The days of using a traditional key to turn on a vehicle are in the past and they’ve been replaced with new technology. The smart remotes and all-in-one keys we have now with push-button starts are fancy and convenient, but there are plenty of problems associated with this convenience. Here are some of the most common problems you could experience with your car’s key fob that you should be aware of and prepare for.
Batteries Going Bad
Key fobs have batteries and batteries won’t last forever. The good news is most vehicles will warn you when your key fob battery is getting weak. Just be sure to get it changed out as soon as possible when you receive that message so you won’t get stranded somewhere.
Stolen Vehicles Due To The Key Fob Being In The Vehicle
When you don’t have to physically touch your key to turn it off, it can be easy to forget about the key fob and leave it in the car when you park for work, to go shopping, or even parking in your driveway. This is one of the reasons why stolen vehicles are on the rise because thieves don’t have to work very hard to steal vehicles when the key fob is left inside.
You Can Override The Key Fob In Some Situations
If you’re in a situation where your vehicle won’t start because the battery is dead or for any other reason, there might be a workaround. Refer to your owner’s manual to find out where you can put your key fob to override the starting of the vehicle if there’s a problem. The location won’t be obvious and every manufacturer is different, so you’ll have to look at your owner’s manual to confirm.
Have A Backup Key Available
When you have a backup key available, you can quickly determine whether your issues starting the vehicle are due to the car or the key. It’s always valuable to have a backup key anyway just in case your key gets lost or damaged unexpectedly. If you don’t have a backup key, you can bring yours to DeBoer’s Auto. We have the technology and programming to make one for you.
You’ll likely have a problem with your key fob at some point, but remembering these tips can help prevent getting stranded. If you have any questions about your key fob, don’t hesitate to contact us at any time.
