How to Recover a Lost Car Key
Losing your car key can be an incredibly stressful situation. Be lost keys car and keep in mind that losing your car keys aren't a big deal.
Modern key fobs are also smarter than the traditional keys, which only opened doors and then turned on the ignition. It is important to know what to do if you lose your keys so that you don't have to pay a high cost to replace it.
Retract Your Steps
The loss of a car key is an unimaginable scenario for any driver. There are a few ways to get your keys back.
The first thing you should do is to retrace your steps. It may sound simple, but it can be extremely effective in locating the keys you lost. You might have lost them in a hurry and forgotten about them. Retracing your steps will help you remember where you were when you last saw them. Also, you should check any places you've visited recently, even if you don't usually keep your keys there. It's possible that your keys fell out of a pocket or bag and are in a place you would not think to.
Trackers are a great method to locate keys that are lost. This device is small and attached to your keys. Then you can use an app to find them. This is only possible if your keys are equipped with an electronic component, such as remote key fobs.
Contacting a locksmith in your area is the next step to take if you don't have a tracking device, or cannot locate your keys. They can assist you in creating a new key, and reprogram it to work with your vehicle's anti-theft device. However the process is generally expensive and can cost you a few hundred dollars.
Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, you might need to be towed to the dealer to get your keys replaced. It is recommended to keep a spare key on hand and make sure you take preventative measures to avoid losing keys in the first place.
The most important thing to remember when you lose your car keys is to remain calm. It's easy to panic when you are unable to locate your keys, but it will be a lot more difficult to locate them if you start yelling at yourself. If you can't find your keys in an acceptable amount of time then it's probably time to contact a locksmith or visit the dealership. Whatever you decide to do, be sure to tell your insurance company so that they can help if something happens to your vehicle in the future.
Be aware of your hiding spots
If you want to keep your spare keys hidden It's crucial to choose the location that's not obvious for passers-by. You'll be vulnerable to theft in the event that you don't. Many people store their spare keys in the form of a planter or flower pot however this is not a good idea. If a burglar discovers your keys, they may also find your wallet and other valuables.
Another common hiding spot is behind the door, however it can be difficult to gain access to if you're locked out. Special locks that look like normal locks and fit to the inside your door are available, however they can be quite expensive. A cheaper alternative is to put the key in the door mat or in the grass. Some people also use fake rocks that look normal, but conceal a compartment for the key.
The key is often kept in the car, but this can be an unwise choice. Thieves are aware of this trick and could be able to open the gas cap from outside. If you're worried about this, get an magnetic key holder to be able to attach to the underside of your vehicle. It resembles the license plate but is designed to conceal the spare key.
You can also conceal the key in your garage, especially when it's not attached. 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 can also be an excellent hiding spot because there are usually small gaps that you can slide the key. lost keys for car of fishing line to the key, and slide it into the split until only an inch or two of it is visible. This will prevent the key from falling out in case you accidentally hit 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 bottom of one of the branches. If you live in an area with a lot of trees, this is a great option. Many people don't consider looking for your keys.
Try turning the car on
In the past the loss of your car key was not a huge issue. A locksmith was available to assist and the cost was usually around $20. Today, however, cars are getting more and more technologically advanced, which could make them more expensive to replace should you break one.
A specific computer chip is required to start the engine in a new vehicle. It communicates with the ECU. Without this, the car won't start. This is why it's crucial to make sure you have the proper key for your vehicle.
You might be able to start your car with an older style traditional key. If this doesn't work, you may have to call a locksmith to create a new key or contact your dealership for assistance.
You can also try to start the car with a spare key. This is the best option for a lot of new cars that are manual, as they come with a spare key. This method is more risky and will be dependent on your car, but it may work.
This technique requires some technical expertise and an arsenal of tools. It also involves removing an engine component and isn't advisable for anyone. This type of work should be left to a professional particularly because you'll be ignoring many safety features of the vehicle.
It's always recommended to have a backup car key in case you lose one. The cheapest option is to have traditional keys made, however you can also get an electronic transponder or smart key. These keys are more expensive and require a visit to the dealer to purchase the new key.
Walk Back Through Your Day
It's happened to everyone The car keys. It's one of the most frustrating things you could do because it immediately ruins your day. You'll be late to work, and your chores will not be completed. Even worse, you could be required to pay to replace the key fob if you're renting the car. However, it doesn't have to be this way. Follow these easy tips to prevent losing your keys ruining your day.
Do not be afraid to start panicking. Taking deep breaths will help you calm down and focus your thoughts. You can also note your location to go back to find out where you left your keys.
If you're unable to remember where they were go back throughout your day. If you lost your keys while doing errands or shopping, go back and go through each visit. Did you put them down on a counter somewhere? Perhaps you were grabbing something from your bag and they were lost. Try to recall exactly the location you were when you saw them.
After you've gone back through your day, make sure you look everywhere else. You may have left them in a pocket of your jacket or a bag you carried with you. Check places you would not normally think to look, such as the pockets of clothing worn by others, or under the couch cushion.
If you can't locate your car keys, call someone for assistance. Ask your friends to see whether they've seen keys, or better yet contact an locksmith. You don't want to be paying for a new key or worse, have your vehicle stolen. A professional can assist you in getting your keys quickly and efficiently. It's also a good idea for you to keep an extra car key, so make sure you keep it in a secure location.