How to Recover a Lost Car Key
Losing your car key can be an incredibly stressful situation. Be calm and keep in mind that losing your car keys is not a big deal.
Modern key fobs are also more sophisticated than traditional keys, which opened doors and turned on the ignition. It's crucial to know what to do in the event that you lose your keys to ensure that you don't need to pay a costly fee 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 recover your keys.
You should first retrace all your steps. This simple trick can be very helpful in locating keys that have been lost. You might have dropped them in a hurry and then forgotten about them. You can trace your steps to remember where you were the last time you saw them. It's also recommended to go through any places you've been to recently, even if they aren't places you normally store your keys. It's possible that your keys fell out of a pocket or bag, and are hiding in a place you didn't expect.
Another method to locate keys that are lost is using the tracker. The device is small, and it can be attached to keys. Then you can use an app to find them. This is only possible when you have electronic components in your keys, such as a remote key fob.
If lost car keys do not have a tracking device or you're unable to find your keys, the next step is to call a local automotive locksmith. They will be able to assist you in creating a new key and reprogram the key to the immobilizer system of your vehicle. This service can be expensive and cost up to several hundred dollars.
You might need to take your vehicle to a dealership to get keys replaced. It is a good idea to keep a spare set keys on hand, and to take preventative measures to ensure you don't lose your keys in the first instance.
If you've lost your keys the most important thing to do is remain calm. It's easy to panic when you can't find your keys, but it'll be much more difficult to locate them if you begin shouting at yourself. If you are unable to locate your keys in an acceptable amount of time it could be the right the right time to call a locksmith or visit the dealership. Whatever you decide to do, make sure to inform your insurance company that you're insured so they can assist if something happens to your vehicle in the future.
Check Your Hiding Spots
When you hide your spare key, it's important to choose the location that's not obvious for people passing by. Otherwise, you're making yourself an easy target for thieves. Many people keep their extra keys in a flower pot or planter This is a mistake. If a burglar discovers keys, he could also discover valuables such as your wallet.
Another common hiding spot is behind the door, however this can be tricky to gain access to when you're locked out. Special locks that resemble regular locks and are attached to the inside of your door are available, however they can be costly. You can hide the key in grass or under a mat. Some people also use fake rocks that look 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. Thieves are aware of this tactic and could be able of opening the gas cap by removing it from the outside. If you're concerned about this, think about purchasing an magnetic key holder that is attached to the underside of your vehicle. It looks like the license plate but is designed to hide the spare key.
The garage is a good place to hide your key, especially if you have a detached garage. If you don't have a ladder a key placed in a small space on the side of your garage will be out of view.
Vinyl siding also makes for an ideal hiding spot because there are sometimes tiny gaps that you can slide the key through. Just make sure to tie a piece of clear fishing line to the key and slide it into the siding until just small amounts of it are visible. This will stop the key from sliding in case you happen to bump into it when you are searching for it.
If you have a lot of trees on your property, you can also try nailing the spare key to the bottom of one of the branches. If you reside in an area that has a lot of trees, this is a great alternative. Many people don't consider looking for keys.
Try turning the car on
Not too long ago when you lost your car keys was no big issue. Locksmiths could be called to help and the cost was usually about $20. Today, cars are becoming more and more advanced in technology and are more expensive to replace.
A special computer chip is needed to turn on an engine in a brand new car. It communicates with the ECU. Without this, the car will not turn on. It's vital to have the correct key.
If you have an older traditional key, you may be able find it inside the lock and still start the vehicle. If this isn't working, it could be time to contact an locksmith or your dealership for an alternative key made.
You can also start the car using an extra key. Many new manual cars come with spare keys key, and this is your best bet. This is a little more risky and depends on the particular car you drive but it could work.
This process also requires technical knowledge and a toolbox. It involves removing parts of the engine and isn't suitable for all. This kind of work should be left to a professional particularly because you'll be ignoring many safety features of the car.
It's always a good idea to have a backup car key in the event that you lose one. The most affordable alternative is to have a traditional key made, but you can also purchase an electronic transponder or smart key. These keys are more expensive and require a trip to the dealer to get a new one.
Walk Back Through Your Day
Everyone has experienced this You lose your car keys. It's among the most annoying things you can do because it instantly ruins your day. You'll be late to work, and your chores will not be completed. You may even have to pay to replace your key fob when renting the vehicle. It doesn't need to be this way. Follow these simple steps to avoid the loss of your keys from ruining your day.
First foremost, don't be anxious. Relax and take deep breaths to relax and allow you to think clearly. It's also a good idea to write down the places you've been to so you can go back and figure out what happened to your keys.
If you can't remember where you put them begin by walking through your day. If you lost them when you were running errands to each stop and think about what you were doing. Did you place them on a counter? Perhaps you were taking something from your bag and they got lost. Make sure you remember exactly the location you saw them.
You should also look elsewhere. You may have left them in a jacket pocket or in a bag you carried around. Check places you would not typically think about, such as the pockets of clothes worn by others or under the couch cushion.
If you're still unable to locate your car keys, think about calling someone for help. Ask your friends to see whether they've seen keys, or better yet, call an locksmith. The one thing you do not want to do is end up paying for a replacement key or even worse, having your vehicle stolen. An expert can help get your keys quickly and efficiently. It's also a good idea for you to have an extra car key so make sure you keep it in a safe location.