Car Key Spares Save Time, Money, and Anxiety
Car spare keys are a valuable item for anyone who tends to lose their car keys. They can save time and money as well as anxiety in the event of a need.
It's a nightmare scenario: You're running late for work, trying to drop off your kids at school and errands on the weekend, and you're locked out of your car.
Lost Keys
If you put your keys down when loading groceries into your trunk or put them in the pocket of a coat when leaving work, misplacing your keys is among the most stressful experiences that make you feel lost and helpless. You can blame yourself or someone else for the mistake you made. However, most instances, it's just an accident. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid repeat incidents.
If you don't know where your keys are located, the first step is retrace your footsteps. Look up the places you think they were at, like your office, home or any other locations you've been to. Look for them in obvious spots, too. Under couch cushions and in mail piles are two common places to lose a car key. Clean out your bags and pockets. If you have an extra set of keys, leave them in a spot where you know you'll be able to locate them, or give them to a family member to hold onto until you are able to pick them up.
It's recommended to keep a spare set somewhere other than at work or with a friend, so that you have an extra in case the original is lost. Think about using bright colors, or adding a ribbon to make the spare keys more noticeable. Install hooks near your door and hang your keys on it so you will never forget where they are.
Depending on the type of key and how it is easy to replace it, replacing your car keys can cost you a lot. Keys older than house keys can be replaced quickly, however newer vehicles have transponder keys that require locksmiths.
It is best to weigh the cost of getting extra keys against the inconvenience if you lose the keys before deciding if it's worth it purchase an additional set ahead of time. When you have them, keep them in a location where you'll be able to locate them. Remember that even the most traumatic losses can be repaired!
Lockouts
A lockout could be caused by a lack or attention or a mechanical problem with the door locks or key fob. Making sure to avoid these situations with preventative strategies is the best way to deal with these situations.
Designated Key Spot: Setting up a consistent spot at home and work for your keys/fobs minimizes the chances of losing them. To do this many people make use of keys holder or a small drawer. But consistency is important. Check that you have your keys before locking your car. This is especially important if you're prone to forgetfulness.
Spare Key Strategy: A spare key kept in a secure place outside your vehicle could be a lifesaver should you lock yourself out. Ideally, the spare key will be somewhere that is only accessible to you or a person you can trust (such as a hidden magnetic keycase, a locked drawer, or a secure key lockbox). Consider entrusting the spare key to a trusted family member or friend for more convenience and security.
make a spare key - Consider investing in Bluetooth-enabled gadgets that can connect to your smartphone and make it easier to locate your keys. These gadgets are affordable and practical addition to your automobile accessories.
Mechanical Issues: A malfunctioning keys remote or fob can be a common cause for an auto lockout. This is why professional repairs and routine maintenance are crucial.
In the case of an emergency you can easily call a trusted locksmith to assist you in unlocking your car and retrieve any items lost or stolen along the way. But, as you see, preventing these problems is the best way to protect yourself against the frustration caused by being stuck without access to your vehicle. You can reduce the chances of being locked out of your vehicle by making simple but effective changes to your daily habits. Implement these tips now to maximize your car's features!
Damage to the Keys You Received
As time passes, keys for cars will wear out. This doesn't necessarily mean keys are damaged but they could be damaged to the point where they don't work. This is especially true with older vehicles or those which see lots of rough use. In many cases, damage is not visible until it's already too late.
A spare car key is a great way to avoid these situations. If you lose your original key, you can use the spare key to gain access to your vehicle. Be extra cautious when carrying your keys, and avoid opening bottles or place them in your pockets, as this could cause damage over time.
Another reason why you should keep a spare car key is to save you money on key replacement. If you lose your traditional car key, a locksmith can typically replace it for less than it would cost at the dealership. This is because traditional car keys don't come with high-tech features like transponders.
You might be able to get your key repaired for free if you're an active member of an auto club or have a warranty for your vehicle. The best way to find out how to go about this is to go to your dealer or phone the customer service department of the manufacturer.
The exact procedure you'll have to follow will depend on the type of key you have and the age of the key and if it comes with a fob. Generally speaking, you'll have to bring your registration for your car, driver's license and other documents of ownership to the dealer or locksmith to have your key replaced. This is to ensure that the person who asks for replacement keys is the actual owner of the vehicle. This is a security measure to avoid fraud and theft. If you own an "smart key" however, the process will be more complicated and you may 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 you're late to work or an important event, and then you find that your keys have been locked in the vehicle. This could be a stressful situation to resolve in a short time. It could also make your day miserable. Having a spare key can help you avoid this situation and give you peace of mind.
Spare keys are also great for those who share their vehicles with spouses, family members, or roommates. A spare key can keep you from needing to call a locksmith or have a relative come over to unlock your car when one person has the other's keys in their pockets.
Finally, having a spare key can reduce wear and tear on your original keys. Every key is at risk of being damaged, whether from dings on the keychain, scratches, or dirt that is accumulated from use. By using a spare one, you can swap between the two keys regularly. This will lessen wear and protect the original key for a longer period of time. It may seem like a minor issue but it can help you save money by not having to pay for costly repairs.