The AA has just issued a timely reminder for drivers to do a quick pre-Monday check — because the “back to work/school” rush is one of the busiest times of year for avoidable breakdowns. Their latest warning highlighted 14,000+ tyre-related callouts between Boxing Day and 6 January last year.
At Key to My Car, we’re sharing the same message — but with a focus on something that catches people out just as often after the festive break:
Your car keys.
Because nothing ruins the first morning back like…
- the key has vanished into a coat pocket you haven’t worn since Christmas
- the remote battery has died while the car’s been sitting
- you’ve got the wrong spare / it isn’t programmed
- you’re locked out on the driveway with work starting in 20 minutes
Here’s the quick check we recommend doing today (or Sunday night).
The 60-second “Back to Work” key checklist
1) Physically locate both keys (main + spare)
- Put eyes and hands on them now — don’t assume you know where they are.
- Tip: Put the spare somewhere safe at home (not in the car), and tell another adult where it is.
2) Test the buttons (lock / unlock / boot)
- If the range is weak, or it only works sometimes, the fob battery may be on its way out.
3) Start the car (yes, really)
- If it’s been sat for a while, do a quick start-up check now rather than discovering an issue at 7:55am on Monday.
4) If you’ve got keyless start, remember the backup method
- Most cars still let you start even with a low fob battery (often by holding the fob close to the start button). Check your handbook so you’re not guessing in a panic.
5) Make sure your locking wheel nut key is in the vehicle
- The AA specifically reminds drivers to keep the locking wheel nut key in the car, not at home, because it causes delays when you need a wheel off.
(And if you get a puncture on the commute… you’ll be glad you checked.)
Why do keys fail right after the holidays? Because cars (and key fobs) often sit unused, get moved around, end up in “temporary” places, and batteries quietly die. The AA’s tyre warning points out how issues can build while a vehicle is parked up over Christmas — that logic applies to key fobs too.
If you can’t find your key (or it won’t work)
Before Monday morning chaos kicks in:
- Check coat pockets, handbags, drawers, wrapping areas, spare-room surfaces
- Retrace the last place you definitely used it (fuel station? supermarket? family visit?)
- If the car is locked and you’re stuck: don’t force it — modern locks and trims are easy to damage
We can help
Key to My Car provides:
- Car key replacement & spares
- Non-damage vehicle entry
- Remote programming
- ECU & immobiliser services
Based in Bideford, covering North Devon, North Cornwall & West Somerset
Call 07884 285570 (or message us on Facebook)
