this article , Money, and Anxiety
Car spare keys are an essential item for those who tend to lose their car keys. They will save you time and money as well as anxiety in a pinch.
It's a nightmare scenario: You're late for work, and trying to drop your kids off at school, and run errands over the weekend when you get locked out of your car.
Lost Keys
If you've ever misplaced your keys, it can be an unpleasant experience that leaves you feeling confused and feeling helpless. You can blame yourself or someone else for the mistake you made. However, most times, it's an accident. There are, however, ways to prevent future incidents.
If you're not sure where your keys are, the first thing to do is retrace your footsteps. Find places where you know they were like your home, your office, or any other places you've visited. Look for them in obvious places, as well as under couches and in stacks of mail are the most common places to lose a key. Make sure you empty your bags and pockets. If you have an extra set of keys, try leaving them in a spot in a place where you're sure you'll be able find them, or give them to a friend to keep until you are able to take them home.
It's an excellent idea to keep a spare set somewhere other than at work or with a companion in order to have an extra in case the original set is lost. Consider using bright colors, or adding a ribbon to make the spare keys more visible. Install hooks near your door and hang your keys there so you will never forget where they are.
Based on the type of key you have and how easy it is to replace it, changing your car keys could be costly. Keys that were made in the past that appear like keys for houses are less difficult to get replaced, but modern cars come with transponder fobs that require a trained locksmith to replace.
It's worth weighing the costs against the risk of losing your car keys and deciding whether it's worth it to you to get an extra set in advance. When you have them, keep them in a place that you can find them and remember that even the most frustrating losses can be repaired!
Lockouts
A lockout is often caused by inattention or an issue with the key fob or door locks. The best approach to deal with such situations is to avoid them altogether by devising preventative strategies.
Designated Key Spot: Setting up a consistent spot at home and at work for your keys/fobs will reduce the risk of misplacing them. To do this, many people use the key holder or a small drawer. However, consistency is crucial. Also, make an effort to double-check that your keys are on hand before locking the car. This is crucial, especially when you are prone to forgetting things.
Spare Key Strategy A spare key in a safe location outside of your vehicle could prove to be a lifesaver should you lock yourself out. Ideally, the spare key should be somewhere accessible only to you or someone you trust (such as an invisible magnetic key case, a locked drawer, or a safe key lockbox). If possible, consider entrusting your spare with an amiable family member to provide an extra layer of security and ease of use.
Key Finder Technology: Think about investing in Bluetooth-enabled key finder devices that connect with your phone to make finding your keys easier. These devices can be a practical and affordable accessory to your car's accessories.
Mechanical Issues: A problem with the key fob or remote control is a typical cause of a car lockout. This is why regular maintenance and professional repairs are important.
In an emergency, a locksmith could assist you in opening your vehicle and retrieve any items that were lost or stolen. However, as you see, preventing these problems is the best method to guard against the stress that comes with being stranded without access to your vehicle. By making simple yet effective changes to your daily car-related routine, you can dramatically reduce the possibility 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, keys to cars will wear out. This doesn't necessarily mean keys are damaged however, they could be damaged to a level that they aren't functioning. This is especially true for older cars or vehicles exposed to a lot of abuse. In a lot of cases, the damage isn't evident until it's too late.
An effective way to avoid this is to always carry a spare key with you. If you have lost your original key, you can use the spare key to gain access to your vehicle. Be cautious when you're using your keys, and avoid opening bottles, or keeping them in your pocket. This can cause damage.
Another reason why you should have a spare car key is that it can save you money on key replacement. If you lose your standard car key, a locksmith can usually replace it for less than it costs at the dealership. This is because traditional keys for cars don't have high-tech features like transponders.
You could be eligible to have your key replaced for free when you are a member or warranty with your car. Find out more by contact your dealer or manufacturer's customer support department.
The exact procedure you'll need to follow will vary based on the type of key you have and how old it is and if it comes with a fob. To replace your key, you'll need to bring along your vehicle registration, driver's license, and any other evidence of ownership. This is to ensure that the person who requests an exchange key is the actual owner of the car. This is a safety measure to avoid fraud and theft. If you have a smart key, however the procedure will be much more complex and may require that you go to an authorized dealer or bring your car to be repaired or towing before a new key is programmed.
Anxiety
Imagine that you're running late for work or an important occasion and you realize your keys are locked inside the car. This can be a stressful situation to resolve in a short time. It can cause you to lose your day. A spare key can help you avoid this scenario and provide peace of mind.
Spare keys are also great for people who share vehicles with family members, spouses, or roommates. A spare key can keep you from having to call an locksmith or have a relative come over to unlock your vehicle when one person has the other's keys in their pocket.
A spare key will assist to reduce wear and tear of your original keys. Over time keys are all prone to some degree of damage whether it's dings from the keychain or dirt and scratches from regular use. With a spare key, you can switch between the two keys regularly. This will lessen wear and preserve the original key for a longer time. This might appear to be a problem of the first order, but it's a great method to save money over the long haul by not having to pay for costly repair services.