Why You Should Have a Car Keys Spare

You could ruin your whole day by getting locked out of your car. While modern cars have key fobs specifically designed to guard against theft, they can be difficult to replace if they are lost. A spare key is the best solution to avoid these problems.

There are many ways to obtain an extra car key. Visit an auto dealer. Another option is to visit an auto locksmith.

Getting a spare key

It's a nightmare scenario for any driver: you lose your car keys and have no way to return home. This is why it's a good idea to keep a spare key handy and simple to do. All you need is to buy a spare key for the model and make of your vehicle. If you already have a spare key, be sure to keep it in a safe place so you don't misplace it. It's also recommended to have a family or friend member keep it in the event that you ever require it.

If you're not sure how much is a spare car key to get a replacement for your lost car keys begin by determining the type of key that's in your car. This will help you determine the best way to proceed, as different keys require different methods. If you own a traditional key, a locksmith can easily cut a new key for you. If your key has chips, you'll have to visit a dealer to have it replaced.

In most instances, you can locate your car keys by looking closely. Check all pockets on your clothing including bags. You can also look at your day to determine where they might be. If you still can't locate them, contact a locksmith to come and check your home.

The process of obtaining an extra key for your car may differ based on the model and year of your car. Certain keys are more complicated than others, and some may require you to bring the original key to a dealership. You'll also have to provide proof of ownership and pay the dealer for their services.

In the majority of cases, you can get a spare key for your car by going to a local car dealership. You'll save lots of money and time. However, be aware that they will cost you more than an experienced locksmith. This is because they will require a special device to program your key.

Convenience

Having a spare car key is a practical method to avoid the hassle and expense of losing your one and only key. Lost keys can happen in the most awkward of moments, such as when you stop to purchase gas or pouring groceries in your trunk. It's easy to lose your keys in your bags or pockets, especially if you're wearing a jacket or coat. Check the pockets of all your clothing and bags, even those you don't typically wear when driving, to find your keys.

If you lose your smart key, it will cost up to $1,000 to replace it, because you'll need to get your vehicle towed into the dealer and pay for new ignition locks. However when you lose a basic key, the process to obtain a replacement is much easier and less expensive. You can cut programming costs by hiring a locksmith to cut a standard car key, and then follow the process for programming it yourself (usually detailed in your owner's manual). If you don't have the manual, you can search online for "How to program a [year and make, model, year key." The procedure is easy and simple.

Safety

Having a car key spare can give you the assurance that you will not get locked out of your car. It can also help you handle an emergency situation when you accidentally lock your keys inside the car or cut a key off in the ignition. It is recommended to keep the keys with you however this isn't always possible and having a spare key can be an important investment in your security.

Whether your traditional car key or smart key decides to take an unplanned vacation and you are not aware of it, it could cost you a lot of dollars if you don't have an additional. In addition to the cost of the new key, you might be required to pay for a locksmith or dealership to change the car locks and reprogram your car.

If you don't have an extra key, the most effective way to avoid these expenses is to have a key fob programmed as a second key. The majority of automakers can do this simple procedure. You can find the programming instructions in the owner's manual, key or by searching for your car's model and make.

In addition to the convenience of a spare key, it can be a safety measure for those who share their car with multiple drivers. If you share a car with your partner, spouse or family members, a spare key can help everyone save time and effort by eliminating the need to transfer keys between two people each time someone needs to drive. Many modern vehicles also store settings like seats adjustments, mirror positions and temperature settings on the key. These can easily be changed by anyone with a key fob.

Where you keep your spare key is another important thing to consider. The most secure place to store a key is inside your car, as this opens the way for thieves. Every day, 209 vehicles are stolen because of keys or fobs being kept inside. However, you can avoid this issue by putting the key in a secure and safe place outside of your house.

Cost

The cost of having a spare key for your car may differ greatly based on the type of key you have and where you have it made. Traditional metal keys are relatively cheap, whereas transponder keys and smart keys can be expensive. You can often save money by having the keys duplicated by a local locksmith instead of at the dealer. The key fob is also an important aspect in the cost of replacing the key, as these are typically required to unlock and start your car.

Whatever type of key you have regardless of the type, it's always an excellent idea to have a spare. Not only will this keep you from locking yourself out of the car, but it could also protect your original keys from being overused and damaged. If you have a spare key you can use it alternately with the other key to lessen the wear and tear on the original key.

If you've lost your sole key, you may have to hire a locksmith or tow truck to get back to your vehicle. This is especially true when you're in a remote area or are in a hurry to reach your destination. You should think about having a spare key to avoid this kind of expense, and it's recommended to make sure that you keep the spare key in a secure place.

You can save money by creating your own spare key if you already have the original. Making a standard double-edged car key is fairly inexpensive, and it should take less than $10 to create. It is usually possible to make this at a locksmith or a hardware store. However, you'll need to provide proof of ownership such as the registration or title of your vehicle for an original key.

If you're a new car owner, the dealer typically gives you two car keys when you purchase the vehicle. If you don't have a spare, you will need to get a key made at the dealer, which could be an expensive process. This is because the dealer will need to program the key to match your car's computer and this can be expensive.