Car Key Spares Save Time, Money, and Anxiety
Anyone who is susceptible to losing their car keys will find spare car keys useful. They can help you save time, money and anxiety.
It's a nightmare situation: You're running late for work, and trying to drop your kids off at school and run errands on the weekend, and you're locked out of your car.
Lost Keys
If you've ever lost your keys, it can be an unpleasant experience that leaves you feeling confused and in a state of helplessness. It's easy to blame others or yourself for the mistake however, most of the time it just happens accidentally. Luckily, there are ways to prevent future incidents.
If you're unsure where your keys went, the initial step is to trace your steps. Look around the places you know they were, such as your home, your office, or any other places you've visited. Look for keys in easy to spot places also under sofa cushions and in mail piles are typical places to lose keys. Make sure you empty your pockets and bags. If you have an extra pair of keys, try leaving them in a location in a place where you're sure you'll be able find them, or give them to a friend to hold onto until you can get them.
It is also recommended to keep a spare set of keys elsewhere. For instance, at work or with a friend you trust. This means you'll always have a backup plan in the event that your original keys are lost. Consider using bright colors, or adding a ribbon to make your spare keys more visible. Another option is to install an anchor near your door and keep a routine of hanging your keys there, so you will not forget where they are.
The replacement of your car keys can be costly, based on the type of key you own and how easy to replace. Older keys that look like house keys can be changed quickly, however newer vehicles have transponder keys that require locksmiths.
It's worth weighing the costs against the risk of losing your car keys to decide if it's worth it for you to get an extra set made in advance. When you have them, keep them in a spot that you can find them and remember that even the most difficult losses can be repaired!
Lockouts
A lockout is often the result of absent-mindedness or a mechanical issue with the key fob or door locks. The best approach to deal with such situations is to prevent them completely by developing preventative strategies.
Designated Key Spot: Having an area that is consistent at home and work for your keys/fobs minimizes the chances of losing them. For this reason many people make use of a key holder, or a small drawer. However, consistency is crucial. Also, make a habit of double-checking that your keys are on hand before locking the car. This is crucial, especially in the event that you tend to forget things.
Spare Key Strategy: A spare key kept in a secure place outside of your vehicle could prove to be a lifesaver should you lock yourself out. The ideal location for the spare key should be kept in a place accessible only to you or someone you can trust (such as a hidden magnetic key case or a locked drawer or a secure key lockbox). If you can, think about confiding your spare key with someone you trust as a family member to add an additional layer of protection and convenience.
Key Finder Technology - Consider investing in Bluetooth-enabled devices that can connect to your smartphone and help you locate your keys. These gadgets are an affordable and practical addition to your daily automobile accessories.
Mechanical Issues: A malfunctioning key remote or fob can be a common cause for an auto lockout. This is why regular maintenance and professional repairs are crucial.
In the situation of an emergency, you can easily call a reputable locksmith to help you unlock your vehicle and retrieve anything that was lost or stolen during the journey. But, as you see, preventing these problems is the best way to safeguard against the annoyance that comes from being without access to your vehicle. By making small but efficient changes to your daily routines, you can dramatically reduce the chance of being locked out of your vehicle. So, start implementing these tips to get the most value from your vehicle and its features!
Damage to your original keys
Over time, car keys will wear out. This doesn't necessarily mean the keys are broken however, they could be damaged to a point where they don't work. This is particularly true for older cars or those which see lots of rough use. In many cases, damage isn't apparent until it's too late.
An effective way to avoid this is to always carry a spare key with you. In the event that you lose your original key, you can simply use the spare and you'll still be able to access your vehicle. Be cautious with your keys and avoid opening bottles or putting them in your pocket. This could result in damage.
A spare car key can also save you money in the event that you need to replace your key. If you lose a conventional car key, you'll typically get a new one from your local locksmith for less than what it costs to replace it at the dealership. This is because traditional keys for cars aren't often equipped with advanced transponders or other features that make them more expensive to replace.
You may be able to get your key replaced for free if a member of a certain auto club 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 at the manufacturer.
The procedure you have to follow depends on the type of keys you have and their age, as well as whether they have fobs. In general, you'll need to bring your registration for your car, driver's license and other documents of ownership to the locksmith or dealer to get your key replaced. This is to verify that the person who is requesting an exchange is the owner of the vehicle. This is a safety step to prevent theft and fraud. If next page are using a smart key however the procedure will be more complicated and may require you to go to an authorized dealer or bring your vehicle to be repaired or towing before a new key is programmed.
Anxiety
Imagine you're late to work or attending an important event, and you find that your keys have been locked in the vehicle. That's a lot of stress to manage in a short amount of time and it can really ruin your day. A spare key will help you avoid this situation and give you peace-of-mind.
Keys for spares can be useful for people who share a vehicle with spouses, families, 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.
A spare key will assist to reduce wear and tear on your original keys. Over time keys are all prone to some degree of damage regardless of whether it's dings on the keychain, or scratches and dirt caused by daily use. Using a spare will allow you to switch off between the two keys frequently to reduce wear on the original key and ensuring it's protected for a longer time. It may appear to be a minor issue, but you can save money by not having to pay for costly repairs.