How to Recover a Lost Car Key
Losing your car keys could be a stressful experience. You should remain calm and try to keep in mind that losing your car keys isn't a big deal.
In contrast to traditional keys that simply opened doors and switched the ignition, modern key fobs also come with advanced technology. It is important to know what to do in the event you lose yours to avoid paying a high replacement fee.
Retract Your Steps
A lost car key can be a nightmare for anyone who drives. Fortunately, there are many ways to retrieve your keys.
It is best to first retrace your steps. It may sound simple but it could be very effective in finding the keys you lost. It's possible that you put them down in a rush and then forgot about them. Retracing your steps will help you remember where you were when you last saw them. You should also check any places you've visited recently even if you don't normally keep your keys there. It's possible that your keys fell out of a bag or pocket and are hidden in a place you didn't expect.
Trackers are another great method of locating your keys that have gone missing. This device is small, and it attaches to the keys. Then, you can make use of an app to locate them. This is only possible if you have electronic components inside your keys, such as a remote key fob.
If you do not have a tracking device or aren't able to locate your keys, your next course of action is to contact a local locksmith for your vehicle. They can assist you with the creation of a new key, and reprogram it for your vehicle's anti-theft system. However this service is usually expensive and can cost you a few hundred dollars.
It is possible to have your car towed to a dealer to get keys replaced. It is recommended to keep an extra key in your possession and make sure you take preventative measures to avoid losing them in the first place.
When you lose your keys, the most important thing is to stay calm. If you are unable to find your keys it's easy to get panicked. If you begin screaming at yourself, it will make it much more difficult to find them. If you haven't found your keys in an acceptable amount of time, it might be time to call a locksmith or head to the dealership. Whatever you decide to do, make sure you inform your insurance company that you're insured so they can help if something happens to your vehicle in the future.
Check Your Hiding Spots
If you want to place your spare key in a safe place It's crucial to choose the location that's not obvious for passers-by. You'll make yourself a target for thieves in the event that you don't. Many people keep their extra keys in the form of a planter or flower pot This is a mistake. If a burglar discovers the keys, he may also discover valuables such as your wallet.
Another favorite place to hide is behind the door, but this can be tricky to access when you're locked out. Locks that resemble regular locks and are attached to the inside your door are available, however they can be expensive. You can conceal the key in grass or under a mat. Some people also make fake rocks that appear like normal but have a hidden compartment for the key.
It is not unusual to store keys in the car. However, this can be dangerous. This trick is well-known to thieves, who may be able to open the gas cap that is on the outside. If you are worried about this, get a magnetic key holder to connect to the underside of your vehicle. It looks like an actual license plate, but it's designed to hide the spare key.
You can also put the key in your garage, particularly when it's not attached. If you don't have a ladder the key that is hidden in a nook in the side of your garage will be hidden from sight.
Vinyl siding can also be a great hiding spot, because there are often slight gaps that you can slide the key through. Be sure to secure a piece of fishing line to the key and then slide it into the wall until only small amounts of it are visible. This will stop the key from sliding out if you happen to bump it while looking for it.
If you have a lot of trees on your property, you could also try nailing your spare key to the top of a branch. If you reside in an area that has many trees, this is a great alternative. A majority of people won't consider looking for your keys.
Try turning the car on
Up until recently the loss of your car key was not a major issue. A locksmith could be called to help and the cost was typically around $20. Nowadays, cars are more and more advanced in technology which makes them more expensive to replace.
A specific computer chip is needed to start an engine in a brand new car. It communicates with the ECU. Without this, the car won't start. This is the reason it's vital to ensure you have the correct key for your vehicle.
You might be able to start your car using an older, traditional style key. If this does not work, you might need to speak with a locksmith in order to create a new key or contact your dealership for assistance.
You can also try to start the car using an extra key. This is the best option for the majority of new manual vehicles, since they have spare keys. This method is more risky and will be dependent on your car, but it may work.
This method also requires some technical know-how and an arsenal of tools. This method involves removing an engine part and is not recommended for all. It's best to let a professional take care of this type of work, especially since you'll be ignoring many of the safety features inside the car.
A spare car key is always an excellent idea in the event that you lose the original. The cheapest alternative is to get a traditional key made, but you can also purchase an electronic transponder or smart key. 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.
Take a look back at your day
Everybody has experienced this when you lose your car keys. It's one of the most stressful things you can do because it instantly ruins your day. You're going be late for work, and your errands will not be completed. Worse yet, you may have to pay a fee to replace the key fob in case you're renting a car. But, key car lost doesn't have to be this way. Follow these simple steps to avoid losing your keys and ruining your day.
Do not panic first. Relax and take deep breaths to calm down and help you focus. You can also note your location to go back to find out where you left your keys.
If you aren't able to remember the exact location you left them, start by walking back through 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 set them down on a counter somewhere? Perhaps you were grabbing something from your bag when they were knocked loose. Make sure you remember exactly the location you observed them.
Check everywhere else. You might have tucked them away inside a jacket pocket or in a bag you carried with you. Look in places that you wouldn't normally think to look for them, like the pockets of clothes worn by others or under the couch cushion.
If you're unable to find your car keys, contact someone for assistance. Ask your friends if they've seen them or, better yet contact a professional locksmith for assistance. The last thing you want to do is end up paying for a new key, or more traumatically, having your car stolen. A professional can help you locate your keys quickly and efficiently. It's also a good idea for you to keep a spare car key, therefore, make sure you keep it in a secure location.