11 "Faux Pas" Which Are Actually Okay To Make With Your Car Key Spares
Car Key Spares Save Time, Money, and Anxiety
Car spare keys are a valuable item for those who tend to lose their car keys. They will save you time, money, and anxiety in the event of a need.
It's a nightmare scenario: You're late for work, trying to drop your kids off at school, and run errands over the weekend and then you're locked out of your vehicle.
Lost Keys
If you've ever misplaced your keys, it can be an unpleasant experience that leaves you feeling lost and helpless. It's easy for you to blame others or yourself for your error however, most of the time, it happens accidentally. There are ways to avoid future incidents.
If you're not sure where your keys are located, the first step is trace your steps. Look around the places you know they were like your home, your office, or any other places you have visited. Look for them in obvious places, also under sofa cushions and in stacks of mail are the most common places to lose keys. Clean out your bags and pockets. If you have extra keys, leave them somewhere that you know you'll be able to locate them. You can also give them to someone to keep until you can find them.
It's recommended to keep a spare set somewhere in another location, such as at work or with a companion, so that you have a backup in the event that the original set is lost. Make sure that the spare keys are easily visible and you can think about using bright colors or ribbons or other items that makes the whole key package more noticeable. Install an anchor near your door and hang your keys on it to ensure you will never forget where they are.
Based on the type of key and how easy it is for you to replace it, replacing your car keys can be expensive. Keys that look older than house keys can be changed easily, while newer cars have transponder keys that require a locksmith.
It's worth weighing up the cost against the inconvenience of losing your car keys to determine if it's worth it for you to have an additional set made in advance. When you have them, keep them in a place where you'll be able to find them and remember that even the most traumatic losses can be repaired!
Lockouts
A lockout is often the result of absent-mindedness or an issue with the door locks or key fob. The best way to handle such situations is to prevent them from happening by establishing preventative strategies.
Establish a designated key spot by establishing a regular location at home as well as at work for your keys/fobs, you can reduce the risk of losing them. For this reason most people will use keys holder or a small drawer. However, consistency is crucial. Make sure you have your keys before locking your car. This is essential, particularly when you are prone to forgetting 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 need to lock yourself out of the car. The spare key should be kept in a place that only you or someone you trust access (such as an unlocked key case or locked drawer safe key lockbox). If you can, consider placing your spare in the hands of a trusted friend or family member to add an additional layer of protection and ease of use.
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 gadgets are affordable and practical addition to your daily automobile accessories.
Mechanical Issues: A malfunction with the remote control or key fob is a typical reason for an auto lockout. This is why regular maintenance and professional repairs are crucial.
In the case of an emergency you can easily call a trusted locksmith to help you unlock your car and retrieve any items lost or stolen during the journey. As you can see, the best method to avoid the stress of being stranded in your car is to avoid these issues. You can lessen the chance of being locked out of your vehicle by making simple but efficient changes to your daily habits. Implement these tips now to maximize your car's features!
Damage to your original keys
Over time, car keys will wear out. It doesn't necessarily mean that the keys are broken but they could be damaged to the level that they aren't functioning. This is particularly true for older cars or vehicles that have been exposed to a lot of abuse. In many cases, damage is not visible until it's too late.
An effective method to avoid this is to have a spare key on you. If you have lost your original key, you can use the spare one to gain access to your vehicle. Be cautious when you're using your keys, and avoid opening bottles, or putting them in your pocket. This can cause damage.
A spare car key can also save you money in the event that you require a replacement key. If you lose your traditional car key, a locksmith could typically replace it for less than it would cost at the dealership. This is because traditional keys for cars don't have high-tech features like transponders.
You might be able to get your key replaced for free if an active member of an auto club or have a warranty with your vehicle. The best way to determine how to go about this is to go to your dealer or contact the customer service department at the manufacturer.
The exact procedure to follow will differ based on the type of key you own, how old it is and if it comes with a fob. To replace your key, you will require your car registration, your driver's license, and any other evidence of ownership. This is to ensure that the person requesting a replacement is actually the owner of the vehicle. This is a security step to prevent theft and fraud. If you have a smart key, however, the process will be more complicated and could require you to visit an authorized dealer or bring your vehicle to be repaired or towing before a new key can be programmed.
Anxiety
Imagine that you're late for work or a big event and you realize that your keys are locked inside the car. This is a huge amount of stress to handle in a short amount of time, and it can take the luster off your day. A spare key can help you avoid this situation and provide peace of mind.
Spare keys are also great for those who share vehicles with family members, spouses or roommates. A spare key can keep you from calling a locksmith to unlock your car or having a friend come to assist you if someone has the other person's keys in their pockets.
Finally, having a spare key can reduce wear and tear on your original keys. Every key is susceptible to damage due to dings on the keychain, scratches or dirt from everyday use. By using a spare, you can switch between the two keys often. This will reduce wear and help protect the original key for a longer period of time. This may seem like a first-world problem, but it's a great option to save money over the long haul by not having to pay for expensive repair services.