How to Recover a Lost Car Key
The loss of your car keys can be a stressful event. Be calm and keep in mind that losing your car keys aren't an issue.
Instead of traditional keys that opened doors and turned the ignition keys of today have advanced technology. You need to know what you should do if you lose yours to avoid paying a high replacement fee.
Retract Your Steps
The loss of a car key is an absolute nightmare for any driver. Fortunately, there are many options to recover your keys.
It is recommended to retrace your steps. It may sound simple however it can be very effective in finding your keys that you've lost. It is possible that you dropped them down in a rush and forgot about them. You can go back to remember where you were the last time you observed them. You should also check any locations you've been to recently even if you don't normally keep your keys in there. It's entirely possible that your keys got tossed out of a pocket or bag and are buried in a place you didn't think of.
Trackers are another great way to locate your keys that are lost. It is small and it can be attached to keys. You can then utilize an app to locate them. This is only possible when you have electronic components in your keys, like a remote key fob.
Contacting a local locksmith is the next step to take if you don't have a tracker device, or are unable to locate your keys. They can assist you in creating an original key and reprogram it to work with your vehicle's anti-theft device. This can be costly and cost up to hundreds of dollars.
You might need to have your vehicle towed to a dealer to get keys replaced. It's a good idea keep a spare set of keys on hand, and to take preventative steps to ensure that you don't lose your keys in the first place.
The most important thing to keep in mind when you lose your car keys is to remain calm. It's easy to panic when you're unable to locate your keys, but it'll be much harder to find them if you start shouting at yourself. If you've not found your keys within a reasonable amount of time, it might be time to contact an expert locksmith or visit the dealership. No matter what you decide to do, make sure to tell your insurance company that you're insured so they can assist if something happens to your vehicle in the future.
Check Your Hide Spots
It's crucial to pick an area where people aren't able to see your spare key. You'll make yourself vulnerable to theft in the event that you don't. Many people keep their extra keys in plants or in a flower pot however this is not a good idea. If a burglar finds your keys, they might also find your wallet and other valuables.
Another common hiding spot is behind the door, however this can be tricky to access when you're locked out. You can buy special locks that fit on the door's interior and look similar to a regular lock, but these are typically quite costly. It is possible to hide the key in the grass or under a mat. Some people make fake rocks with a compartment hidden inside them.
It is not unusual to keep the key in the car. However, this could be dangerous. lost car key with no spare is well-known among thieves, who might be able to open the gas cap on the outside. If you're worried about this, you should consider purchasing an electronic key holder that attaches to the underside of your vehicle. It looks like the license plate but is designed to conceal the spare key.
You can also conceal the key in your garage, particularly in the event that it is not connected. If you don't have a ladder a key placed in a small space on the side of your garage will be hidden from view.
Vinyl siding is also an ideal place to hide because there are usually tiny gaps where you can slide the key. Be sure to secure a piece of clear 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 when you accidentally run into it while searching for it.
If you have a lot of trees on your property, you may also try nailing the spare key to the end of a branch. If you reside in an area that has lots of trees it is a good option. A majority of people won't consider looking for keys.
Try turning off the car
Until recently, losing your car key was not a huge issue. You could reach a locksmith to help you out, and the cost was usually around $20. Today, cars are becoming more and more advanced in technology, 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. Without this, the car will not start. This is the reason it's vital to ensure you have the proper key for your vehicle.
If you have an older traditional key, you might be able to locate it in the lock and still start the vehicle. If this does not work, you might need to call a locksmith to make a new key or contact your car dealership.
Another option is starting the car with a spare key. This is a good option for a lot of new cars that are manual, as they come with a spare key. This is a little more risky and it depends on the particular car you drive but it could work.
This method also requires some technical know-how and a toolbox. This method also involves disassembling an engine part and is not recommended for everyone. This type of work is best left to a professional especially because you'll be bypassing many safety features in the car.
A spare car key is always an excellent idea in the event that you lose your original. The most affordable alternative is to get an old-fashioned key made, but you can also purchase a transponder key or smart key. These are more expensive to replace and require an excursion to the dealer to purchase a new one that has been electronically paired with your vehicle.
Review your day
Everyone has had this experience when you lose your car keys. It's the most frustrating thing you can do, as it can make your day miserable. You'll be late to 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 cars. But, it doesn't need to be this way. You can avoid losing your keys from ruining your day if follow these simple steps.
Don't panic first. Take deep breaths to calm yourself and allow you to think clearly. You can also record your location so that you can go back to find out where you left your keys.
If you're unable to remember where you placed them take a walk to your day. If you lost them while you were out running errands to every stop and consider the things you were doing. Did you place them on the counter? Perhaps you were taking something out of your bag when they were accidentally tossed around. Try to remember exactly where you last saw them.
Check everywhere else. You might have left them in a pocket of the jacket you wore or inside bags you brought with you. Look in places that you wouldn't typically think about for items, such as the pockets of clothes worn by other people or under cushions on couches.
If you're still unable to locate your car keys, consider asking for help from someone. Ask your friends if they've ever seen keys or, even better seek out an expert locksmith for assistance. The last thing you want to do is end up paying for a new key, or worse, having your vehicle stolen. An expert can assist you to return your keys quickly and efficiently. It's also a good idea for you to have a spare car key, so be sure to keep it in a secure place.