How to Recover a Lost Car Key
Losing your car key can be a stressful and emotional situation. But, it is important to keep your cool and keep in mind that losing your keys don't have to be a huge issue.
Modern key fobs are also smarter than the traditional keys, which opened doors and then turned on the ignition. It is important to know what to do if you lose yours to avoid paying a costly replacement fee.
Retract your Steps
The loss of a car key could be a nightmare for any driver. Fortunately, there are many ways to retrieve your keys.
You should first retrace all your steps. This simple method can be extremely helpful in locating keys that have been lost. You might have lost them in a hurry and forgotten about them. The process of retracing your steps can help you remember where you were when you last saw them. It's also an excellent idea to look over any places you've visited recently even if they're not places you normally keep your keys. It's possible that your keys have fallen out of a purse or bag and are buried somewhere that you didn't expect.
Trackers are a great way to locate your lost keys. This device is small and can be attached to your keys. Then, you can utilize an app to locate them. This is only possible if you have electronic components inside your keys, for example remote key fobs.
If you don't have a tracker or you're unable to find your keys, the next course of action should be to contact a local automotive locksmith. They will be able to assist you in creating a brand new key and reprogram it to the immobilizer system of your vehicle. This service is costly and can cost a few hundred bucks.
Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, you could have to get towed to the dealer to replace your lost keys. It's a good idea to keep a spare set keys in your possession and take preventative steps to avoid losing 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 will be a lot more difficult to locate them if you start shouting at yourself. If you haven't found your keys within some time, it might be time to call a locksmith or head to 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.
Make sure you are aware of your hide spots
It's crucial to pick the location where passers-by aren't able to see your spare key. If you don't, you're creating an easy target for thieves. A plant pot or a flower box is the typical place in which people store their spare keys, however this can be a big mistake. If a burglar gets your keys, they may also find your wallet and other valuables.
Another common hiding spot is behind the door, but it can be difficult to access in the event that you're locked out. Special locks that look like regular locks and are attached to the inside your door are available, however they can be expensive. You can hide the key in grass or under a mat. Some people also make fake rocks that appear ordinary but have a hidden compartment for the key.
It is not uncommon to keep the key in the car. However, this could be risky. Thieves are aware of this technique, and they may also be able to open the gas cap from the outside. If you're worried about this, consider getting an electronic key holder that attaches to the underside of your vehicle. It looks like the license plate but is designed to hide the spare key.
Garages are another great location to hide the key, especially if have a detached one. A key that is hidden in a nook in the side of your garage door will remain out of sight and reach unless you have an extension ladder.
Vinyl siding is also a good hiding place, as there are often small gaps that you can slide the key. Connect a piece of fishing line to the key, and slide it into the split until only an inch or two of it is visible. This will stop the key from sliding if you accidentally bump into it when you are searching for it.
key lost car can also place the spare key to the base of an erect tree branch if have many trees on your property. car lost key is a great idea when you live in a rural area with a lot of trees as most people don't consider checking this location for keys.
Try turning off the car.
Not too long ago when you lost your car keys was not a big problem. You could call a locksmith to help out, and the cost was usually just $20 or so. However, today automobiles are becoming more and more technologically advanced, which can make them more expensive to replace should you do lose one.
To start the engine in a modern automobile there is a specific computer chip that communicates with the vehicle's ECU. The car will not start without this chip. This is why it's important to ensure you have the correct key for your vehicle.
You may be able start your car using an older traditional style key. If this does not work, you may have to contact a locksmith to make a new key or contact your car dealership.
Another option is beginning the car using an extra key. Many new manual vehicles come with a spare, so this may be your best option. This is a little riskier and it will depend on the specific car you drive however, it is a possibility.
This method requires some technical know-how and tools. It also involves disassembling a part of the engine and isn't recommended for anyone. This kind of work should be done by a professional, especially since you'll be ignoring 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 have an old-fashioned key made, however you can also buy a transponder or smart key. They are more expensive to replace and will require a trip to the dealer for a new key that's been electronically paired with your vehicle.
Review your day
Everyone has had this experience: 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 for work, and your chores will not be completed. You may even be required to replace your key fob when you rent vehicles. It's not necessary to be like this. You can stop losing your keys from ruining your day if you adhere to these easy tips.
First foremost, don't be anxious. Breathing deeply can aid in calming down and think clearly. key lost car 's also a good idea to record where you've been so you can go back and determine what happened to your keys.
If you are unable to remember where you put them take a walk to your day. If you've lost them while you were running errands to each stop and reflect on what you were doing. Did you place them on the counter? You may have tossed them loose while grabbing something from your bag. Try to recall exactly where you saw them.
After you've gone back through your day, look everywhere else. You may have left them inside a jacket pocket or in a bag you carried with you. Be sure to check places you'd never think of, such as pockets in other people's clothing or beneath a sofa cushion.
If you are unable to find your car keys, you can call someone for assistance. Ask your friends 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 new key, or more traumatically, having your car stolen. An expert can help get your keys quickly and efficiently. It is also recommended to have a spare key. Keep it in a safe place.