Ever worry someone might steal your car because you misplaced your keys? Replacing lost keys can be expensive and a major hassle, but the real worry is having them fall into the wrong hands. Luckily, there are simple steps you can take to prevent both loss and theft. In this guide, we’ll cover 8 practical tips on Car Key Security, ensuring your keys (and your car) stay safe.
8 Tips to Keep Your Car Keys Safe
There are several ways that you can use to keep your car keys safe. These include using a key wallet, using a key box, attaching an electronic device for logging your location, and hiding your spare keys in one spot. Let’s understand these car key security tips in detail:
1. Key deposit box
One of the best ways to keep your automobile keys safe is to keep them in the safe deposit box. Especially, if you’re concerned that people might find them if you keep them under the car seats or on top of the tire wells. This concern can be easily addressed with the use of a key deposit box.
There you will find several types of key deposit boxes online or at your local home improvement stores. These boxes are specially made for car keys and other essential items that you might want to keep safe. You can also use this tool if you worry that the auto keys might fall into the wrong hands if they were left on top of the tire wells of your car.
These deposit boxes can be customized according to your key shape, size, and color. If you choose to buy a ready-made product from your local home improvement stores, you can also look for a model that meets your preferences so that your keys can stay safe and secure.
If you are forgetful or if your key is often misplaced, then it might be best to create a key deposit box. You can put one at work or in your car where you can keep the set of keys that you generally use.
With this, you will be able to collect them from wherever they are kept when needed. Also, this will make you more aware of where the keys are so that you don’t lose them.
2. Smart Phone Key Finder
Another one of the best car key security tips is a smartphone key finder app that can track your smartphone on its location. This way, you will easily trace where your lost keys are.
There are several key finder devices and apps that you can download on your smartphone, tablet, or iPod. While some of these apps can be bought online whole others can be downloaded for free.
Before you purchase a key finder or an app to find your lost keys, it is important to ensure that it is effective and beneficial. The app should allow you to gain access to real-time information about where your car key is.
3. Avoid Keeping Car Keys Under the Car Seats
Many keep their keys under the car seats in order to make it harder for car theft criminals to find them and take them away.
This appears to be not a bad idea if you want to make sure that nobody can take your car keys without you noticing it. But, it might seem like a quick solution to keep them out of sight, but the method has significant drawbacks. But, if something unfortunate happens and somebody does manage to take your key, they could easily take your car. This will only provide the thief with easy access to it and they can just drive away even if you are around.
That’s why the best way to keep your key safe is to choose a key deposit box that you can use anytime so that they are kept out of sight from anyone else but you. By doing this, you can keep your car keys protected and sound.
4. Hidden Spare Keys in the Same Spot All the Time
For car key security purposes, it is best to keep your car keys in the same spot all the time. Make sure that you do not leave them on your car’s ignition or under the car mats because doing so can put you in danger and can attract would-be thieves.
You should also keep duplicate keys at home if the location of your usual set of spare keys is too accessible to others.
5. Using a Key Tracking App
Another way to keep your car key safe for the long term is using a key tracking app. There are several GPS tracking apps that can help you locate your lost or misplaced keys.
How to Find Lost Car Keys Using Tracking Apps
By using tracking apps you can find lost keys if you have misplaced them or left them somewhere. Here are a few of the steps that you can follow:
- Download and open the key tracking app on your phone or computer, then log into your account.
- Sign in to your Google or Apple account if you have an Android phone or tablet. You can also utilize Bluetooth to sync your car keys with another device if you have lost them.
- Now, look at the map on the screen of your phone, then look for your vehicle’s location. The tracking system will give you the exact address where your vehicle is.
- In case you cannot find the address, then click on “last seen” to locate your keys. You can also get alerts when leave or enter a specific area.
6. Keep a duplicate key in the car’s glove compartment
Aside from these car key security tips, you can also keep your car key safe by keeping a spare set in the car’s glove compartment. You can easily buy key storage boxes that you can install inside your vehicle’s glove compartment.
These are especially beneficial if you need to get into the car when somebody else has the main set of keys or if your car does not have any key tracking system.
If you are forgetful or if you’ve misplaced car keys, then consider using a key deposit box where you can store the set of keys that you normally use in case you lose them. If somebody else needs to borrow your car, then they will have to collect the duplicate set from where they are kept.
7. Use Key Chains
Your keys will be much easier to find if they have a giant foam finger attached to them. However, your key chains don't have to be overly large or tacky to be effective.
Using a noticeable keychain will help you identify your keys if they have fallen on the ground or into an unsuitable location. Using distinct key chains will also limit the potential of you mistaking your keys for someone else's, which might result in both of you losing your keys.
8. Be mindful of your surroundings
The last spot on the list of car key security tips is to be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings, including your car keys. Even though 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.
Conclusion
By following these 8 simple car key security tips you can keep your car key safe for the long term. In case, you misplaced and lost your key and you aren’t sure about using a key tracking app, contacting a local auto locksmith will be the best course of action.
Keyenzy can help you find a reliable car key maker near you within a few minutes, taking the stress out of a potentially frustrating situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Where to keep car keys safely?
Ans. To keep your car keys safely, keep them in a designated key holder, box, or a Faraday pouch. Also, avoid keeping them on car seats, under the car, or near windows as these are easy targets for car theft attackers.
Q. What device keeps car keys safe?
Ans. Faraday pouch is a high-tech pouch that blocks signals emitted by key fobs, preventing theft via signal amplification.
Q. Does RFID protect car keys?
Ans. No, RFID doesn’t protect car keys, they protect credit cards. Car keys use different frequencies and aren't protected by typical RFID wallets.
Q. Should I keep my car keys in the fridge?
Ans. Definitely not! Fridges can damage electronics and moisture can cause rust. Keep keys in a dry, secure location at home.
