How can I hide a key on my car for emergencies?
There are
a variety of containers specially designed to "hide"
a key on you car. However, they are all subject to discovery.
They also mostly rely on either magnetic or hook-and-loop attachment
which can be accidentally dislodged. One of the more innovative designs around hides a spare key
in the gas cap. (This works well only if you keep the gas key
separated from the door key.)
If you do hide a key in your car be inventive in your attachment
method and key location. Keys in the wheel wells, under the
bumper and behind the license plate are all well known places.
- Updated: April 22, 2002
When do I need to change locks?
There are
two main scenarios which point to changing of a vehicle's locks.
1) If you have just recently purchased the vehicle used.
Who
knows how many keys are out there and who has them. Paying to
get the car on a new key is a lot less suffering than having
the car taken!
2) If the existing keys are worn and don't work right you may
need to replace the locks. Remember, only half of the wear happens
to the key, the other half happens to the lock. If your key
is worn the lock mechanism probably is too. - Updated: January
11, 2002
Can
you make my whole car work on one key?
The answer
is generally no. If your car didn't come with a single key system
it usually cannot be retrofitted to be that way. - Updated:
January 11, 2002
Can
my ignition key be duplicated?
Yes, the
ignition key can be duplicated. However, if you have a built-in
security function the key may have to be duplicated by a car
dealer. A call
to a local lock shop should quickly determine if they can do
the job. - Updated: January 11, 2002
