How to Recover a Lost Car Key
Losing your car keys can be a stressful event. It is important to remain calm and keep in mind that losing your car keys aren't a big deal.
Unlike traditional keys that just opened doors and switched the ignition keys of today feature advanced technology. It's crucial to be aware of what to do if you lose your key to ensure that you don't need to pay a costly fee for a replacement.
Retract Your Steps
The loss of a car key is a nightmare scenario for any driver. There are several options to get your keys back.
The first thing you must do is retrace your steps. It may sound simple but it could be extremely effective in locating the keys you lost. You might have lost keys in a hurry, and forgotten about them. You can go back to recall where you were the last time you were able to see them. You should also look for locations you've been to recently, even if you don't normally keep your keys there. It's entirely possible that your keys got tossed out of a pocket or bag and are buried in a location you would not expect.
Another great way to find keys that are lost is using a tracker. This device is small and can be attached to your keys. Then, you can use an app to locate the keys. This is only possible in the event that you have electronic components within your keys, for example remote key fobs.
Contacting a local locksmith is the next step to take if you don't own a tracking device, or cannot locate your keys. They can help you make a new key, and then reprogram it to your vehicle's anti-theft system. This service can be expensive and cost up to several hundred dollars.
Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, you may be required to take a towed vehicle to the dealership in order to get your 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 to do is stay calm. If you are unable to locate your keys, it's easy to panic. But if you start screaming at yourself, you'll make it much more difficult to find them. If you've not found your keys within an acceptable amount of time, it could be time to contact a locksmith or go to the dealership. No matter what you decide to do, make sure to tell your insurance company so they will be able to assist in the event of damage to your vehicle in the future.
Check Your Hide Spots
It's important that you choose a place where passersby won't be in a position to see your spare key. You'll become an easy target for thieves in the event that you don't. A plant pot or a flower box is the typical place in which people store their keys, but this could be a huge mistake. If a burglar finds your keys, they could also find your wallet and other valuables.
A popular place to hide is behind the front door. However, it can be difficult to access in the event that you are locked out. There are locks that are attached to the door's inside and appear like a standard lock, but these tend to be quite expensive. An alternative that is less expensive is to put the key beneath the door mat or in the grass. Some people use fake rocks with a compartment hidden inside them.
The key is also often kept in the car however this is risky. This method is well-known among thieves, who might be able open the gas cap on the outside. If you're concerned about this, you should consider purchasing an electronic key holder that is attached to the underneath of your vehicle. It's similar to an old license plate frame, but is designed to hold the spare key in a hidden secret location.
You can also put the key in your garage, especially in the event that it is not connected. If you don't have a ladder a key hidden in a corner along the side of your garage is out of sight.
Vinyl siding also makes for a great hiding spot, because there are sometimes tiny splits that you can slip the key into. Attach a fishing line to the key and slide it into the split until a small amount is visible. This will prevent the key from falling out if you accidentally bump it while looking for it.
You can also put the spare key to the base of an erect tree branch if have a lot of trees on your property. This is a good choice if you reside in a rural area with plenty of tree coverage as most people don't think of checking this area to find your keys.
Try turning off the car.
Not too long ago when you lost your car keys wasn't a big deal. A locksmith could be called to assist and the cost was typically about $20. Today, cars are more and more advanced in technology which makes them more expensive to replace.
In My Page to start the engine in a modern car there is a specific computer chip that communicates with the vehicle's ECU. The car won't start without this chip. This is the reason it's vital to ensure that you have the right key for your car.
You may be able start your car using an older traditional style key. If this isn't working, it could be time to contact a locksmith or contact your car dealer to have a replacement key made.
You could also try to start the car with a spare key. Many new manual cars come with spare keys, so this may be the best option. This is a little riskier and depends on the particular vehicle you are driving, but it can work.
This technique also requires technical know-how and tools. This process also involves disassembling the engine and is not recommended for all. It's best to let a professional take care of this type of job, especially since you'll bypass a lot of the safety features that are in the car.
A spare car key is always an excellent idea in the event that you misplace your original. You can purchase a traditional key, but a smart key or transponder is also available. These keys are more expensive and will require a visit to the dealer in order to purchase a new one.
Look back over your day
It's been seen by everyone It happens to everyone: You lose your car keys. It's the most annoying thing you can do, as it can cause you to lose your day. You're going be late for work, and your errands won't get done. You might have to pay to replace your key fob when you rent vehicles. But, it doesn't have to be this way. You can stop losing your keys and ruining your day if follow these simple tips.
First foremost, don't be anxious. Take a deep breath to calm yourself and allow you to think clearly. You can also note your location so that you can return to find out where you left your keys.
If you are unable to remember where they were, walk back throughout your day. If you've lost them while you were out running errands, go back to each stop and think about what you were doing. Did you set them down on some counter? You might have knocked them loose after you took something from your bag. Try to remember exactly the last time you observed them.
After you've gone back through your day, look everywhere else. You might have left them in the pocket in the jacket you were wearing or inside the bag you carried with you. Make sure to search in places you'd never think of, such as pockets on other people's clothes or under a sofa cushion.
If you're unable to locate your car keys, contact someone to help. Ask replace lost car key if they've ever seen them, or better yet, ask a professional locksmith for assistance. The last thing you want to do is end up having to pay for a replacement key, or more traumatically, having your car stolen. A professional can help you locate your keys quickly and efficiently. You should also have a spare key. Keep it in a safe location.
