The summer season is harsh for all things. Car keys do not remain unaffected by the high temperatures, humidity levels, and tendency of people to leave their keys in hot cars. It is advisable to have some knowledge in order to avoid any crisis with regard to your keys in July.
Fobs are miniature electronic devices and any electronic device has an optimal temperature for proper work. Houston summer temperatures can easily exceed them. Keys left on a dashboard or any other place inside the vehicle in extreme heat can be exposed to very high temperature levels and can suffer damage from prolonged use in such conditions.
In addition to this problem of keys in hot cars is the problem of the battery itself in the remote key fob. Hot temperatures speed up reactions; therefore, batteries will not last as long in hot weather. If you notice your remote fob range has decreased recently, it may be due to this reason.
There are more issues you should consider in Houston. Humidity means constant presence of moisture, which, in turn, negatively affects any electronic device. Condensations might appear inside a key due to a combination of heat and humid Houston atmosphere. Sudden summer rains, sweat while spending time outdoors, and high humidity levels are just some of the elements that could affect your key.
Keys should never be left in a hot car on purpose. Besides being exposed to excessive temperatures that can damage the key's electronics, this habit can make you end up with a lockout, the interior of your car is a terrible location to store any electronic device during Houston's summer months.
It isn't only the electronics that suffer from heat. Plastics that make up the head and body of your key tend to become brittle and can even crack under influence of extreme temperatures. A cracked case will let moisture enter the device, causing problems with key fobs' electronics. The key blade itself should have no problem with high temperatures, however the housing around it will not resist.
High temperatures affect people in numerous ways and can increase the probability of lockouts. Rushing from the outside into a cooled building means that you can forget keys inside, keeping the engine on while locking the door, or setting the key aside in an unusual place can result in lockouts. Moreover, push-to-start keys allow for accidentally leaving the key inside without noticing it.
Take necessary measures to protect your keys from damage during the summer month and save yourself from trouble later. The following steps can help you stay free from trouble when it comes to keys:
There are some signs that your key has suffered negative impact of heat and humidity. Decreased remote range and sensitivity of button presses, cracks in a key case, and the inability to properly close its case should be considered carefully. You need to replace the key if you notice these symptoms in it.
If none of the above mentioned tips helps you solve the issue with your key, or if you notice any other problem with it that could occur due to heat and humidity, you should consult a locksmith who will determine what should be done next. In addition, in case you find yourself in lockout because of heat, you can contact a locksmith to open the door for you.
Houston's harsh climate conditions cause rapid key degradation and increase the probability of getting locked out side, therefore taking your keys with you, checking and replacing battery, removing moisture, and storing a spare key safely will prevent your key from failing in the most inconvenient moments.
While Houston's climate affects keys the most in summer, developing good key related habits throughout the whole year allows for not having to panic when the hot month arrives. You should regularly check your key's performance to detect possible battery drain, keep spare coins available so that you could quickly change it. Lastly, always take your key with you wherever you go.
Storing a spare key requires careful selection of location due to Houston's climate features. If your spare key is kept in an unconditioned garage or another place inside the car, it won't do much good if your regular key fails. Storing it somewhere dry and protected from moisture in your house is better than in a vehicle.
Before assuming your fob is dead, run through these simple troubleshooting steps.
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