How to Prevent Car Key Replacement: Tips to Avoid Losing Your Keys

We know how much of a frustrating experience losing your car keys can be. Not only does it cost time and money to replace but also raises security concerns. Here at We’ve Got The Key we have seen every situation of where a client has lost their keys, from locking them in the boot with a Giant African land snail to dropping them down drains! We have put together an article with some tips to help you avoid losing your car keys.

Keep a spare care key

If you were to lose your primary key having a spare can not only be useful but also very cost-effective. It will cost you more financially and timewise for a locksmith to cut and program a new key without a spare. Always keep a spare key in a safe place, such as at home or with a trusted family member or friend.

Use a keychain

Attach your car keys to a keychain or lanyard to make them more visible and less likely to get lost. Making your keys glow with accessories may seem annoying/ugly however doing this can help massively when looking for your car keys. Having a distinctive accessory on your keys can also make them stand out clearly from others, making them easily distinguishable in the group of keys you and your family have at home.

Give your keys a home

Appoint a specific spot for your car keys, such as a key holder or bowl, and always place them there when not in use. This is the most common solution to preventing losing your keys. Over time, this will also become a habit, ensuring if you are not sure where your keys are there will be a consistent place to look first.

Avoid leaving keys in the car

Always take your keys with you when leaving the car, even if it’s just for a short period. This sounds obvious but, every day at We’ve Got The Key, we have clients calling us needing our assistance to gain access to their vehicle after leaving their keys in their car “for just a moment”. This is a particularly regular occurrence if the client owns a proximity key which enables them to not have to put a key in the ignition to start the car. Newer Volkswagen, Audi and Seat owners can also be caught out by their own car’s anti-lock system which is a very quick 10 seconds of the car being unlocked.

Use a tracking device

Consider using a tracking device or app that can help you locate your keys if they get lost. Bluetooth key finders are massively growing with more people buying them. Having one enables you to track your keys down so if you were to leave them at the park or in a shop by accident there is a very high chance of you finding them again. Some key finders also can make a noise when prompted, this can be perfect in situations where your car key could literally be under your nose, but you can’t find it. We have all been there!

Be mindful of your surroundings

When out and about, be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings, including your keys. Although pickpocketing has become less common in recent years this can still happen so having your keys in your front pockets or in a zip pocket can help keep them safe.

Get a smart  car key system

Consider upgrading to a smart key system that allows you to lock and unlock your car using your smartphone or a key fob. Smart key systems use a small device, typically a key fob or a card, that contains an electronic chip. The chip communicates with the vehicle’s computer system, which then grants access or starts the engine. In vehicles, the system typically works by detecting the presence of the smart key within a certain distance of the vehicle, such as when the user approaches the car or pulls on the door handle. This style of the key is becoming increasingly common in new cars such as Tesla’s.

By following these tips, you can help prevent the need for car key replacement and avoid the hassle and expense of losing your keys. However, it may be worth having the UK’s number one auto locksmith’s number (01603367100) saved on your phone on the off chance you ever find yourself in a situation where you need us!