Hiding a Spare Car Key: Have you ever been locked out of your car? If you face such a situation, then the right solution is right in front of your eyes. It is important to have a car key in your wallet or at home if needed. Many drivers usually hide spare car keys in their vehicles for emergencies. Similarly, in this technological era, electric cars are trending. It is important to find a solution to hide a key fob in your car.
There are some essential factors that need to be considered to ensure that the spare car key is accessible and secure. In this post, the focus is to explore some strategies for hiding the spare car key safely. It is important to know how to hide a key fob on your car.
Why is there a need to Hiding a Spare Car Key?
It is important to understand the reasons for hiding car keys. There are some of the following scenarios due to which hiding key fob becomes a necessity:
Outdoor and Emergency situations
Accidents happen. Maybe you have locked yourself out, or the original key was lost or damaged. A hidden spare key offers a quick solution in such emergencies.
Remote Locations
If you are venturing into remote areas like hiking trails, beaches, or campsites, keeping your spare key hidden in your vehicle can be more convenient than carrying it.
Multiple Drivers
If your vehicle is shared among family members or friends, hiding a spare key allows other drivers to access the car without needing to hand off the primary key each time.
Looking for Places to Hiding a Spare Car Key
It is always important to find a good hiding spot for a spare car key. The key should be easy to access in an emergency. The best way is to put the key in the car holder keychain.
Magnetic Car Key Holder
A magnetic key holder is a container that securely holds a spare key and attaches it to metal surfaces. It is usually used to hide keys around or under a car.
Using Car Chassis
The undercarriage or chassis of your car is one of the most popular spots to hide a spare key. The metal frame beneath your car provides plenty of places to attach a magnetic key holder securely. Choose a flat, inconspicuous spot away from commonly checked areas, such as the driver’s side near the door, or use the Vehicle hide a key technique.
Behind the Bumper
Another place to hide the car key is to use the number. Many vehicles have ridges behind the bumper where a small key can easily be concealed. If the bumper is plastic, make sure to find a place with metal reinforcement. The bumper is a place where thieves would not think to look, as it is not easily visible without getting under the car.
Inside the Fuel Door
If your vehicle has a lockable fuel door, hiding a magnetic key holder inside the fuel compartment can be a smart option. This area is small, concealed, and provides a level of security since it requires access to the locked fuel door to retrieve the key. The fuel door is often overlooked, and a locked fuel compartment adds extra protection. Be careful with placement to avoid the key holder falling into the fuel nozzle area. Ensure your fuel door lock mechanism is reliable to avoid unauthorised access.
In the Wheel Well
A less common spot for hiding a spare key is inside the wheel well. You can attach the magnetic key holder to the metal frame behind the tire, ensuring it’s away from dirt and road debris. This spot is only advisable if you can securely fasten the key holder so it would not be easily seen or dislodged by rough roads.
This spot is hard to access without crouching or bending, making it less likely to be checked. The wheel well is exposed to moisture, dirt, and grime, so make sure the magnetic holder is waterproof and placed away from any moving suspension parts. It is also a more commonly searched location, so only use it if you’re confident in your security setup.
Within License Plate
One of the most creative hiding spots is behind your vehicle’s license plate. You can loosen the screws holding the plate and attach the magnetic key holder behind it. Once you’ve tightened the screws again, the key will be completely out of view and only accessible by removing the plate. This is an unconventional hiding spot, and the key is well-hidden behind a secure component of the car. Accessing the key will require a tool, like a screwdriver, which could be inconvenient in an emergency. However, it’s an excellent long-term hiding solution for infrequent use.
5 Security Tips for Hiding a Spare Car Key
Having a spare car key can be a good background in a situation in which you get locked out of your vehicle. It is important to ensure your security. The last thing a person wants is for a thief to find the spare key and gain easy access to the car. Here are some of the security tips to ensure that the spare key remains well-safe and hidden.
Avoiding Common Hiding Spots
Thieves know the usual places where people hide spare keys, so avoid obvious spots that are commonly checked. Some of these include:
- Inside the wheel well
- Under the driver’s side door handle
- Under the car’s bumper
- In the gas cap area
These locations are frequently targeted because they’re easy to reach and are typical hiding spots. Instead, choose more creative, less accessible places that won’t be quickly checked.
Picking up Unusual Places
To ensure your spare key is safe, think outside the box when selecting a hiding spot. Choose locations that are hard to access or unexpected. For example, Remove the plate and attach the key holder behind it. This requires some effort to access, making it less likely for thieves to find it. If your car has a tow hitch, this could be a discreet hiding spot. While hiding under the chassis is popular, ensure the key holder is placed far from the vehicle’s edges to prevent easy access.
Rotating the Hiding Spot
Even the best hiding spots can become predictable over time, especially if your car is parked in the same location for extended periods. To keep your spare key secure, consider changing its hiding spot periodically. This added precaution ensures that no one gets too familiar with your car’s layout or key storage.
Using a Lockbox
For added security, consider using a vehicle lockbox rather than a traditional magnetic key holder. These boxes are more secure and often come with a combination lock that adds an extra layer of protection. They can be mounted under your car, ensuring that even if someone finds it, they won’t be able to open it without knowing the combination.
Lockboxes are particularly useful if you are hiding a key for long periods, like during vacations or at times when you can’t regularly check on your vehicle.
Consideration for Dummy Key
A clever tactic for added security is hiding a dummy key in an obvious spot while your real key is hidden in a more secure location. If thieves find the dummy key, they may assume they’ve successfully located the spare and would not bother searching further. Ensure the dummy key doesn’t fit your vehicle’s ignition or doors.
Do Not Tell Anyone
As tempting as it might be to tell someone about your hidden key for convenience, only share this information with trusted individuals. The fewer people who know about the spare key’s location, the safer it will be.
If possible, rely on other security methods, such as giving a spare key to a family member or friend who lives nearby rather than hiding it in the vehicle. This ensures that no one can find it without your knowledge.
Alternatives to Hiding a Spare Car Key
Many Modern Vehicles are equipped with keyless entry systems. These systems use a smartphone application or a digital code to unlock the car, eliminating the need for having a physical spare key. It is a convenient and secure option that does not risk the key being found. Instead of hiding a spare key on the vehicle, make sure to leave it in your car. It is important to install a lockbox near your workplace or home. These boxes are secure, and some models can be controlled via smartphones, offering access to the spare key when needed. Many car insurance policies usually offer roadside assistance services that include unlocking the car in case of emergencies.
This means that hiding a spare car key can be convenient, but it usually poses security risks if not done properly. Selecting a discreet, safe hiding spot and using magnetic key holders can help to reduce the chances of theft. Alternatives like keyless entry systems, smart lockboxes, and trusted friends offer secure options without compromising the vehicle’s safety. It is important to choose the option that helps to provide the highest level of security.
FAQS
How to hide a Spare Key?
Make sure to hide a spare car key behind your tires; that is the easiest way to keep your car keys out of sight.
Where to Store Car Spare Key?
Good locations for spare car keys include hiding them at your home or within your vehicle in discreet areas.
Where should I put the car Keys at Night?
At night, car keys should be placed in a special signal-blocking box or somewhere out of sight.
I’m Abuzar, a professional locksmith with over 10 years of experience in the industry. I have a diploma in Locksmithing and Security Technology, as well as advanced certifications in Electronic Access Control and Safe Engineering. My expertise spans traditional locks to modern security systems, and I’m passionate about providing reliable locksmith solutions for residential, commercial, and automotive needs. Whether it’s installing, repairing, or upgrading lock systems, I’m dedicated to delivering high-quality services to ensure the safety and security of my clients.
