare car keys where your keys went, the first step is to retrace your steps. Check the places you know they were in, such as your office, home or any other places you've been to. Look for them in the most obvious places also under sofa cushions and in stacks of mail are common spots to lose keys. Be sure to empty your pockets and bags. If you have spare keys, leave them somewhere you are confident you will be able find them. You can also give them to someone else to hold on to until you are able to locate them. It's also a good idea to keep a spare set of keys somewhere other than at work or with a colleague to have an extra set in case the primary set gets lost. Think about using bright colors, or adding a ribbon to make your spare keys more easily visible. Another option is to install an anchor near your door and be a habit of hanging your keys there so you will not forget where they are. Replacing your car keys could get expensive, depending on what kind of key you have and how easy it is to replace. Keys that were made in the past that appear like keys for houses are less difficult to get replaced, but 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 to decide whether it's worth it to you to get an extra set of keys made ahead of time. Place them in a location that you can easily locate them. Be aware that even the most traumatic of losses can be repaired! Lockouts A lockout could be caused by a lack of attention or a mechanical issue with the door locks and key fob. The best way to handle these situations is to prevent them completely by establishing preventative strategies. Set up a designated place for keys: By establishing a consistent location at home and at work for your keys/fobs, you will reduce the chance of losing them. For this purpose many people make use of the key holder or a small drawer. However, consistency is crucial. Make sure you have your keys before locking your car. This is crucial, especially when you are prone to forgetting things. Spare Key Strategy The idea of keeping a spare key in a secure location outside of your vehicle could be a lifesaver in case you ever lock yourself out of the vehicle. Ideally, the spare key will be somewhere accessible only to you or someone who you trust (such as an invisible magnetic key case or locked drawer or a safe key lockbox). If you can, consider entrusting your spare with an amiable family member to add an additional layer of security and ease of access. Key Finder Technology: Think about investing in Bluetooth-enabled key finder devices that work with your phone to help you locate your keys more easily. These devices can be a useful and affordable accessory to your car's accessories. Mechanical Issues: A malfunction with the key fob or remote control can be another common cause of a car lockout. This is why professional repairs and routine maintenance are essential. In an emergency, a locksmith will assist you in opening your car and get any items stolen or lost. As you can see, the best method to avoid the stress of being locked in your car is to avoid these situations. You can decrease the likelihood of being locked out of your vehicle by making a few simple but efficient changes to your routine. Start implementing these tips today to make the most of your car's capabilities! Damage to the Keys You Received Over time, car keys will wear out. It doesn't mean that they've cracked into pieces but they could be damaged to the point that they're not functioning as well. This is especially true for older cars or vehicles subjected to a lot abuse. In most cases, the damage isn't apparent until it's too late. Carrying a spare car key is a good way to avoid such occurrences. If you have lost your original key, you can use the spare key to gain access to your car. Be cautious when you're using your keys, and avoid opening bottles, or keeping them in your pocket. This can cause damage. Another reason why you should have a spare car key is that it will save you money on key replacement. If you lose your traditional car key, a locksmith could typically replace it for less than it would cost at the dealership. That's because traditional car keys aren't often equipped with transponders that are high-tech or other features that make them more costly to replace. You may be able get your key replaced for free if you are a member or warranty for your vehicle. The best way to find out how to do this is to go to your dealer or contact the customer service department at the manufacturer. The procedure you must follow will depend on the kind of keys you own and their age, as well as whether they have a fob. Generally speaking, you'll have to bring your vehicle registration, driver's license and other proof of ownership to the dealer or locksmith to get your key replaced. This is to verify that the person requesting an exchange is the actual owner of the vehicle, which is a security step to prevent theft and fraud. If you own the “smart key” however, the process is more complex and you might have to visit an authorized dealer or bring your vehicle to the shop 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 you discover that your keys have been locked in your car. This can be a stressful situation to resolve in a short time. It could ruin your day. A spare key will assist you in avoiding 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 relative visit to unlock your car if one person has keys for the other in their pockets. A spare key will help to reduce wear and tear of your original keys. Over time keys are all prone to some degree of damage whether it's dings from the keychain or scratches and dirt from daily use. A spare key will allow you to switch between the two frequently, minimizing the wear and tear on the original key and safeguarding it for a longer time. This might appear to be a problem of the first order however it's an excellent method to save money over the long haul by not having to pay for costly repair services.