The Top Lost Car Key Gurus Are Doing Three Things
How to Recover a Lost Car Key
Losing your car key can be a stressful and emotional situation. It is important to remain calm and try to remember that losing your car keys isn't an issue.
Unlike traditional keys that just opened doors and turned the ignition, modern key fobs also come with smart technology. It's important to know what to do if you lose your key to ensure that you don't need to shell out a large amount for a replacement.
Retract Your Steps
Lost car keys are a nightmare scenario for any driver. Thankfully, there are several ways you can recover your keys.
You should first retrace all your steps. This simple method can be very helpful in locating keys lost. You may have dropped them in a hurry and then forgotten about them. You can trace your steps to remember where you were the last time you saw them. It's also recommended to go through any places you've been to recently, even if they aren't places you normally store your keys. It's possible that your keys have fallen out of a pocket or bag and are in a place that you didn't think of.
Another way to locate keys that are lost is using the tracker. The device is small and can be attached to your keys. Then, you can use an app to find them. This is only possible when you have electronic components within your keys, for example a remote key fob.
If you don't have a tracker or aren't able to locate your keys, the next step should be to contact a local automotive locksmith. They can assist you with the creation of an entirely new key and reprogram it to work with your vehicle's anti-theft system. However the process is generally expensive and can cost you a few hundred dollars.
Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, you could have to get towed to the dealer to replace your lost keys. It is best to have a spare key on hand and make sure you take preventative measures to avoid losing them in the first place.
car lost key to remember when you lose your car keys is to stay calm. It's easy to panic when you are unable to locate your keys, but it will be a lot more difficult to locate them if you begin shouting at yourself. If you can't find your keys within a reasonable time frame, it might be time to contact a locksmith or go to the dealership. Regardless of what you do, be sure to inform your insurance provider about the incident so that they can assist if something happens to your car in the future.
Check Your Hiding Spots
If you are planning to place your spare key in a safe place, it's important to choose an area that isn't easily visible to passers-by. You'll become an easy target for thieves If you don't. Many people store their extra keys in the form of a planter or flower pot This is a mistake. If a burglar gets your keys, they may also discover your wallet and other valuables.
A popular place to hide is behind the front door. However, this could be difficult to gain access to in the event that you are locked out. Special locks that resemble normal locks and attach to the inside your door are available, however they can be quite expensive. A less expensive option is to put the key beneath the door mat or in the grass. Some people make fake rocks with a hidden compartment inside the rocks.
The key is also often stored in the car, however this is risky. Thieves are aware of this trick and may be able to access the gas cap from outside. If you're concerned about this, purchase a magnetic key holder to be able to attach to the underside of your vehicle. It resembles a license plate but is designed to conceal the spare key.
You can also conceal the key in your garage, particularly when it's not attached. A key that is tucked in a recess on the side of the garage door will remain out of sight and reach unless you have an access ladder.
Vinyl siding can also be a good hiding place because there are usually tiny gaps where you can slide the key. Tie a piece of fishing line to the key and then slide it into the split until a small amount is visible. This will stop the key from sliding out in case you accidentally hit it while looking for it.
If you have lots of trees on your property, you could also try nailing the spare key to the top of the branch. If you reside in an area that has lots of trees, this is a great option. Many people don't think to look here to find your keys.
Try Turning the Car On
Not long ago when you lost your car keys wasn't a big deal. You could reach a locksmith to help out, and it cost around $20. Today, cars are becoming more and more advanced in terms of technology, making them more expensive to replace.
In order to start the engine in a modern car, there is a special computer chip that communicates with the vehicle's ECU. The car won't start without this chip. This is why it's crucial to make sure you have the right key for your car.
You might be able to start your car using an older traditional style key. If this doesn't work, you may have to call a locksmith to make a new key or call your car dealership.
You can also start the car with a spare key. Many new manual vehicles have spare keys key, and this is your best bet. This is a little riskier and depends on the particular car you drive however, it is a possibility.
This process also requires technical know-how and tools. It also involves removing a part of the engine and isn't advisable for all. This type of work should be left to a professional particularly because you'll be ignoring many safety features of the vehicle.
A spare car key is always an excellent idea in the event that you misplace your original. You can get a traditional key, but a smart key or transponder is also available. These keys are more expensive and require a trip to the dealer to get an updated one.
Walk Back Through Your Day
Everybody has experienced this You lose your car keys. It's among the most stressful things you can do since it can completely ruin your day. You'll be late for work and your chores aren't getting done. Worse yet, you may have to pay a fee to replace the key fob in case you're renting a car. It doesn't need to be like this. Follow these simple steps to prevent losing your keys and ruining your day.
Do not panic first. Breathing deeply can aid in calming down and think clearly. It's an excellent idea to write down the places you've been to so you can go back and figure out the reason why your keys disappeared.
If you aren't able to remember the exact location you left them, start by walking back through your day. If you lost your keys while doing out for errands or shopping, return and look over each visit. Did you put them down on the counter? Perhaps you were taking something out of your bag and they were accidentally tossed around. Try to remember exactly where you last observed them.
You should also look elsewhere. You may have put them in a pocket inside the jacket you were wearing or in the bag you carried with you. Check places you would not typically think about for them, like the pockets of clothing worn by others, or under cushions on couches.
If you can't locate your car keys, you can call someone for help. Ask your friends if they've ever seen them, or better yet seek out an expert locksmith for help. You don't want to be paying for a new key, or worse, having your car stolen. An expert can help get your keys quickly and efficiently. It's also a good idea for you to have a spare car key, so make sure you keep it in a secure place.