Last Updated on February 11, 2025 by Alan Weir
Ways to Improve the Lifespan of Your Car Keys
As an expert car locksmith, I’ve seen my fair share of car keys come and go—some looking pristine while others resemble relics from a bygone era. It’s astonishing how little attention many of us give to our car keys, considering they are one of the most essential items we carry around. In this chat, we’ll dive into some practical ways to extend the lifespan of your car keys, ensuring they serve you well for years to come.
Understanding Your Keys
First things first, let’s understand the different types of car keys currently in use. Unlocking and starting your vehicle isn’t always as straightforward as inserting a simple metal key into a slot. Over the years, car keys have evolved significantly. There are traditional metal keys, remote keys, transponder keys, and smart keys, each with its unique features and vulnerabilities.
Traditional Keys: These are simple metal keys cut to fit the car’s ignition. While they are sturdy, constant wear and tear can lead to bending, breaking, or losing them altogether.
Remote Keys: These came into play when cars began to incorporate locking mechanisms that could be controlled from a distance. They have batteries that can wear out, so it’s essential to monitor their health.
Transponder Keys: These keys have a tiny computer chip embedded within them, which communicates with the car’s immobiliser system. If the chip gets damaged or the key is excessive in age, it won’t function as intended.
Smart Keys: The latest technology allows you to unlock your car and start it without even taking the key out of your pocket. Despite their convenience, they are often more prone to damage and loss.
Knowing what type of key you have is crucial, as it informs the ways in which you can extend their lifespan.
Tips for Key Care
Let’s dive into some tried-and-tested tips for taking care of your car keys, no matter what variety you have.
1. Store Them Properly
Where you keep your car keys can significantly affect their wellbeing. Consider a dedicated spot in your home or workplace—perhaps a hook by the door or a bowl on a side table. Keeping your keys in a designated spot minimizes the risk of losing them. You’ll save your time and stress, not to mention reducing the odds of a flat battery due to excessive wear.
2. Keep Them Clean
It might not cross your mind during your daily routine, but dirt and grime can accumulate on your keys—especially if they have buttons like the remote and smart styles. Use a soft cloth to clean them regularly. For those who like a bit of extra effort, a small bit of mild soap mixed with water will help eliminate any stuck-on grime. Ensure that you dry them thoroughly, as moisture can corrode electronic components.
3. Avoid Excessive Force
Have you ever been in a rush and yanked the key hard to unlock your car? We’ve all been there! However, applying excessive force can lead to bending or breaking. Be gentle with your keys—particularly if they’re remote or transponder types since they are more sensitive. A little mindfulness goes a long way in preserving their integrity.
4. Don’t Overcrowd Your Keychain
Keychains can be oh-so-tempting, especially when you want to be fashionable. However, weighing your keys down with an array of pocket trinkets and other keys can cause stress on the original key, leading to potential damage. Try to keep your keychain minimal. Each extra element adds to the potential for wear and tear, making breakage more likely.
5. Replace Batteries Promptly
If you notice that your remote or smart key isn’t functioning as smoothly as it used to, the battery may need replacing. Ignoring this issue can lead to stress and panic down the line, particularly when you’re running late! Familiarise yourself with your key’s battery type and replace it at the first sign of weakness. It’s usually a five-minute job that can save you time and grief.
6. Be Wary of Environmental Factors
Your car keys may be small, but they can be susceptible to various environmental factors. Humidity, extreme temperatures, and even exposure to liquid can compromise their function. Try to keep them in places that shield them from the elements, especially during those torrential rainstorms or blazing heat waves.
7. Don’t Use It as a Tool
It might seem clever at the time, but using your car key to open packages, scratch-off tickets, or even pry items can cause unnecessary damage. Instead, grab the right tool for the job! Your car keys are designed for one purpose, so stick with that and keep them safe from potential bends and breaks.
8. Programme Backups
When it comes to modern car keys, getting a backup is a sensible investment. If your primary key ever goes missing or is damaged beyond repair, having a spare can save you a world of hassle. By visiting an expert locksmith, you can have a duplicate made. They can even help reprogram if needed, ensuring you’ve always got a functional key at your disposal.
9. Monitor for Wear and Tear
Just like any other piece of equipment, it’s essential to consistently check your car keys for signs of wear and tear. Look for cracks, broken buttons, or a change in the key’s overall functionality. If something feels off, seek advice. Spotting a problem early means it’s often easier and cheaper to fix.
10. Keep Away From Magnetic Fields
Your car keys, especially smart keys, can be sensitive to magnetic fields. Keep them away from things like speakers or magnets. It might seem a minor issue, but these can interfere with the signal your keys send to the reader in your vehicle.
11. Seek Professional Help for Repairs
If your key does become damaged or lost, don’t try to fix it yourself unless you’re certain of what you’re doing. Consulting a professional locksmith is the wisest course of action. They will have the right tools and knowledge to recover or resolve issues without further compromising the key.
12. Educate Others in Your Household
If you share a car and keys with family members, ensure they understand the importance of taking care of them. Often, a little education can go a long way. Communicate how to clean, store, and replace batteries, instilling best practices across the board.
Know When to Replace
While following these tips will undoubtedly extend the lifespan of your car keys, there may come a time when they reach a point of no return. As a general rule, if your key is continuously malfunctioning or exhibits significant signs of wear, it’s better to replace it sooner rather than later. Investing in a new key can save you from the inconvenience of being stranded without access to your vehicle.
Always bear in mind the detailed care you afford your car keys translates to smoother journeys and fewer headaches down the road. After all, your keys play a crucial role in your day-to-day life—treat them well, and they’ll return the favour by getting you where you need to go, every time.
Alan Weir – Master Locksmith with 30+ Years of Experience
Alan Weir is the founder of Weir Locksmiths and a Master Locksmith with over three decades of experience. Renowned for his expertise in home and automotive security, Alan has built a reputation for providing reliable and innovative locksmith solutions across the UK.
A certified member of the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA), Alan specialises in residential, commercial and automotive locksmith services including car key replacement, transponder programming, and advanced security systems. His dedication to the field has earned him thousands of satisfied customers and glowing reviews on platforms like Checkatrade.
Now contributing to RevLock, Alan shares his expert knowledge to all of RevLocks visitors.
