12 Tips for Keeping Your Car Keys in Great Condition

12 Tips for Keeping Your Car Keys in Great Condition

Are you a car owner and do you use a traditional key to get into your car? If you answered yes to both of these questions, then this blog post is for you! Here at Chicago Car Keys, we know a thing or two about keys – specifically, car keys. We want to share our top tips for keeping your vehicle keys in great condition. Read on to learn more!

  1. Keep your car keys in a safe place – don’t leave them lying around in plain sight. This is especially important if you have a spare set of keys. You don’t want to make it easy for a car thief to find your vehicle keys and steal your car, van, or truck.
  2. Don’t put your car keys near magnets, as they can erase the data on the key fob. If you have a keychain with a magnet, make sure the magnet is far away from the actual key fob.
  3. If your key fob or spare key isn’t working properly, try cleaning it with a soft cloth. Sometimes dirt and grime can build up on the key fob and prevent it from working properly.
  4. Store your spare key in a dry place, away from moisture and humidity. This will help prevent rust and corrosion.
  5. Make sure you always have a spare set of car keys handy in case you lose your main set. This is one of those car owners who lost key things that it’s better to be safe than sorry.
  6. Get a locking car key case to protect your keys from damage and theft. This is especially important if you have an expensive or rare set of car keys.
  7. Get your car key serviced on a regular basis to make sure it’s in good condition. Just like your car needs an oil change every once in a while, your car key needs to be serviced too! A professional can clean and lubricate the key, which will prolong its life.
  8. Don’t try to fix or repair your car key yourself – take it to an automotive locksmith instead. We know that DIY car key replacement is all the rage these days, but some things are best left to the professionals. repairing a car key is one of those things. Trying to fix it yourself can actually do more damage and end up costing you more money in the long run.
  9. Don’t store your transponder key or spare car keys near heat sources, like ovens or fireplaces. This might seem like common sense, but you’d be surprised how many people do this! Heat can damage delicate components like a relay device inside your key, so it’s best to avoid it altogether.
  10. Don’t let your traditional key or smart key get wet. Water is another enemy of car keys! If your key gets wet, dry it off as soon as possible with a soft cloth.
  11. Make sure you have the right key for the lock – using the wrong key can damage the lock or car door. This is another one that seems like common sense but bears repeating nonetheless. Always double-check that you’re using the correct key before inserting it into the lock – otherwise you could end up damaging the lock and needing a replacement.
  12. Be careful when inserting your key into the lock – don’t force it if it’s not going in easily. Forcing your key into the lock will not only make it more difficult to turn, but it could also break off inside the lock, leaving you stranded! If your key isn’t going into the lock easily, peer closely and see if there’s something blocking the way first – like dirt or debris – before trying again.

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, following these simple tips will your car keys in great condition, lower your car insurance, and prevent auto theft. And if you ever find yourself in need of a spare car key, don’t hesitate to call Chicago Car Keys at (773) 521-7000. We’re always happy to help!