Car Key Spares Save Time, Money, and Anxiety
Anyone who is at risk of losing their car keys can find spare car keys useful. They can save time and money as well as stress in a pinch.
It's a nightmare situation: You're running late for work, trying to drop off kids at school and run errands on the weekend when you get locked out of your car.
Lost Keys
Whether you set your keys down when loading groceries into your trunk or put them in the pocket of your coat when leaving work, losing your keys is one of those dreaded experiences that can cause you to feel lost and insecure. You could blame yourself or other people for the mistake you made. However, most times, it's just an accident. There are ways to avoid future incidents.
If you're unsure where your keys went, the first step is to retrace your steps. Look up the places you think they were in, such as your home, office or any other locations you've been to. Look for them in the most obvious places, too. Under couches and in piles of mail are two common places to lose a car key. Make sure to empty your bags and pockets. If you have spare keys keep them in a place you are confident you will be able to find them. Or give you could try these out to someone else to keep until you are able to find them.
You should also keep a spare set of keys somewhere else. For example at work or with a close friend. This ensures that you always have a backup in the event that your original keys are lost. Consider using bright colors, or even a ribbon to make the spare keys more easily visible. Another option is to install a hook by your door and be a habit of hanging up your keys on it so that you do 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 it is to replace. Keys that were made in the past that look like house keys are much easier to replace, however modern cars have transponder fobs that require a certified locksmith to replace.
You should weigh the cost of getting extra keys against the inconvenience if you lose the keys before deciding if it's worth it to order an extra set ahead of time. When you have them, keep them in a place in a place where you'll be able locate them, and remember that even the most traumatic loss can usually be rectified!
Lockouts
A lockout could be triggered by a lack of attention or a mechanical problem with the door locks and key fob. Avoiding these situations using preventative strategies is the most effective way to deal with these situations.
Establish a designated key spot: By establishing a consistent location at home as well as at work for your keys/fobs, you can lower the risk of losing them. Many people utilize a particular key holder or small drawers for this purpose, but whatever the case may be it is important to be consistent. Check that you have your keys before locking your car. This is particularly important if you're prone to forgetfulness.
Spare Key Strategy A spare key in a secure place outside your vehicle could prove to be a lifesaver should you lock yourself out. The ideal location for the spare key will be kept in a place accessible only to you or a person you can trust (such as a hidden magnetic keycase or a locked drawer or a secure key lockbox). Consider entrusting the spare key to a trusted family member or friend for added convenience and security.
Key Finder Technology: Consider purchasing Bluetooth-enabled keys devices that can be connected to your phone to make finding your keys easier. These devices can be a useful and affordable accessory to your car's accessories.
Mechanical Issues: 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 essential.
In the event of an emergency, a locksmith will assist you in opening your vehicle and get any items lost or stolen. As you can see, the best way to avoid the annoyance 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 small but effective changes to your daily habits. Begin to implement these suggestions today to make the most of your car's features!
Damage to your original keys
As time passes, keys for cars will wear out. That doesn't mean that they've cracked into pieces but they could be damaged to the point where they're no longer functioning properly. This is especially relevant for older vehicles or vehicles that have been subjected to a lot abuse. In many cases, damage isn't apparent until it's too late.
An effective method to avoid this is to keep a spare key with you. If you lose your original key, you can use the spare to gain access to your car. You should be careful with your keys, and avoid opening bottles, or placing them in your pocket. This could result in damage.
Another reason why you should keep a spare car key is that it can save you money on key replacement. If you lose your traditional car key, a locksmith will typically replace it for less than it would cost at the dealership. This is because traditional keys for cars aren't typically equipped with advanced transponders or other features that make them more expensive to replace.
You could be eligible to have your key replaced at no cost in the event that you are a member or warranty with your car. You can find out more by contacting your dealer or the company's customer service department.
The exact procedure to follow will depend on the type of key you own and the age of the key and if it comes with a fob. In general, you'll need to bring your vehicle registration or driver's licence along with other evidence of ownership to the locksmith or dealer to request a replacement key. This is to verify that the person asking for replacement is the owner of the vehicle. This is a security measure to prevent fraud and theft. If you have the "smart key" however, the process will be more complex and you might need to visit an authorized dealer or bring your vehicle to the shop for repairs or towing before a new one can be programmed.
Anxiety
Imagine that you're late for work or an important event and you realize that your keys are locked inside the car. This could be a stressful situation to resolve in a short time. It can also cause you to lose your day. A spare key will aid you in avoiding this problem and provide you with peace of mind.
Keys for spares are also useful for those who share vehicles with family members, spouses, or roommates. A spare key can save you from needing to call locksmiths or have a relative come over to unlock your car if one person has the keys of the other in their pocket.
A second key can reduce wear and tear on your original keys. Over time keys are all susceptible to some degree of damage regardless of whether it's dings on the keychain, or scratches and dirt caused by daily use. By using a spare one, you can swap between the two keys frequently. This will reduce wear and preserve the original key for a longer time. This may seem like a first-world problem but it's actually a great option to save money in the long term by not having to pay for expensive repair services.