How to Keep Car Keys Safe and Prevent Damage

A car key is the main accessory used by 99% of car owners for locking and unlocking their vehicles, and, to a slightly lesser extent, for starting and stopping the car engine.

Every car owner uses their car key regularly, and where there is frequent use of something, there is also an increased risk of accidental damage or loss.

In our previous articles, we’ve discussed various types of keys, what to do if you lose your only car key, and much more.

In this article, we’d like to offer a few tips and warnings regarding the storage and use of car keys. These are simple actions that can significantly extend the lifespan of your key.

Where to Store Your Car Key?

The best place to store your car key is in a dry area away from direct sunlight. Sunlight and water can damage the chip inside the key, so it’s essential to choose the right storage location to prevent this.

It’s also worth mentioning another storage method that some car owners use when worried about their vehicle being stolen – the microwave. We’ve previously discussed in detail why you shouldn’t do this and the potential consequences. You can read more about it here. For now, we’ll briefly summarise: this method is unreliable, and if the microwave is accidentally turned on with the key inside, you will almost certainly need to order a car key replacement.

How to Prevent Losing Your Car Key?

Here are a few simple tips:

• Designate a fixed place for your key. Often, we forget where we hastily left our key when we’re at home. However, if you have a designated spot for your key (e.g., on a table by the front door), the chances of this problem arising are significantly reduced.
• Use an Apple AirTag or a similar device to always know where your car key is. Such accessories are inexpensive and can make finding your key much easier.
• Get a spare car key. Life is unpredictable, and having a set of two identical keys is always a good idea. Even if an unpleasant situation occurs where your main car key is broken, lost, or stolen, you’ll still have access to your vehicle with the spare.

How to Prevent Your Car Key from Breaking?

Here are a few simple recommendations to significantly reduce the risk of key damage:

• Regularly clean your key of dust and dirt. Over time, small particles can get inside the car fob and affect button performance or even cause a breakdown. To clean a car key fob, simply use an ordinary damp cloth.
• Never use aggressive cleaners, as they can damage the fob’s casing or electronics.
• Avoid using excessive force when handling the key. A car key fob is a delicate accessory, and careless handling can lead to damage.
• Handle your car key carefully – avoid dropping it or exposing it to moisture or direct sunlight.
• Replace the car key fob battery on time.

By following these simple rules, you can reduce the risk of your car key breaking or being lost.

If you ever find yourself in a situation where your car key has stopped working, feel free to contact us at Phoenix Car Keys. Our team will be delighted to resolve any problem you may have with your car keys. We work quickly and efficiently.

Use any method of communication that’s most convenient for you: phone call, email, callback request form, or WhatsApp.

We are available 24/7 and operate throughout the UK.