How to Recover a Lost Car Key
The loss of your car keys can be a stressful and emotional situation. Be calm and remember that losing your car keys isn't a big deal.
Unlike traditional keys that just opened doors and switched the ignition keys of today have sophisticated technology. It's important to know what to do in the event that you lose yours to ensure that you don't need to pay a high cost for a replacement.
Retract your steps
The loss of a car key is a nightmare scenario for any driver. There are several options to recover your keys.
The first thing you should do is to retrace your steps. It may sound simple but it could be very effective in finding your lost keys. It's possible that you put them in a flurry and then forgot about them. The process of retracing your steps can help you remember where you were when you last saw them. You should also look for locations you've been to recently, even if you don't normally keep your keys in there. It's possible that your keys have fallen out of a pocket or bag and are hidden somewhere that you didn't think to.
Another great way to find your lost keys is by using the tracker. This device is small and attaches to your keys. It can then be used with an app to locate them. This is only possible if your keys are equipped with electronic components, such as a remote key fob.
Contacting a locksmith in your area is the next step in case you don't have a tracking device, or if you are unable to locate your keys. They can assist you with the creation of a new key, and reprogram it for the anti-theft system in your vehicle. This can be costly and can cost a few hundred bucks.
You may need to have your vehicle towed to a dealer to get keys replaced. It is recommended to keep an extra key in your possession and take preventative measures to avoid losing them in the first place.
If you've lost your keys, the most important thing is to remain calm. When you can't find your keys it's easy to panic. If you begin screaming at yourself, you'll make it even harder to locate them. If you're still not able to locate your keys within an acceptable amount of time, it could be time to contact an expert locksmith or visit the dealership. No matter what you decide to do, make sure to tell your insurance company so they will be able to assist in the event of damage to your vehicle in the future.
Check Your Hiding Spots
If you are planning to place your spare key in a safe place It's crucial to choose an area that isn't easily visible for people passing by. Otherwise, you'll be an easy target for thieves. A plant pot or flower box is the typical place where people store their extra keys, but this can be a big mistake. If a burglar gets keys, he could also find valuables like your wallet.
Another popular hiding place is behind the door, however this can be tricky to access if you're locked out. You can buy special locks that attach to the door's inside and appear like a standard lock, however they are typically quite costly. A less expensive option is to put the key under a door mat or even in the grass. Some people employ fake rocks that have a compartment inside them.
The key is also often kept in the car, however, this can be a risky option. Thieves are aware of this technique, and they may also be able to access the gas cap from the outside. If you're worried about this, consider getting an magnetic key holder that is attached to the underneath of your vehicle. It resembles a license plate but is designed to hide the spare key.
Garages are another great hiding place for the key, especially if you have a detached garage. If you don't have a ladder the key that is hidden in a corner on the side of your garage will be hidden from view.
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 piece of fishing line to the key, and then slide it into the siding until just a tiny bit is showing. This will prevent the key from falling out if you happen to 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 end of one of the branches. If you live in an area with many trees this is a great alternative. Many people don't consider looking for your keys.
Try turning the car on
In the past the loss of your car keys was not a huge issue. You could reach an locksmith to help out and it was usually just $20 or so. Today, however automobiles are becoming increasingly technologically advanced, which could make them more expensive to replace should you do lose one.
A specific computer chip is needed to start the engine in a new car. It communicates with the ECU. The car won't start without this chip. This is why it's crucial to ensure that you have the right key for your car.
You may be able start your car with an older, traditional style key. If this doesn't work, it may be time to call an locksmith or your car dealer to have a new key made.
Another option is to try starting the car using a spare key. This is the best solution for many new manual cars, as they have spare keys. This is a little more risky and it will depend on the specific vehicle you are driving however, it is a possibility.
This technique requires some technical know-how and an arsenal of tools. It involves removing parts of the engine and isn't suitable for anyone. This type of work is best done by a professional, particularly because you'll be ignoring many safety features in the car.
A spare car key is always an excellent idea in the event that you lose the original. The most affordable alternative is to get traditional keys made, but you can also purchase a transponder or smart key. They're more expensive to replace and requires an excursion to the dealer to purchase a new one that has been electronically paired with your vehicle.
Review your day
Everyone has had this experience: you lose your car keys. It's the most frustrating thing you can do, because it can make your day miserable. car keys lost 'll be late to work, and your errands aren't going to be completed. Worse yet, you may have to pay a fee to replace the key fob when you're renting the car. However, it doesn't have to be this way. You can prevent losing your keys and ruining your day if adhere to these easy tips.
First first, don't get stressed. Taking deep breaths will help you calm down and think clearly. It's an excellent idea to record where you've been so you can revisit the place and determine the reason why your keys disappeared.
If you can't remember the exact location you left them, start by retracing your day. If you lost them when you were running errands to every stop and consider what you were doing. Did you place them on the 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 walked back through your day, check everywhere else. You might have put them in a pocket of your jacket or a bag that you carried around. Be sure to check places you would never think of, such as pockets on other people's clothing or beneath the cushion on your sofa.
If you still can't find your car keys, consider asking for help from someone. Ask your friends if they have seen them, or better yet contact an locksmith. The last thing you want to do is end up having to pay for a replacement key, or more traumatically, having your car stolen. An expert can help you get your keys back quickly and efficiently. It's also a good idea for you to keep an extra car key, therefore, make sure you keep it in a secure location.