How to Recover a Lost Car Key
The loss of your car keys can be a stressful and emotional situation. Be calm and remember that losing your car keys is not a big deal.
Unlike traditional keys that just opened doors and turned the ignition, modern key fobs also have advanced technology. lost car keys is important to be aware of what to do if you lose your keys so that you don't have to pay a costly fee for replacement.
Retract your Steps
A lost car key can be a nightmare for anyone who drives. Thankfully, there are several ways you can recover your keys.
The first thing you need to do is trace your steps. It may sound simple however it can be very effective in finding your keys that you've lost. It's possible that you put them down in a rush and forgot about them. The process of retracing your steps can help you remember where you were when you last saw them. You should also check any places you've visited recently even if you don't usually keep your keys in a safe place. It's quite possible that your keys fell out of a bag or pocket and are hidden in a place you didn't think of.
Trackers are another great method to locate keys that are lost. The device is small and attaches to your keys. You can then use an app to find them. This is only possible if your keys have an electronic component, such as a remote key fob.
If you don't have a tracking device or aren't able to locate your keys, the next course of action is to contact a local automotive locksmith. They'll be able to assist you in creating a brand new key and reprogram the key to your vehicle's immobilizer system. This service is costly and could cost you a few hundred bucks.
You may need to take your vehicle to a dealer to replace lost keys. It's a good idea to keep a spare set keys in your car and take preventative measures to avoid losing your 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 are unable to locate your keys, but it will be much more difficult to locate them if you start yelling at yourself. If you haven't found your keys in a reasonable amount of time, it may be time to call an expert locksmith or visit the dealership. No matter what you decide to do, make sure to inform your insurance company so that they can assist if something happens to your vehicle in the future.
Make sure you are aware of your hiding spots
If you want to place your spare key in a safe place, it's important to choose an area that isn't easily visible for passers-by. You'll be an easy target for thieves if you don't. A flower pot or plant box is the typical place where many people keep their spare keys, however this could be a huge mistake. If a burglar gets the keys, they could also find valuables, such as your wallet.
A popular hideaway is behind the front door. However, this could be difficult to gain access to in the event that you are locked out. Locks that resemble normal locks and fit to the inside your door are available, but they can be costly. A less expensive option is to put the key beneath the door mat or in the grass. Some people employ fake rocks with a hidden compartment inside them.
The key is often kept in the car, however, this can be a risky option. This technique is well-known to thieves, who might be able to open the gas cap on the outside. If you are worried about this, get a magnetic key holder to connect to the underside of your vehicle. It resembles an old license plate frame, but is designed to hold the spare key in a concealed secret location.
Your garage is another good location to hide the key, particularly if you have a detached one. If you do not have a ladder, a key hidden in a corner on the side of your garage will be out of sight.
Vinyl siding can also be a good hiding place because there are usually tiny gaps where you can slide the key. Tie a piece of fishing line to the key, and slide it into the split until only a small amount is visible. This will stop the key from sliding when you accidentally run into it while looking for it.
You can also place the spare key at the base of an erect tree branch if have many trees on your property. This is a great idea if you reside in a rural area with plenty of trees as most people don't consider checking this location for keys.
Try turning off the car.
Up until recently, losing your car key was not a major issue. Locksmiths could be called to help and the cost was usually about $20. But today automobiles are becoming more and more technologically advanced, which can make them more expensive to replace if you do lose one.
A special computer chip is needed to start the engine in a new car. It communicates with the ECU. Without this, the car won't start. This is why it's important to make sure you have the proper key for your vehicle.
It is possible to start your car with an older style traditional key. If this isn't working, it could be time to call a locksmith or contact your car dealer to have a new key made.
You can also try to start the car with a spare key. This is the best option for the majority of new cars that are manual, as they have spare keys. This is a little riskier and it will depend on the particular vehicle you drive however, it is a possibility.
This technique also requires technical expertise and a toolbox. It also involves disassembling parts of the engine and isn't advisable for anyone. This kind of work should be left to a professional, especially since you'll be ignoring many safety features of the car.
A spare car key is always an ideal option in the event you misplace your original. You can buy an old-fashioned key, but the smart key or transponder is also available. These keys are more expensive and will require a visit to the dealer to get an updated one.
Take a look back at your day
It's happened to everyone It happens to everyone: You lose your car keys. It's the most annoying thing you can do, because it can ruin your day. You're going be late for 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. But, it doesn't have to be this way. Follow these simple tips to prevent losing your keys and ruining your day.
First of all, don't panic. Breathing deeply can allow you to relax and clear your mind. You can also write down your location to go back to find out where you left your keys.
If you cannot remember where you put them take a walk through your day. If you've lost them while you were out running errands to each stop and think about what you were doing. Did you put them down on some counter? Perhaps you were taking something out of your bag and they got accidentally tossed around. Make sure you remember exactly where you were when you saw them.
After you've gone back through your day, make sure you look everywhere else. You might have put them in a jacket pocket or a bag you carried. You should look in places you wouldn't typically think about for items, such as the pockets of clothes worn by others, or under a couch cushion.
If you still can't find your car keys, think about asking for help from someone. Ask your friends if they've seen them, or better yet contact a professional locksmith for assistance. You do not want to end up paying for a second key, or worse, having your vehicle stolen. A professional can help you locate your keys quickly and efficiently. It's also an excellent idea to keep an extra car key, therefore, make sure you keep it in a secure location.