Why Having a Spare Car Key Can Save You Time, Stress, and Money
Getting locked out of your car is rarely planned. Most drivers only realise how important a spare car key is after something has already gone wrong, a lost key, a snapped blade, a flat battery in a remote fob, or a key locked in the boot.
In reality, having a spare car key is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to avoid disruption, emergency callouts, and unexpected bills. Yet it’s one of the most commonly overlooked parts of vehicle ownership.
In this guide, we’ll explain why spare keys matter, what can happen when you don’t have one, and why getting a spare made in advance is almost always cheaper and less stressful.
The Most Common Car Key Problems We See
As an auto locksmith, we attend hundreds of callouts each year where a spare key would have avoided the issue entirely. The most common scenarios include:
Losing the only working key
Keys locked inside the vehicle
Remote or proximity fobs suddenly failing
Keys snapping due to wear or corrosion
Battery failure in colder weather
Vehicle refusing to recognise a worn transponder
Modern vehicle keys are no longer simple bits of metal. Even if the blade looks fine, internal electronics can fail without warning, often leaving drivers stranded at the worst possible time.
Why Not Having a Spare Key Is More Expensive
Many people assume a spare key is an unnecessary cost. In reality, it’s the opposite.
When all keys are lost, the vehicle often requires:
Secure vehicle entry
ECU or immobiliser access
Key deletion for security
Programming of new keys from scratch
This process takes longer, requires more equipment, and costs significantly more than programming a spare key when one working key is still available.
In some vehicles, particularly certain German models, losing all keys can involve removing ECUs and immobiliser components before programming can even begin.
Spare Keys vs Emergency Callouts
Let’s compare the two situations:
With a Spare Key:
Immediate access to the vehicle
No immobiliser issues
No emergency labour costs
Minimal disruption
Without a Spare Key:
Vehicle fully immobilised
Emergency callout required
More complex programming
Higher overall cost
More time off work or travel delays
A spare key doesn’t just save money, it saves time, stress, and inconvenience.
Modern Car Keys Fail More Often Than You Think
Today’s car keys contain:
Transponder chips
Remote locking electronics
Proximity sensors
Encrypted security codes
These components are sensitive to:
Moisture
Drops and impact damage
Cold temperatures
Battery degradation
As winter approaches, we often see an increase in key failures caused by low temperatures affecting battery voltage and internal circuitry.
Having a spare key already programmed means you’re not relying on a single point of failure.
When Should You Get a Spare Key Made?
The best time to get a spare key is:
While your existing key still works
Before winter weather arrives
Before a long journey or holiday period
Before selling or handing the vehicle to a family member
Programming a spare key with an existing working key is faster, simpler, and more cost-effective.
Mobile Spare Key Creation
At Rush Auto Locksmiths, we provide mobile spare key cutting and programming at your location. Our vans are fully equipped with diagnostic tools, key cutters, and programming equipment for most makes and models.
There’s no need to visit a dealership or arrange vehicle recovery, everything is done on-site.
A Small Step That Prevents Big Problems
A spare car key is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself against:
Lockouts
Unexpected breakdowns
Expensive emergency work
Seasonal key failures
It’s a simple precaution that pays for itself the first time something goes wrong.
Open 24/7 Over the Festive Period
Car key problems don’t stop for Christmas or New Year and neither do we.
Rush Auto Locksmiths operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including throughout the festive period, in all weather conditions.
If you need assistance, spare keys, or emergency help, we’ve got you covered.
Call Rush Auto Locksmiths now 07482 546011
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