7 Practical Tips For Making The Most Out Of Your Lost Car Key
How to Recover a Lost Car Key
The loss of your car keys can be a stressful event. Be calm and try to keep in mind that losing your car keys is not an issue.
In contrast to traditional keys that simply opened doors and turned the ignition keys of today come with smart technology. It is important to know what to do if you lose your key to ensure that you don't need to pay a high cost for a replacement.
Retract your Steps
The loss of a car key could be a nightmare for any driver. There are several ways to get your keys back.
It is best to first retrace your steps. This simple technique can be very useful in finding lost keys. You might have lost keys in a hurry, and forgotten about them. You can retrace your steps to remember where you were last time you were able to see them. It's also a good idea to check any areas you have visited recently, even if they aren't places you normally store your keys. It's possible that your keys have fallen out of a purse or bag and are in a place you wouldn't think of.
Trackers are another excellent method to locate lost keys. This device is small, and it can be attached to keys. Then, you can make use of an app to locate them. This is only possible if your keys are equipped with an electronic component, like a remote key fob.
Contacting a locksmith in your area is the next step in case you don't own a tracking device, or are unable to locate your keys. They can help you create a new key and reprogram it to your vehicle's immobilizer system. This service is costly and cost up to hundreds of dollars.
Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, you might have to get towed to a dealership to get your keys replaced. It's a good idea keep a spare set keys in your possession and take preventative steps to ensure you don't lose your keys in the first instance.
The most important thing to keep in mind when you lose your car keys is to remain calm. If you're unable to locate your keys it's easy to panic. However, if you begin screaming at yourself, it will make it much more difficult to find them. If you're unable to locate your keys in an acceptable timeframe then it's probably time to call a locksmith or go to 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 is crucial to choose a place where passersby aren't in a position to see your spare key. You'll become a target for thieves If you don't. Many people store their spare keys in plants or in a flower pot This is a mistake. If a burglar gets keys, he could also discover valuables such as your wallet.
A popular hideaway is behind the front door. However, this can be difficult to access in the event that you are locked out. There are locks that fit on the inside of your door and look like a normal lock, however they are typically quite costly. A cheaper alternative is to put the key in the door mat or in the grass. Some people also make fake rocks that appear ordinary but have a hidden compartment for the key.
The key is also often kept in the car however, this can be risky. Thieves are aware of this technique and could be able of opening the gas cap by removing it from the outside. If you're worried about this, you should purchase an magnetic key holder to connect to the underside of your vehicle. It resembles the license plate but is designed to hide the spare key.
The garage is a good location to hide the key, especially if you have a detached garage. If you don't have a ladder, keys hidden in a corner on the side of your garage will be out of view.
Vinyl siding can also be an ideal hiding spot because there are often slight gaps that you can slide the key through. Attach a fishing line to the key, and slide it into the split until only the smallest amount of it is visible. This will stop the key from sliding in case you accidentally hit it while searching for it.
If you have lots of trees on your property, you may also try nailing the spare key to the bottom of a branch. If you live in an area with lots of trees, this is a great option. A majority of people won't consider looking for your keys.
Try turning off the car
Not long ago when you lost your car keys was no big deal. A locksmith could be called to help, and the price was typically about $20. Today, cars are becoming more and more advanced in terms of technology, making them more expensive to replace.
To start the engine in a modern car there is a computer chip that communicates with the vehicle's ECU. Without this, the car won't start. It's essential to have the correct key.
If you have an older traditional key, you might be able to locate it in the lock and still begin the vehicle. If this doesn't work, you may have to call a locksmith to make a new key or contact your dealership for assistance.
Another option is to try starting the car with a spare key. This is a good option for the majority of new manual cars, as they come with a spare key. This method is more risky and will depend on your car, but it might be successful.
This method requires some technical know-how and an arsenal of tools. This process also involves disassembling the engine and is not recommended for anyone. It's better to leave it to a professional to take care of this type of job as you'll be bypassing a lot of the safety features inside the vehicle.
A spare car key is always a good idea in case you misplace the original. You can purchase an old-fashioned key, but a smart key or transponder is also available. These are more expensive to replace and requires a trip to the dealer for a new one that's been electronically paired with your vehicle.
Look back over your day
Everybody 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 errands won't get done. And, worse yet, you might have to pay a fee to replace the key fob in case you're renting the car. It doesn't need to be this way. Follow these simple tips to avoid the loss of your keys from ruining your day.
First first, don't get stressed. Take a deep breath to calm down and allow you to think clearly. You can also note your location so that you can revisit to find where you left your keys.
If you aren't able to remember the exact location you left them begin by walking through your day. If you lost your keys while running errands or shopping, go back and go through each visit. Did you place them on a counter somewhere? You might have knocked them loose after you took something from your bag. Try to remember exactly the last time you observed them.
You should also look elsewhere. You may have put them in the pocket inside the jacket you wore or inside bags you brought with you. Look in lost my car key that you wouldn't typically think about, such as the pockets of clothing worn by other people or under the couch cushion.
If you're still unable to locate your car keys, consider asking for help from someone. Ask your friends if they've seen them or, better yet seek out an expert locksmith for assistance. You don't want to be paying for a new key, or worse, having your vehicle stolen. A professional can help you return your keys quickly and efficiently. It's also an excellent idea to have an extra car key therefore, make sure you keep it in a safe location.