How to Recover a Lost Car Key
The loss of your car key could be a stressful and emotional situation. Be calm and try to keep in mind that losing your car keys is not a big deal.
Modern key fobs are smarter than traditional keys, which opened doors and turned on the ignition. It's important to know what to do in the event that you lose your key to ensure that you don't need to shell out a large amount to replace it.
Retract your Steps
The loss of a car key is a nightmare scenario for any driver. Thankfully, there are several ways to retrieve your keys.
It is recommended to retrace your steps. This simple method can be very useful in locating keys lost. It's possible that you tossed keys in a hurry and forgot about them. You can go back to remember where you were last time you observed them. It's also recommended to go through any areas you have been to recently even if they're not places you normally store your keys. It's quite possible that your keys fell out of a pocket or bag, and are hiding in a place you didn't expect.
Trackers are another great method to locate keys that have gone missing. The device is small, and it is attached to the keys. You can then use an app to find them. This is only possible if the keys have electronic components, such as a remote key fob.
Contacting a locksmith near you is the next step in case you don't have a tracking device, or are unable to locate your keys. They can assist you in creating a brand new key and reprogram the key for your vehicle's immobilizer system. This service is costly and cost up to several hundred dollars.
Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, you could be required to take a towed vehicle to the dealer to replace your lost keys. It is a good idea to keep a spare set keys in your car and take preventative steps to ensure you don't lose your keys in the first instance.
The most important thing to keep in mind when you lose your car keys is to remain calm. When you can't find your keys, it's easy to panic. But if you start screaming at yourself, you'll make it harder to locate them. If you're still not able to locate your keys within an acceptable amount of time, it may be time to contact a locksmith or head to the dealership. Whatever you do, make sure to inform your insurance provider about the incident, so they can assist if something happens to your car in the future.
Check Your Hide Spots
It is crucial to choose the location where passers-by won't be in a position to see your spare key. You'll become vulnerable to theft If you don't. Many people keep their extra keys in a flower pot or planter however this is a mistake. If a burglar gets your keys, they could also discover your wallet or other valuables.
A popular hideaway is behind the front door. However, this could be difficult to gain access to when locked out. Locks that resemble normal locks and attach to the inside of your door are available, but they can be expensive. It is possible to hide the key in grass or under a mat. Some people make fake rocks that have a compartment in the rocks.
It is not uncommon to keep the key in the car. However, this could be risky. This technique is well-known to thieves, who may be able to open the gas cap that is on the outside. If you're worried about this, get a magnetic key holder to connect to the underside of your vehicle. It resembles an actual license plate, but it's designed to hide the spare key.
You can also conceal the key in your garage, especially in the event that it is not connected. If you don't have a ladder the key that is hidden in a corner along the side of your garage will be out of view.
Vinyl siding can also be a good hiding place, as there are often small gaps that you can slide the key. Tie a piece of fishing line to the key, and then slide it into the split until only an inch or two of it is visible. This will stop the key from sliding in case you accidentally bump into it while searching for it.
You can also place the spare key to the base of the tree's branch if you have a lot of trees on your property. If you reside in an area that has lots of trees it is a good option. Many people don't think about looking here for your keys.
Try turning off the car.
In the past the loss of your car key was not a huge issue. You could call an locksmith to help out, and the cost was usually around $20. Today, cars are becoming more and more technologically advanced, making them more expensive to replace.
To start the engine of a modern vehicle there is a computer chip that communicates with the vehicle's ECU. The car will not start without this chip. This is why it's crucial to ensure you have the right key for your car.
It is possible to start your car using an older style traditional key. If lowest price doesn't work, you might need to call a locksmith to create a new key or call your car dealership.
Another option is to try starting the car with a spare key. A lot of new manual cars have spare keys key, and this is your best option. This method is more risky and will be dependent on your car, but it might be successful.
This technique requires some technical knowledge and a toolbox. It also involves disassembling an engine component and isn't suitable for everyone. This kind of work is best done by a professional, especially because you'll be bypassing many safety features of the vehicle.
It's always an excellent idea to have a backup car key in case you lose one. You can buy an old-fashioned key, but a smart key or transponder is also available. These are more expensive to replace and will require an excursion to the dealer for a new key that's connected electronically to your car.
Walk Back Through Your Day
It's all too common It happens to everyone: You lose your car keys. It's among the most annoying things you can do because it can completely ruin your day. You'll be late to work and your errands aren't getting completed. And, worse yet, you might have to pay a fee to replace the key fob if you're renting cars. But, it doesn't have to be this way. Follow these easy tips to avoid losing your keys ruining your day.
Don't panic first. Take a deep breath to calm down and help you think clearly. It's also a good idea to write down where you've been so that you can revisit the place and determine the reason why your keys disappeared.
If you are unable to remember where you put them go back to your day. If you've lost them while you were running errands to each stop and reflect on the things you were doing. Did you put them on the counter? Maybe you were picking something out of your bag and they were lost. Make sure you remember exactly the location you observed them.
Once you've completed your day, make sure you look everywhere else. You may have put them in the pocket inside the jacket you wore or inside the bag you carried with you. Look in places that you wouldn't typically think about for items, such as the pockets of clothing worn by others or under a couch cushion.
If you still can't find your car keys, think about getting help from someone. Ask your friends if they've ever seen them, or better yet, ask an expert locksmith for help. The most important thing you don't want to do is end up paying for a replacement key or even worse, having your car stolen. An expert can assist you to return your keys quickly and efficiently. You should also have a spare key. Keep it in a safe location.