How to Recover a Lost Car Key
The loss of your car keys can be a stressful event. It is important to remain calm and remember that losing your car keys aren't a big deal.
Key fobs that are modern are more sophisticated than traditional keys, which opened doors and turned on the ignition. It's crucial to be aware of what to do if you lose your key so that you don't have to pay a costly fee to replace it.
Retract Your Steps
Lost car keys are a nightmare scenario for any driver. There are fortunately, a variety of ways to retrieve your keys.
You should first retrace all your steps. This simple technique can be very useful in locating keys lost. It's possible that you put them down in a rush and then forgot about them. It's helpful to trace your steps back so that you remember where you were when you last saw them. It's also a good idea to check any areas you have been to recently, even if they aren't the usual places to keep your keys. It's possible that your keys got tossed out of a pocket or bag and are buried in a place you didn't think of.
Another great way to find your keys that you have lost is by using a tracker. This device is small and can be attached to your keys. You can then use an app to find them. This is only possible if the keys have electronic components, such as remote key fobs.
If you don't have a tracking device or are unable to locate your keys, your next step is to contact a local locksmith for your vehicle. They can assist you with the creation of an original key and reprogram it to work with your vehicle's anti-theft device. However the process is generally expensive and can cost you a few hundred dollars.
It is possible to have your car towed to a dealership to retrieve keys that were lost. It is a good idea to keep a spare set keys in your car and take preventative steps to ensure you don't lose 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 can't find your keys, but it'll 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 could be the right time to call a locksmith or go to the dealership. No matter what you decide to do, be sure to tell your insurance company that you're insured so they can assist if something happens to your vehicle in the future.
Check Your Hiding Spots
If you want to hide your spare key it is important to pick the location that's not obvious for people passing by. You'll become 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 spare keys, however this could be a huge mistake. If a burglar discovers your keys, they could also discover your wallet or other valuables.
Another favorite place to hide is behind the door, but this can be tricky 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 costly. A less expensive option is to hide the key in a door mat, or in the grass. Some people also make fake rocks that appear ordinary but have a hidden compartment for the key.
It is not unusual to store the key in the car. However, this can be dangerous. Thieves are aware of this trick, and they may also be able of opening the gas cap by removing it from the outside. If you're worried about this, purchase an electronic key holder that you can connect to the underside of your vehicle. It looks similar to a license plate frame but is designed to secure the spare key in a hidden and hidden place.
Your garage is another good hiding place for the key, especially if have a detached garage. A key that is hidden into a corner on the side of your garage door will stay out of reach and inaccessible unless you have a ladder.
Vinyl siding can also be an excellent hiding spot, as there are often tiny gaps where you can slide the key. Attach a fishing line to the key, and slide it into the split until a small amount is visible. lost keys to car will stop the key from falling out if you happen to bump it while searching for it.
You can also nail the spare key to the base of an erect tree branch if have a lot of trees on your property. This is a great idea if you live in a rural area with plenty of tree coverage because most people don't think to check this place to find your keys.
Try turning the car on
Until recently the loss of your car key was not a huge issue. A locksmith could be called to help and the cost was usually about $20. Nowadays, cars are more and more advanced in technology and are more expensive to replace.
A specific computer chip is needed to start an engine in a new car. It communicates with the ECU. The car will not start without this chip. It's essential to have the correct key.
If you have an older traditional key, you may be able to find it in the lock and begin the vehicle. If this doesn't work, it may be time to contact a locksmith or contact your car dealer to have a replacement key made.
Another option is to try starting the car using a spare key. This is a good option for a lot of new manual cars, as they come with a spare key. This is a bit riskier and will depend on the specific vehicle you drive however, it is a possibility.
This method requires a bit of technical expertise and a toolbox. This method 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 kind of work as you'll bypass a lot of the safety features inside the car.
It's always recommended to have a spare car key in case you lose one. You can buy an old-fashioned key, but a transponder or smart key is also available. They're more expensive to replace and will require an excursion to the dealer for a new one that's connected electronically to your car.
Walk Back Through Your Day
It's happened to everyone: You lose your car keys. It's the most annoying thing you can do, as it can ruin your day. You're going be late for work, and your errands won't get done. You may even have to pay to replace the key fob in case you rent vehicles. But, it doesn't need to be this way. Follow these simple tips to avoid the loss of your keys from ruining your day.
First foremost, don't be anxious. Relaxing will help you calm down and clear your mind. You can also write down your location so that you can return to find out where you left your keys.
If you're unable to remember where you put them down, start by walking back through your day. If you've lost your keys while doing around or shopping, return and review each stop. Did you put them down on a counter somewhere? You might have knocked them loose after you took something from your bag. Make sure you remember exactly the last time you was when you last saw them.
You should also look elsewhere. You might have tucked them away in a pocket of your jacket or in a bag you carried around. You should look in places you wouldn't typically think about, such as the pockets of clothes worn by others or under the couch cushion.
If you're still unable to locate your car keys, think about getting help from someone. Ask your friends if anyone has seen keys or, even better, ask an expert locksmith for assistance. You don't want to end up paying for an extra key, or worse, having your vehicle stolen. An expert can assist you to get your keys back fast and efficiently. You should also have an extra key. Keep it in a secure place.