4 Signs It’s Time for a New Key Fob

Key fobs have been a game changer. These devices allow you to remotely lock and unlock your vehicle. You can even set off alarms if you think you’re in danger or if you can’t find your car in a parking lot. Some key fobs even let you start the vehicle remotely. Yet the day will come when you need to get a new key fob. Let’s look at some tell-tale signs that replacement is necessary.

1. You Have to Press Buttons Multiple Times

Ideally, if you want to unlock your car, you’ll just hit the unlock button once and the doors will unlock. However, if your key fob is wearing out, you may find yourself having to press the button multiple times. This might seem like only a minor nuisance but one day you may find that your fob isn’t working no matter how many times you press the buttons. It’s best to get a new key fob before this happens.

2. Parts Are Starting to Loosen

You might notice that the buttons on your fob are loose, or that gaps are appearing in the casing. In these cases, your fob is breaking down and may soon fail. Sometimes you can have it fixed, but other times it’s best to opt for a new key fob.

3. The Signal Range Is Decreasing

When you first got your vehicle, you may have found that the key fob worked from say a hundred yards away. Five years later, it might only work from 50 yards away. This is a key sign that your key fob is getting worn out and needs to be replaced.

4. You Have a Keyless Ignition

Key fobs offer so many benefits that some manufacturers have essentially done away with ignitions that require a physical key. In fact, keyless ignitions have become standard in more than half of the 17 million cars sold annually, according to The New York Times. Instead, you simply need to have a key fob. If this describes your vehicle, you’ll want to pay extra close attention to the condition of your fob.

A physical key can act as a backup for a fob, allowing you to get into a locked vehicle and start it up. So even if your fob does fail, you’ll have options. If your car is keyless and the fob breaks, however, you may not be able to get into or start your vehicle. For this reason, it’s imperative to get a new key fob as a backup in the event you lose your current key.

Do you think it’s time to get a new key fob? If so, you can contact us right away at The Local Locksmith Company. We can also help if you’ve been locked out of your vehicle or home!