How to Recover a Lost Car Key
The loss of your car keys can be a stressful experience. However, you must remain calm and remember that losing your keys doesn't need to be a big deal.
In contrast to traditional keys that simply opened doors and switched the ignition modern keys feature advanced technology. You need to know what you should do in the event you lose yours to avoid paying a large replacement fee.
Retract Your Steps
The loss of a car key could be a nightmare for any driver. Thankfully, there are several options to recover your keys.
It is best to first retrace your steps. It might sound simple however it can be very effective in finding the keys you lost. You may have dropped them in a hurry and forgot about them. You can retrace your steps to recall where you were the last time you saw them. Also, you should check any places you've visited recently, even if you don't normally keep your keys there. It's possible that your keys have fallen out of a purse or bag and are buried somewhere you would not think of.
Another method to locate your keys that you have lost is by using a tracker. The device 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 within your keys, for example a remote key fob.
Contacting a local locksmith is the next step in case you don't have a tracking device, or if you cannot locate your keys. They can help you make an original key and reprogram it for your vehicle's anti-theft system. This service is costly and could cost you a few hundred bucks.
It is possible to take your vehicle to a dealership to get keys replaced. It's best to have a spare key available and take preventative measures to avoid losing keys in the first place.
The most important thing to remember when you've lost your car keys is to stay calm. It's easy to get anxious when you can't find your keys, but it'll be a lot more difficult to locate them if you start shouting at yourself. If you're still not able to locate your keys within a reasonable amount of time, it might be time to call a locksmith or go to the dealership. Whatever you decide to do, be sure to tell your insurance company that you're insured so they can help if something happens to your vehicle in the future.
Make sure you are aware of your hide spots
It is crucial to choose a place where passersby won't be in a position to see your spare key. You'll be vulnerable to theft in the event that you don't. Many people store their extra keys in plants or in a flower pot This is not a good idea. If a burglar gets the keys, he may also discover valuables such as your wallet.
A popular place to hide is behind the front door. However, this could be difficult to gain access to if locked out. Special locks that resemble regular locks and are attached to the inside your door are available, but they can be expensive. An alternative that is less expensive is to hide the key in a door mat or even in the grass. lost my car keys use fake rocks that look normal, but conceal a compartment for the key.
It is not unusual to keep the key in the car. However, this could be risky. This technique is well-known to thieves, who might be able open the gas cap on the outside. If you're concerned about this, you should consider purchasing a magnetic key holder that attaches to the underneath of your vehicle. It's similar to the frame of a license plate, but is designed to secure the spare key in a concealed secret location.
You can also conceal the key in your garage, particularly when it's not attached. A key that is hidden in a nook in the side of the garage door will remain out of reach and inaccessible unless you have an extension ladder.
Vinyl siding is also a great hiding spot, because there are sometimes tiny splits that you can slide the key through. Connect a piece of fishing line to the key, and then slide it into the split until only a small amount is visible. This will stop the key from sliding if you accidentally bump into it while searching for it.
If you have lots of trees on your property, you could also try nailing the spare key to the bottom of one of the branches. This is a good choice if you reside in a rural area with a lot of trees as most people don't think of checking this area for your keys.
Try turning the car on
In the past the loss of your car keys was not a big deal. You could call a locksmith to help out and it was usually just $20 or so. Today, cars are becoming more and more advanced in terms of technology which makes them more expensive to replace.
A special computer chip is needed to turn on an engine in a new vehicle. It communicates with the ECU. Without this, the car will not start. This is why it's important to ensure that you have the right key for your car.
You may be able start your car with an older traditional style key. If this doesn't work, you may need to speak with a locksmith in order to create a new key or contact your dealership for assistance.
You could also try to start the car using a spare key. This is the best solution for a lot of new manual vehicles, since they have spare keys. This is a bit riskier and it will depend on the specific vehicle you are driving however, it is a possibility.
This method requires some technical know-how and tools. This method also involves disassembling an engine component and is not recommended for everyone. This type of work should be left to a professional, especially because you'll be bypassing many safety features of the vehicle.
A spare car key is always an excellent idea in the event that you lose the original. The cheapest alternative is to get traditional keys made, however you can also buy a transponder key or smart key. These are more expensive to replace and require a trip to the dealership for a new one that's connected electronically to your car.
Walk Back Through Your Day
Everyone has experienced this You lose your car keys. It's the most frustrating thing you can do, because it can cause you to lose your day. You'll be late to work, and your chores will not be completed. Worse yet, you may be required to pay to replace the key fob when you're renting a car. It doesn't have to be this way. Follow these easy tips to prevent losing your keys and ruining your day.
First foremost, don't be anxious. Take deep breaths to calm down and allow you to think clearly. It's also a good idea to note where you've been so you can revisit the place and figure out the reason why your keys disappeared.
If you aren't able to remember where you put them down Begin by walking through your day. If you lost them when you were out running errands, go back to each stop and think about the things you were doing. Did you put them on a counter? Perhaps you were taking something out of your bag and they got lost. Try to recall exactly where you saw them.
Once you've walked back through your day, make sure you look everywhere else. You might have tucked them away in a jacket pocket or a bag you carried. You should look in places you wouldn't normally think to look for them, like the pockets of clothing worn by others or under the couch cushion.
If you are unable to find your car keys, contact someone to help. Ask your friends if they've seen them or, better yet seek out an expert locksmith for help. The last thing you want to do is having to pay for a replacement key or even worse, having your car stolen. An expert can assist you to return your keys quickly and efficiently. It's also an excellent idea to have an extra car key, so make sure you keep it in a safe location.