Why You Should Have a Car Keys Spare
Being locked out of your car could ruin your day. While modern cars have key fobs designed to prevent theft, they can be difficult to replace if lost. Having a spare key is the most efficient method to avoid these issues.
There are a few ways to obtain a spare key for your vehicle. One method is to visit an auto dealership. Another option is to visit an auto locksmith.
Getting a spare key
It's a nightmare scenario for anyone who drives: you've lost your car keys, and you have no way to return home. It's crucial to keep a spare car key on hand. And it's simple to do. All you have to do is purchase a spare key to the model and make of your vehicle. Once you have one, make sure to leave it somewhere safe to ensure that you do not lose it! It's also recommended to have a friend or family member keep it, in case you ever need it.
If you are unsure of how to replace the lost car keys in your vehicle, check the kind of key. You'll then be able to decide on how to proceed. Different types of keys require different strategies. If you have a conventional key, a locksmith could easily cut a new key for you. If your key has a chip it must be replaced by the dealer.
In the majority of cases, you can find your car keys by taking a close look. Check every pocket on your clothes and bags. It's also a good idea to look back over your entire day and find out the places you may have left your belongings. If you are unable to locate them, it's a good idea contact a locksmith and request them to inspect your home.
The process for getting a spare car key will vary based on the make and model. Certain processes are more complicated than others and may require you to bring your original keys to the dealership. Additionally, you'll need to have documents of ownership and pay for the dealer's services.
You can usually find a spare car key by going to the local dealership. You will save a lot of time and money. However, be aware that they will cost you more than an experienced locksmith. This is due to the fact that they need to use a special tool to program your key.
Convenience
The possession of a spare car key is a convenient way to save yourself the hassle and expense of losing your one and only key. Lost keys can happen at the most unavoidable times, when you're stopping to get gas or placing groceries into your trunk. It's easy to lose your keys in your bags or pockets particularly if you're wearing a jacket or coat. Examine the pockets of all your clothes and bags, including ones you don't usually wear when driving, to find your keys.
If you lose your smart key, it will cost up to $1,000 to replace, as you'll have to have your vehicle tow into the dealer and pay for new ignition locks. On the other hand, if you lose a simple key, the process to get a replacement is much easier and less expensive. You can save on programming costs by hiring a locksmith to cut an ordinary car key, and then follow the process to program it yourself (usually included in the owner's manual). If you don't have the manual, search online for "How to program a [year, make, model] or make, model] key." The procedure is simple and straightforward.
Safety
A spare car key can provide you with peace of mind and assurance that you will not be locked out of your vehicle. It is also easier to handle an emergency situation in the event that you lock your keys inside your car or break a key off in the ignition. Ideally, you should keep your keys in your car, but this is not always feasible and having a spare key can be a great investment in your safety.
If your car key or smart key decides to go on an unplanned vacation this could cost you a significant amount of money if you do not have an extra. You might have to pay a locksmith change your car locks and reprogram the car in addition to the cost of the new key.
If you don't have a spare key, the best method to save money is to use a key fob as a secondary key. The majority of automakers can do this easy procedure. You can find the instructions for programming in the owner's manual, or by looking up your car's model and make.
Apart from the convenience of a spare key, it can also be a security measure for those who share a car with multiple drivers. If you have an intimate partner, a spouse or family members, a spare key can save everyone time and hassle by eliminating the need to pass the keys between two people every time someone needs to drive. In modern vehicles keys also store settings such as seats adjustments, mirror positions, and temperature settings. They can be changed easily by anyone with a key fob.
Another important thing to consider is where to store your spare keys. The most secure place to store keys is inside your car, since this is a way for thieves. Every day 209 vehicles are robbed because keys or fobs were left in. You can prevent this from happening by hiding your key in a safe, secure place outside of your home.
Cost
The cost of having an extra key for your car can differ significantly based on the kind of key you own and where you get it made. Metal keys made from traditional materials are cheap, whereas transponder keys and smart keys can be quite expensive. You can save money by having the keys duplicated locally instead of at the dealership. The key fob is an important factor in the cost of replacing the key, as they are often required to unlock and start your vehicle.
No matter what kind of key you own regardless of the type, it's always a good idea to carry a spare. This will not only keep you from getting locked out of your car, but it can also protect your original keys from being misused and damaged. You can use a spare key to replace your original key to minimize wear and tear.
If you've lost your sole key, you might have to pay for a locksmith or tow truck to get back to your vehicle. This is especially true when you're in an area that's remote or in a hurry to get to your destination. You should consider having an extra key in case of the expense and it is a good idea to ensure that you leave the spare in a safe place.
If you already have the original, you can save money by making an extra key. The process of making the standard double-edged car keys is fairly inexpensive and will cost less than $10 to create. You can usually do this in a locksmith shop or the hardware store. However, you'll need to provide evidence of ownership like the registration or title of your vehicle to make the new key.
When you buy a car, the dealer will usually give you two keys. If you don't have a spare you'll need keys made by the dealer, which could be costly. This is because the dealer will need to program the key to match the vehicle's computer and this can be expensive.