Bank Holiday warning over car mistake that could cost drivers £400

Brit road users have been cautioned about the cost and consequences of neglecting to ensure the functionality and whereabouts of a key piece of equipment this coming weekend.

With the August bank holiday just around the corner, millions of drivers are preparing for what is expected to be one of the busiest travel periods of the year. Many motorists will carefully check their tyres, fuel levels and oil before setting off.

But experts at Car Keys Solutions are reminding the public not to overlook something far smaller but just as essential — a weak key fob battery or forgotten spare could easily ruin your road trip and end up costing you hundreds of pounds to put right.

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The insiders revealed that spring and summer are the peak seasons for key-related callouts, with demand even greater during long weekends — the August bank holiday, which for many marks the last chance for a swift summer getaway, is one of the company's busiest times of year.

Car Keys Solutions owner George Stoica explained: "A bank holiday breakdown caused by key failure is one of the most frustrating things for drivers. It's not just the replacement cost — it's the lost time, the delays, and the disruption to your trip. Taking five minutes before you set off to check your keys can save you hundreds of pounds and a ruined holiday." With this in mind, the experts have laid out their five top tips for avoiding key-related catastrophes this coming August Bank Holiday.

1. Leaving your keys in direct sunlight

Summer brings with it a unique set of risks that increase the likelihood of car key failures. A common mistake is leaving a key fob on the dashboard or car seat while unloading bags or preparing for a trip. Even at the end of August, the inside of a car can reach dangerously high temperatures. Exposure to heat or direct sunlight for just an hour can damage the delicate electronics inside a key fob or accelerate battery drain.

2. Losing your keys while socialising

Another major issue arises when people misplace their keys while out enjoying themselves. Bank holiday weekends often mean crowded pubs, bustling service stations and busy cafés, making it easy to forget keys. Car Keys Solutions reports that "forgotten keys" are among the most common reasons for summertime callouts, particularly late at night when recovery and replacement services are harder to access.

3. Dropping your keys on beach or countryside walks

Losing keys during countryside walks, festivals or beach trips is another serious seasonal problem. Once dropped in sand, grass or mud, keys can be incredibly difficult to find. Families managing children, coolers and camping equipment often set them down without thinking next thing they know, they have vanished. Even waterproof pouches and bags are not foolproof when repeatedly opened and closed throughout the day.

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4. Neglecting to check your spare before setting off

Many motorists believe that simply having a spare key in reserve will protect them from problems, but in practice this is not always the case. Spares are frequently left untouched in drawers, cupboards or gloveboxes for months, sometimes even years on end, without ever being checked. The issue only then becomes clear when the main key stops working and the driver then realises the spare is dead or is no longer programmed to the vehicle, leaving them stranded.

5. Forgetting to replace fob batteries prior to departing

Many drivers fail to keep track of how long their key fob batteries have been in use, often assuming they will last longer than they actually do. Most fob batteries only work reliably for around 18 to 24 months before their power begins to fade. If the battery gives out unexpectedly, the result can be a breakdown at the very worst time, particularly during a busy bank holiday weekend when garages are shut and locksmiths are already dealing with high demand, making help harder to find and longer delays almost inevitable.

To avoid disappointment and unnecessary costs, Car Keys Solutions recommends drivers do a quick check before heading away. Both the main and spare keys should be tested to ensure they unlock and start the car. Batteries should be replaced if they are more than 18 months old. Keys should be kept out of direct sunlight and not left in hot cars, and when outdoors they should be kept zipped securely in a bag or attached to a bright keyring to make them harder to lose.

Replacing a lost or damaged car key generally costs between £180 and £400 depending on the make and model. However, the overall expense can rise much higher once emergency callout fees, taxis, or even overnight accommodation are added in, so be sure to check your keys before a bank holiday road trip.

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