Why We Why We Car Key Spares (And You Should, Too!)

Car Key Spares Save Time, Money, and Anxiety Car spare keys are an essential accessory for anyone who is prone to lose their car keys. They can help you save time, money and anxiety. It's a nightmare scenario You're running late to work, trying to drop your kids off at school and run errands on the weekend when you get locked out of your car. Lost Keys If you've ever misplaced your keys, it's a frustrating experience that leaves you feeling confused and feeling helpless. It's easy for you to blame others or yourself for your mistake but the majority of the time, it happens by accident. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid repeat incidents. If you're unsure where your keys went, the first step is to trace your steps. Look around the places you know they were, such as your home, your office, or any other location you've been to. Look for them in the most obvious places too – under couch cushions and in stacks of mail are typical places to lose a key. Take out your bags and pockets. If you have extra keys, leave them somewhere you are confident you will be able find them. Give them to someone else to keep until you can find them. It's recommended to keep a spare set other than at work or with a friend to have an extra in case the original is lost. Make G28 Car Keys that the spare keys are easily visible and think about using bright colors or a ribbon or other item that makes the entire key package more noticeable. Another option is to put a hook near your door and keep a routine of hanging your keys there so you do not forget where they are. Replacing your car keys could be costly, based on what kind of key you have and how easy to replace. Keys that were made in the past that appear like house keys are much easier to replace, but modern cars have transponder fobs that require a trained locksmith to replace. It is best to weigh the cost of having extra keys versus the hassle of losing keys to determine if it's worth it buy a second set in advance. Keep them in a place where you are able to locate them. Remember that even the most painful of losses can be repaired! Lockouts A lockout is usually caused by a lack of awareness or an issue 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: Establishing a consistent spot at home and at work to store your keys or fobs reduces the chance of losing them. For this reason most people will use a key holder, or a small drawer. But consistency is important. Check that you have your keys before locking your car. This is important, especially in the event that you tend to forget things. Spare Key Strategy: Keeping a spare key in a secure location outside of your vehicle could be a lifesaver in case you have to get locked out of your car. Ideally, the spare key will be somewhere that is only accessible to you or someone you trust (such as a hidden magnetic keycase or locked drawer or a secure key lockbox). If possible, consider entrusting your spare with 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 make finding your keys easier. These gadgets can be a useful and affordable accessory to your car's equipment. Mechanical Issues: A problem with the key fob or remote control is a typical cause of car lockouts. This is why regular maintenance and professional repairs are so important. In the event of an emergency, you can call a reputable locksmith to help you unlock your car and retrieve any items that have been lost or stolen during the journey. However, as you see, preventing these problems is the best way to protect yourself against the frustration that comes with being stranded without access to your vehicle. You can decrease the likelihood of being locked out of your vehicle by making small but effective changes to your daily habits. So, start implementing these tips to get maximum benefit from your car and its features! Damage to the original keys As time passes, keys for cars will wear out. This doesn't necessarily mean the keys are broken but they could be damaged to a point where they don't work. This is particularly true for older vehicles or those which see frequent use. In a lot of instances, the damage isn't noticeable until it's too late. Carrying a spare car key is a good way to avoid these situations. This way, should you lose your primary, you can use the spare key and still be able to access your vehicle. Be cautious when carrying your keys and be careful not to open bottles or put them in your pockets. This can cause damage over time. Another reason to have a spare car key is that it will save you money on key replacement. If you lose your conventional car key, a locksmith will typically replace the key for less than it costs at the dealership. This is because traditional car keys don't come with advanced features like transponders. You might be able to get your key replaced for free if you're a member of a certain auto club or have a warranty with your vehicle. The best way to find out how to go about this is to go to your dealer or contact the manufacturer's customer service department. The procedure you need to follow depends on the type of keys you own and the age of them, as well as if they come with fobs. In general, you'll need to bring your registration for your car or driver's license along with other proof of ownership to the locksmith or dealer to request a replacement key. This is to ensure that the person who asks for replacement keys is the owner of the vehicle. This is a safety precaution to prevent fraud and theft. If you own a “smart key” however, the process will be more complicated and you may require a visit to 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 for work or an important event, and you discover that your keys have been locked inside the car. This is a huge amount of stress to handle in a short amount of time and it can really take the luster off your day. A spare key can assist you in avoiding this scenario and give you peace-of-mind. Spare keys can also be helpful for those who share a vehicle with their spouses, family members, 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 is carrying the other person's keys in their pockets. A spare key will assist to lessen wear and tear on the keys you have originally. Over time, every key is susceptible to damage by dings or scratches on the keychain, scratches, or dirt from daily use. A spare key will allow you to switch between the two keys frequently to reduce wear on the original key and ensuring it's protected for a longer period of time. It may appear to be a problem of the first order but it's actually a great method to save money over the long haul by not having to pay for expensive repair services.