Having a spare key hidden in your vehicle can save you $150 to $200 on locksmith fees in case you accidentally lock yourself out of your car while traveling. The key is to look for a spot that’s both secure and easy to access.
Here are some of the spots drivers recommend for hiding your spare key.
Hiding a Spare Key In Your Vehicle
The best places to hide your spare car key include the tire well, behind the license plate, and the bumper, among others.
Inside the Tire Well
The tire well has been the go-to hiding spot for spare car and house keys for quite some time now. The well is the part of a vehicle’s body where the wheel is housed. It’s the arch/space located above the tires. It makes for a good hiding spot because the wheel well is easy to overlook.
Behind the License Plate
The license plate is such a popular hiding spot that you can even purchase a spare key hiding container for it online.
If your license plate is made of metal, you can use a magnetic car key holder to make your spare key easier to stash.
Behind the Bumper
Hiding your keys behind the bumper requires one of two things: a metal bumper or space underneath the bumper lip.
If you have a metal bumper, you can attach a magnetic container to it to ensure your spare keys don’t fall off when your vehicle is parked or moving.
Alternatively, you may utilize the space under the bumper lip to hide your spare key. This location is inconspicuous, so thieves are less likely to check for your key here.
Do note that there are risks involved in hiding your key here. The area behind the bumper is often covered in mud and dust, so you’ll need to clean your spare before using it.
Under the Hitch Cover
Hitch covers, also known as hitch plugs, shield the hitch from moisture, dirt, and debris. They are also a good spot to install magnetic key holders.
By the Windshield Wipers
Some cars have windshield wipers placed on deep recesses. This is a good hiding spot since it’s easy to remove your spare once you place it in.
However, there are two disadvantages to hiding your key inside the recesses.
The first one is how easy it is to see the keys from above, making it easy for thieves who thoroughly check your vehicle to spot the spare. The second disadvantage is that there’s a chance you wedge the spare in too far, and the key falls into the engine bay.
Other Places to Store Your Spare Key
Of course, storing your spare key on your vehicle may not be the best solution, especially if the thief knows the most common hiding spots. Other places you can leave your spare include hiding it inside your RFID bag, inside your house, or with your neighbors.
Inside an RFID Case/Bag
An easy way to get access to your spare key is by storing it inside your RFID case or your bag.
The good thing about turning your RFID case or bag into spare key storage is you’ll have them on your person most of the time when out driving.
Inside Your House
Leaving your spare car key inside the house is a safe way to prevent car theft. It’s a secure place since thieves will need to break inside your home to access the spare. In addition, you can keep the key inside drawers and cabinets for added protection.
With Your Family or Neighbor
Leaving your spare key with a trusted friend or family member could also prove useful. If they agree, you can find a good hiding spot outside their home. This way, you can get your spare even when they’re not home.
Keep Reading: Related Posts
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.
