How to Recover a Lost Car Key
Losing your car keys can be a stressful experience. However, you must keep calm and be aware that losing your keys does not have to be a huge issue.
replacement lost car keys are also smarter than the traditional keys that only opened doors and then turned on the ignition. You should know what to do in the event you lose yours to avoid paying a costly replacement cost.
Retract Your Steps
A lost car key could be a nightmare for anyone who drives. There are several options to get your keys back.
The first thing you should do is retrace your steps. It may sound easy but it could be extremely effective in locating your lost keys. It is possible that you dropped keys in a hurry and then forgot about them. You can go back to remember where you were last time you observed them. It's also a good idea to check any places you've visited recently even if they're not places where you typically store your keys. It's possible that your keys have fallen out of a bag or pocket and are hidden somewhere that you didn't expect.
Trackers are another great method to locate keys that have gone missing. This device is small, and it is attached to the keys. Then, you can use an application to locate them. This is only possible if the keys have electronic components, such as remote key fobs.
If you don't have a tracker or aren't able to locate your keys, the next step is to call a local locksmith for your vehicle. They will be able to assist you in creating a brand new key and reprogram the key to the immobilizer system of your vehicle. However the process is generally expensive and could cost a few hundred dollars.
Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, you could have to get towed to a dealership to replace your lost keys. It's a good idea to keep a spare set of keys on hand, and to take preventative steps to ensure that you don't lose your keys in the first instance.
When you lose your keys The most important thing to do is stay calm. It's easy to get anxious 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're unable to locate your keys within an acceptable amount of time then it's probably time to call a locksmith or go to the dealership. Whatever you do, make sure to inform your insurance provider about the incident, so they can help if anything happens to your vehicle in the future.
Be aware of your hiding spots
It's crucial to pick an area where people aren't aware of your spare key. You'll be an easy target for thieves If you don't. Many people store their spare keys in a flower pot or planter This is a mistake. If a burglar discovers your keys, they might also find your wallet and other valuables.
Another popular hiding place is behind the door, however it can be difficult to gain access to when you're locked out. You can buy special locks that fit on the door's inside and look similar to a regular lock, but these tend to be quite expensive. You can hide the key in grass or under a mat. Some people also use fake rocks that look ordinary but have a hidden compartment for the key.
It is not unusual to store keys in the car. However, replace lost car keys could be dangerous. Thieves are aware of this trick and may be able to access the gas cap by removing it from the outside. If you're concerned about this, you should consider purchasing an magnetic key holder that attaches to the underside of your vehicle. It looks like the license plate but is designed to hide the spare key.
Your garage is another good location to hide the key, especially if have a detached one. A key that is tucked into a corner on the side of your garage door will stay out of reach and inaccessible unless you have an extension ladder.
Vinyl siding also makes for a great hiding spot, since there are sometimes slight splits that you can slip the key into. Make sure you tie a piece of fishing line to the key, and then slide it into the wall until only a tiny bit is showing. This will stop the key from sliding if you accidentally bump into it when you are searching for it.
You can also put the spare key at the base of an erect tree branch if have a lot of trees on your property. If you reside in an area that has a lot of trees this is a great alternative. Most people won't even consider looking for keys.
Try turning the car on
Not long ago when you lost your car keys was not a big problem. You could call a locksmith to help you out and it was usually around $20. Today, however automobiles are becoming increasingly technologically advanced, which can make them more expensive to replace should you break one.
In order to start the engine in a modern automobile, there is a special computer chip that communicates with the vehicle's ECU. Without this, the car won't turn on. This is why it's crucial to ensure that you have the right key for your car.
You may be able start your car using an older style traditional key. If this doesn't work, you may need to call a locksmith to create a new one or contact your car dealership.
Another option is to try starting the car using an extra key. Many new manual cars come with spare keys key, so this could be your best bet. This method is more risky and will depend on your car, but it might be successful.
This method requires a bit of technical knowledge and an arsenal of tools. This process also involves disassembling the engine and is not recommended for everyone. This type of work should be done by a professional, particularly because you'll be ignoring many safety features of the vehicle.
It's always an excellent idea to have a backup car key in the event that you lose one. You can buy a traditional key, however a transponder or smart key is also available. These are more expensive to replace and requires an excursion to the dealer for a new key that's been electronically paired with your vehicle.
Walk Back Through Your Day
Everybody has experienced this: you lose your car keys. It's one of the most annoying things you could do because it immediately ruins your day. You're going to be late to work and your chores aren't being completed. Worse yet, you may be required to pay to replace the key fob in case you're renting the car. But, it doesn't need to be this way. You can stop losing your keys and damaging your day if you adhere to these easy tips.
Do not be afraid to start panicking. Taking deep breaths will help you calm down and think clearly. You can also note your location to go back to find out where you left your keys.
If you cannot remember where you put them take a walk to your day. If you lost them when you were running errands, go back to every stop and consider what you were doing. Did you set them down on some counter? Perhaps you were grabbing something out of your bag when they were lost. Try to remember exactly where you last was when you last saw them.
You should also look elsewhere. You may have put them in a pocket inside the jacket you wore or inside the bag you carried with you. Be sure to look in places you'd never think of, such as pockets in other people's clothes or under a sofa cushion.
If you still can't find your car keys, think about asking for help from someone. Ask your friends if anyone has seen them, or better yet seek out a professional locksmith for assistance. You don't want to be paying for an extra key, or worse, having your car stolen. An expert can help get your keys quickly and efficiently. It is also recommended to have a spare key. Keep it in a secure place.