How to Recover a Lost Car Key
The loss of your car key could be a very stressful experience. However, you must keep your cool and be aware that losing your keys doesn't need to be a big issue.
Modern key fobs are more sophisticated than traditional keys, which only opened doors and turned on the ignition. It is important to know what to do if you lose yours to avoid paying a large replacement cost.
Retract your Steps
The loss of a car key is a nightmare scenario for any driver. Thankfully, there are several ways to retrieve your keys.
The first thing you must do is trace your steps. This simple method can be very helpful in locating keys lost. You might have lost keys in a hurry, and forgotten about them. You can retrace your steps to recall where you were the last time you observed them. You should also look for places you've visited recently, even if you do not normally keep your keys in a safe place. 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 a tracker. The device is small, and it attaches to the keys. You can then use an app to locate them. This is only possible in the event that you have electronic components within your keys, for example remote key fobs.
Contacting a locksmith in your area is the next step if you don't have a tracker device, or are unable to locate your keys. They can assist you in creating an original key and reprogram it for the anti-theft system in your vehicle. This service is costly and could cost you hundreds of dollars.
Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, you might be required to take a towed vehicle to the dealer to replace your lost keys. It is best to have an extra key in your possession and take preventative measures to stop losing them in the first place.
If you've lost your keys the most important thing to do is stay calm. It's easy to panic when you're unable to locate your keys, but it will be much harder to find them if you start yelling at yourself. If you are unable to locate your keys in an acceptable timeframe then it's probably time to call an expert locksmith or visit the dealership. Whatever you do, be sure to inform your insurance provider about the incident, 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 a place where passersby aren't able to see your spare key. You'll be an easy target for thieves If you don't. A plant pot or flower box is the typical place where many people keep their extra keys, but this could be a huge mistake. If a burglar gets the keys, he may also find valuables, such as your wallet.
Another popular hiding place is behind the door, but it can be difficult to gain access to when you're locked out. Locks that resemble normal locks and attach to the inside of your door are available, however they can be expensive. You can hide the key in grass or under a mat. Some people make fake rocks with a compartment hidden within the rocks.
The key is usually stored in the car, however this is an unwise choice. This technique is well-known to thieves, who may be able open the gas cap on the outside. If you are worried about this, purchase an magnetic key holder to be able to attach to the underside of your vehicle. It's similar to a license plate frame but is designed to keep the spare key in a hidden, hidden location.
You can also conceal the key in your garage, particularly when it's not attached. A key that is hidden into a corner on the side of the garage door will remain out of reach and inaccessible unless you have an extension ladder.
Vinyl siding is also an ideal place to hide since there are often tiny gaps where you can slide the key. Be sure to secure a clear fishing line to the key and then slide it into the siding until just a tiny bit is showing. replace lost car key will prevent the key from sliding out if you accidentally bump it while searching for it.
If you have a lot of trees on your property, you can also try nailing your spare key to the bottom of the branch. If you live in an area with lots of trees this is a great option. Many people don't think about looking here for your keys.
Try turning the car on
Up until recently the loss of your car keys was not a big deal. You could call a locksmith to help out, and the cost was usually only $20 or so. Nowadays, cars are more and more technologically advanced and are more expensive to replace.
To start the engine in a modern automobile, there is a special computer chip that communicates with the vehicle's ECU. The car will not start without this chip. This is why it's crucial to make sure you have the proper key for your vehicle.
It is possible to start your car with an older traditional style key. If this does not work, it might be time to contact an locksmith or your car dealer to have a new key made.
You can also try to start the car using an extra key. This is the best option for many new cars that are manual, as they come with a spare key. This is a bit riskier and it will depend on the specific car you drive, but it can work.
This method requires a bit of technical expertise and tools. It also involves removing an engine component and isn't suitable for all. It's better to leave it to a professional to take care of this kind of work particularly since you'll bypass some of the safety features in the car.
It's always recommended to have a backup car key in the event that you lose one. The cheapest alternative is to get traditional keys made, however you can also buy an electronic transponder or smart key. These keys are more expensive and will require a visit to the dealer to purchase the new key.
Review your day
Everyone has experienced this: you lose your car keys. It's among the most frustrating things you can do since it can completely ruin your day. You're going be late for work, and your chores aren't going to be completed. You might even have to pay to replace your key fob when you rent vehicles. But, it doesn't need to be this way. Follow these simple steps to prevent losing your keys and ruining your day.
First first, don't get stressed. Taking deep breaths will aid in calming down and think clearly. It's an excellent idea to write down where you've been so that you can go back and determine the reason why your keys disappeared.
If you're unable to remember the exact location you left them Begin by walking back through your day. If you lost them when you were running errands to every stop and consider the things you were doing. Did you place them on some counter? You may have knocked them loose while grabbing something from your bag. Try to remember exactly where you last was when you last saw them.
Once you've completed your day, make sure you look everywhere else. You might have put them inside a jacket pocket or a bag that you carried around. Be sure to check places you'd never think of, such as pockets on other people's clothes or under cushions on your sofa.
If you are unable to locate your car keys, call someone to help. Ask your friends to see whether they've seen them, or even better, call a locksmith. You don't want to end up paying for an extra key or, even more importantly, have your vehicle stolen. A professional can assist you in getting your keys quickly and efficiently. You should also have a spare key. Keep it in a safe place.