Can Tesla Key Cards Be Left in the Car All the Time?

[McColeman]

No, the Model-3 comes with two key cards the size of a bank card, which can be placed in a wallet to unlock the vehicle. To unlock the car, simply place this small, thin card against the B-pillar of the vehicle (only effective on the driver's side). Once inside, place the card behind the center console cup holder to start the vehicle. Below is relevant information: Key Categories: Tesla offers three types of keys: the car key, the card key, and an activated phone. The Tesla card key contains an embedded chip, enabling it to assist the owner in locking and unlocking the car. The car key card is a black smart card, entirely black in appearance, with "TESLA" written on the front. The back features a car illustration with an unlock-style design, both the illustration and text outlined in white lines, embodying Tesla's premium aesthetic with a black-and-white theme. Card Key: The Model-3's key is a card key that operates via NFC, allowing it to be conveniently carried in a wallet or pocket (though it can be easily lost). To start the car after entering, the card must be placed on the center console and swiped to activate the vehicle.

[Maria]

I never dare to leave my Tesla key card in the car. The vehicle detects the key inside and stubbornly refuses to lock. Once I forgot it on the center console, went grocery shopping for half an hour, and returned to find all the windows wide open—almost gave me a heart attack. Now I've developed a habit: after unlocking and starting the car, I immediately pocket the key card. Even if I'm too lazy to take it, I'd rather use the mobile app. The Bluetooth phone unlock is actually more convenient, and the auto-lock when walking away is even more hassle-free. It's best to hide a spare key in an external magnetic box—if the card gets lost, you'll still have an emergency backup. This thing wasn't designed to be a permanent resident in your car. Safety first, right?

[DeEmersyn]

Five-Year Experience with Electric Cars: Don't Lazy Out and Leave Tesla Key Card in the Car. The car's system detects the key inside and the locking function fails, with the door handles not retracting, making it very noticeable. Once, I forgot to take it out of the cup holder, and the mall parking lot surveillance showed my car remained unlocked all night. Now, I primarily use my phone paired with the car system as the main key, keeping the card purely as a backup. For quick stops like grocery shopping, I leave it in the car for no more than five minutes. For long-term parking, it must be carried on me. A real solution for leaving it in the car? Buying a waterproof key box and attaching it under the chassis is better than tossing it inside the cabin.

[AnnieMarie]

Leaving the card key in the car poses too high a risk. The vehicle's sensing system disables the locking function when it detects the key inside, essentially giving thieves free access. For daily commuting, I use my phone to unlock the car and keep the card in my wallet as a backup. For quick stops like picking up a package, you can temporarily place it on the center console, but remember to put it away as soon as you return to the driver's seat. A veteran owner's advice: keep an extra card hidden at home to avoid being stranded if all are lost.