10 Unexpected Lost Car Key Tips
How to Recover a Lost Car Key
The loss of your car key could be a very stressful experience. But, it is important to remain calm and be aware that losing your keys doesn't have to be a huge issue.
Key fobs that are modern are smarter than the traditional keys, which opened doors and switched on the ignition. It's important to know what to do if you lose your key so that you don't have to shell out a large amount to replace it.
Retract Your Steps
Lost car keys are a nightmare scenario for any driver. There are several options to retrieve your keys.
The first thing you need to do is retrace your steps. It might sound simple but it could be extremely effective in locating the keys you lost. You may have dropped keys in a hurry, and then forgotten about them. Retracing your steps will help you remember where you were when you last saw them. It's also recommended to go through any places you've been to recently even if they're not the usual places to keep your keys. It's possible that your keys have fallen out of a purse or bag and are buried somewhere you wouldn't expect.
Another way to locate your lost keys is by using the tracker. The device is small and attached to your keys. Then, you can make use of an app to locate them. This is only possible if your keys have electronic components, such as a remote key fob.
Contacting a local locksmith is the next step in case you don't own a tracking device, or can't find your keys. They can assist you in creating a brand new key and reprogram the key to the immobilizer system of your vehicle. However this service is usually expensive and could cost a few hundred dollars.
You might need to have your car towed to a dealer in order to replace lost keys. It is best to have a spare key available and make sure you take preventative measures to avoid losing keys in the first place.
When you lose your keys The most important thing to do is remain calm. If you are unable to locate your keys it's easy to panic. However, if you begin screaming at yourself, it will make it much harder to locate them. If you haven't found your keys in a reasonable amount of time, it might be time to contact a locksmith or go to the dealership. Regardless of what you do, be sure to inform your insurance company about the incident, so they can assist if something happens to your car in the future.
Be aware of your hiding spots
It is crucial to choose a place where passersby won't be aware of your spare key. You'll be an easy target for thieves If you don't. A plant pot or a flower box is the standard location where many people keep their keys, but this can be a big mistake. If a burglar finds the keys, they could also find valuables like your wallet.
Another favorite place to hide is behind the door, but it can be difficult to access when you're locked out. Special locks that resemble normal locks and attach to the door's interior are available, but they can be quite expensive. A cheaper alternative is to hide the key in a door mat, or in the grass. 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 could be dangerous. Thieves are aware of this tactic and may be able to open the gas cap from outside. If you're concerned about this, you should purchase an electronic key holder that you can be able to attach to the underside of your vehicle. It looks like the license plate but is designed to conceal the spare key.
Your garage is another good hiding place for the key, particularly if you have a detached one. If you don't have a ladder, the key that is placed in a small space along the side of your garage is out of view.
Vinyl siding is also a great hiding spot, since there are sometimes slight splits that you can slide the key into. Attach a fishing line to the key and then slide it into the split until only an inch or two of it is visible. This will stop the key from falling out if you happen to bump it while looking for it.
You can also nail the spare key at the end of an erect tree branch if have a lot of trees on your property. This is a good choice if you reside in a rural location with plenty of tree coverage, since most people won't consider checking this location to find your keys.
Try turning off the car
Not too long ago the loss of your car keys was no big deal. A locksmith was available to help and the cost was typically around $20. But today automobiles are becoming more and more technologically advanced, which could make them more expensive to replace if you break one.
A special computer chip is needed to start the engine in a new vehicle. It communicates with the ECU. The car will not start without this chip. It's vital to have the correct key.
It is possible to start your car using an older traditional style key. If this isn't working, it could be time to contact a locksmith or call your car dealer to have a new key made.
You could also try to start the car with an extra key. This is a good option for a lot of new manual vehicles, since they come with a spare key. 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 expertise and tools. It also involves removing an engine component and isn't recommended for all. This kind of work is best left to a professional, especially because you'll be bypassing many safety features of the vehicle.
It's always recommended to have a backup car key in case you lose one. The most affordable alternative is to get traditional keys made, however you can also buy a transponder key or smart key. These keys are more expensive and will require a visit to the dealer in order to purchase a new one.
Review your day
Everybody has experienced this when you lose your car keys. It's the most frustrating thing you can do, as it can ruin your day. You're going to be late to work and your chores aren't getting completed. Even worse, you could have to pay a fee to replace the key fob when you're renting a car. It doesn't have to be this way. You can prevent the loss of your keys from damaging your day if you adhere to these easy tips.
Don't panic first. Breathing deeply can allow you to relax and think clearly. It's an excellent idea to note where you've been so that you can go back and figure out what happened to your keys.
If you cannot remember where you placed them take a walk through your day. If you've lost your keys while doing around or shopping, return and look over each place you stopped. Did you set them down on a counter somewhere? You may have knocked them loose while grabbing something from your bag. Try to remember exactly where you saw them.
Take a look around. You may have put them in the pocket inside the jacket you were wearing or in the bag you carried with you. Look in places that you wouldn't normally think of looking, such as the pockets of clothing worn by other people or under cushions on couches.
If you are unable to locate your car keys, you can call someone to help. Ask your friends if they have seen them, or better yet, call an locksmith. You do not want to end up paying for a second key or, even more importantly, have your car stolen. lost my car keys can help you locate your keys quickly and efficiently. It's also a good idea for you to have an extra car key so be sure to keep it in a safe location.