Warning of car key fob failure due to cold weather

Drivers are being advised to keep their car keys in a warm place when not in use to reduce the chances of them failing to work during the colder weather.

There has been a growing frustration with car keys not working across social media and searches for “Why is my key fob not working?” have increased by 100% over the past 12 months, according to Google. 

Auto Trader says that, with 30 million videos relating to “how to start my car if my fob is dead” also posted on TikTok, it indicates that the problem is widespread.

The majority of new car models now use a battery-operated car key to unlock and start the vehicle.

When a car key is exposed to colder temperatures, the battery inside the key loses power due to the slowdown of the chemical reactions inside the battery which are needed to generate energy.

This can reduce the capacity of the battery by 20-30%, meaning that if your car key battery is already below 30% charged, this could result in the key not working. 

Therefore, it is advised that you place your keys in a safe space which is warm to help maintain the life of your battery.

“Most smart keys are equipped with an emergency blade with a mechanical fob inside in case of emergencies, says Auto Trader.

“Drivers should be cautious with using their keys to open their car door as any damages and car scratches might lead to some charges at the end of your lease policy.

“Some minor scratches are acceptable under fair wear and tear are acceptable as long as they don't expose the primer or bare metal.

“No leasing funder expects a car to look brand new when it gets returned. If there is considerable damage to your vehicle, contact your leasing company and insurance provider to arrange an approved repair.”

Generally, batteries will need replacing anywhere between two and six years. Some cars will provide a warning to drivers indicating that their car key batteries are low and need replacing, however, there are other ways to spot this.

Firstly, if you notice that your car key fob is beginning to lose signal range and only works when standing less than 30 feet from your vehicle, this is an indication of low battery power.

Additionally, if your fob starts becoming less responsive and requires you to click it multiple times then this can be an indication that your battery is struggling. 

While car key batteries can last up to six years, to avoid the battery dropping too low, drivers can request that it is checked when the vehicle goes in for its routine service.  

Tom Roberts from Auto Trader, said: “There are many perks to modern car key fobs. For the most part, they work perfectly well in opening and controlling your car. However, as the reliance is on the battery powering the key, this can come with its challenges.

“Drivers must be as prepared for the upcoming winter period and ensure that their car key batteries are charged to a satisfactory level. This alleviates any unnecessary stress and delays that may occur when get to your car and realize that your car key is not working.” 

He added: “It is important to note that car key fobs differ depending on the manufacturer. Therefore, when leasing your vehicle, it is important to check the recommended replacement of your battery to give you a better indication of when it will need to be changed, and where best to replace the battery.”