Lost Spare Car Key? Here's What to Do
It wasn't that long ago that losing your car keys was not a big problem. You'd call your local locksmith and they'd make a new key for you.
Today, it's a lot more complicated. It's all dependent on the type of key you've got and whether you've lost your spare. Here are some suggestions to help you locate your car keys.
Retract your steps
We all lose things. You could be out for a quick errand, and forget to hang your keys in the entryway. Or, you may be coming home from a long workday and throw them on the couch. It can be frustrating to lose your spare key.
Take a deep breath and don't get stressed. Keep in mind that your keys won't be lost forever - you are still able to find them with an exhaustive search! It's also a good idea to have an emergency plan by calling a professional locksmith for your car in the event of a need.
Once you've calmed yourself down and regained control of your emotions It's time to begin searching for your keys. One of the most effective ways to retrace your steps is simply thinking back on where you last remember seeing them. It's much simpler than you think, particularly if you can shut your eyes and imagine the exact location you last saw them.
After you've considered the last time you've seen them, begin looking at all the possible places they could be. This includes your car, your house and any other common places you've visited during the day. You can ask your family or friends to help you look for. This will give you more eyes!
Check the driver's door handle and center console in your vehicle to see if there is an extra. Also, make sure to examine any pockets or bags that you've carried with you throughout the day. Make sure to check all the compartments inside your car. It's common for keys to get "lost" in the car.
Check Your Hideouts
No matter how careful you are in your vehicle, keys to your car are a bit difficult to keep track of. It's one of the most common items to be misplaced and can turn into a nightmare if you aren't careful. There are a few steps you could follow prior to calling a locksmith if you've lost your spare car keys.
It is worth examining the place you typically keep your keys before you start searching for them. Examine the key bowl or holder on your table. It's an excellent idea to ask other people who are in the vicinity for help, like a store employee or fellow customer. They may have seen them in the chaos during your shopping trip, or spotted them when cleaning up.
It can be convenient to hide spare keys in your car. If your car has a hood that can be opened from the outside, it is essential to make sure that the spare key is placed in a secure spot which won't be crushed when the hood is closed. There are a variety of magnetic boxes and mini-vaults that can be mounted on your vehicle and keep your keys secure and easy to locate.
You can also put an extra car key in the tailpipe of your car, but this is not very discreet and could be difficult to access. It is also possible that the tailpipe will be covered with snow or mud and it will be difficult to find the key inside.
Behind the tires is a different location where people keep their keys. This can be a simple and effective method to keep your keys in a safe place, but it's important to keep in mind that your car's tires are visible no matter what you're wearing. Therefore, this isn't the best option for those who wear shorts or skirts.
It's also possible to leave your spare car keys with a trusted family member, particularly when you're on the road and aren't willing to risk losing it in the process. If you have the proximity car key be sure to keep it safe from strangers. Some thieves employ signal relay technology and amplifiers to steal the key fob's signal and unlock your car even if it's miles away.
Check Inside Your Car
It's impossible to predict the exact location where you could lose something such as a key fob, and this is no exception. Therefore, it's best to check everywhere. It is essential to return to the location where you last used it, retrace your steps, and then contact the owners or workers at the place where you may have lost it.
If you suspect that you have left keys in your car, you should check. This involves checking the glove box (it's an ideal location to store keys to your car) and the space under the front seats, and that elusive black hole in cars that can swallow a small item like keys or a fob.
Examine any bags or purses that you carry around, as they could contain a lost key. You will need to carefully look through all pockets and compartments of your purse or backpack. Feel around for zippered areas, and then remove items like sunglasses and makeup from your bag in order to see what's beneath.
If you've tried all these steps but you're still unable to find your car keys, you need to call locksmith. They'll help you find your lost car keys and get you back on the road in no time.
You can prevent this from happening by having a spare car key. But you should also add a Bluetooth tracker to your key so that it's easier to keep the track of the keys. These tiny devices are attached to your keys and emit an unique signature, allowing you to connect them to an app on your phone and be aware of where they are at any time.
Another option is to call your dealership and ask them to design an original car key for you. They'll likely be able complete the task quickly, since they have your car's security information in their database. If you own a smart vehicle however, it could be more difficult as they'll have to pair the new key with your vehicle, which can take a bit longer. This is why it's so important to have a backup car key!
Contact an expert locksmith
If you're unable find your car keys in an unlikely event, it's essential to contact a locksmith right away. Not only will this assist you to get into your car, but it will also ensure that nobody else has access. If you don't report the loss of your car key as soon as you can this could lead to further problems down the road - such as someone trying to impersonate you.
Modern vehicles require a keyfob to open and operate them. If you lose your key fob, it is crucial to have a spare in order to avoid having to pay for the car to be taken to the dealer and then paying for a new set of keys.
A locksmith can create a replacement key for your car without needing to know the specifics of the security system in your vehicle. They can also disable the previous key to ensure that it can't be used again. If you're unsure what type of key your vehicle requires the locksmith can typically determine this based on the information on your title or registration.
It is best to prevent the loss of your car keys by keeping them in a safe place, separated from your lanyard or keychain. This will make it much less likely that you will accidentally drop your keys or that they will escape from your pocket.
Another way to prevent the loss of your spare car key is to record your vehicle identification number (VIN) and keep it with you at all time. This is a unique code that allows you to identify your car and is located on the driver's dashboard, door jamb, or the frame of your vehicle.
A locksmith near you can assist you in getting back on course, whether you want to replace your spare car key or reduce the likelihood that it will be lost. It's also less expensive than a trip to the dealer and you might even be able to get the spare key made on site.