A Guide To Lost Car Key From Start To Finish
How to Recover a Lost Car Key
The loss of your car keys can be a very stressful experience. Be calm and try to keep in mind that losing your car keys aren't an issue.
Modern key fobs are smarter than traditional keys that only opened doors and switched on the ignition. You should know what to do if you lose your key to avoid paying a costly replacement cost.
Retract your steps
Lost car keys can be a nightmare for anyone who drives. Fortunately, there are many ways to retrieve your keys.
The first thing you need to do is trace your steps. It might sound simple but it could be extremely effective in locating your lost keys. You may have dropped keys in a hurry, and forgot about them. You can go back to recall where you were last time you saw them. It's also recommended to go through any areas you have been to recently even if they're not the usual places to store your keys. It's possible that your keys fell out of a bag or pocket and are in a place you would not expect.
Trackers are a great method to locate keys that are lost. This device is small and attached to your keys. Then, you can utilize an app to locate them. This is only possible if your keys have an electronic component, like a remote key fob.
If you don't have a tracking device or are unable to locate your keys, your next course of action is to call a local automotive locksmith. They'll be able to assist you in creating a brand new key and reprogram it for your vehicle's immobilizer system. However the process is generally expensive and can cost a few hundred dollars.
Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, you may have to get towed to the dealership in order to replace your lost keys. It is recommended to keep a spare key available and take preventative measures to avoid losing keys in the first place.
The most important thing to remember when you lose your car keys is to remain calm. When you can't find your keys, it's easy to panic. But if you start screaming at yourself, you'll make it harder to locate them. If you haven't found your keys in an acceptable amount of time, it could be time to call an expert locksmith or visit the dealership. No matter what you decide to do, make sure to tell your insurance company so that they will be able to assist in the event of damage to your vehicle in the future.
Be aware of your hiding spots
It is crucial to choose an area where people aren't able to see your spare key. If you don't, you're creating an easy target for thieves. Many people keep their extra keys in the form of a planter or flower pot however this is not a good idea. If linked internet page finds your keys, they might also find your wallet and other valuables.
Another popular hiding place is behind the door, but it can be difficult to access when you're locked out. There are locks that attach to the door's interior and look like a normal lock, however they tend to be quite expensive. A less expensive option is to hide the key under the door mat or in the grass. Some people use fake rocks with a compartment hidden within the rocks.
The key is often kept in the car, however this is risky. This method is well-known among thieves, who might be able to access the gas cap that is on the outside. If you're concerned about this, you should purchase an magnetic key holder to be able to attach to the underside of your vehicle. It's similar to an old license plate frame, but is designed to hold the spare key in a concealed, hidden location.
Your garage is another good place to hide your key, especially if you have a detached garage. If you don't have a ladder the key that is placed in a small space on the side of your garage will be hidden from view.
Vinyl siding can also be a good hiding place since there are often tiny gaps where you can slide the key. Make sure you tie a piece of fishing line to the key and slide it in until only a tiny bit is showing. This will stop the key from sliding out if you happen to bump it while looking for it.
If you have lots of trees on your property, you could also try nailing your spare key to the end of the branch. This is a good choice for those who reside in a rural location with plenty of trees, since most people won't think to check this place for keys.
Try turning off the car
Until recently the loss of your car key was not a huge issue. You could call an locksmith to help out, and the cost was usually only $20 or so. Today, cars are becoming more and more advanced in terms of technology which makes them more expensive to replace.
In order to start the engine in a modern automobile there is a computer chip that communicates with the vehicle's ECU. Without this, the car will not start. It's vital to have the correct key.
If you have an older traditional key, you may be able find it in the lock, and then start your car. If this doesn't work, it may be time to contact a locksmith or call your auto dealership to have a replacement key made.
Another option is starting the car using an extra key. A lot of new manual cars come with a spare key, so this could be your best bet. This method is more risky and will be dependent on your car, but it might be successful.
This method also requires some technical knowledge and a toolbox. This method also involves disassembling an engine component and is not recommended for everyone. It is better to have a professional handle the task of this kind of work as you'll bypass a lot of the safety features inside the vehicle.
A backup car key is always a good idea in case you misplace your original. The most affordable alternative is to get a traditional key made, but you can also purchase a transponder key or smart key. They're more expensive to replace and require a trip to the dealership for a new key that's been electronically paired with your car.
Look back over your day
Everyone has experienced this You lose your car keys. It's the most frustrating thing you can do, as it can make your day miserable. You're going to be late to work and your chores aren't getting done. Worse yet, you may be required to pay to replace the key fob if you're renting cars. It doesn't need to be like this. Follow these simple tips to avoid the loss of your keys from ruining your day.
Do not panic first. Relax and take deep breaths to calm down and allow you to think clearly. It's an excellent idea to write down where you've been so that you can go back and figure out what happened to your keys.
If you are unable to remember where you put them, walk back throughout your day. If you lost them while you were running errands, go back to each stop and think about the things you were doing. Did you place them on the counter? Perhaps you were grabbing something from your bag when they were lost. Make sure you remember exactly the last time you was when you last saw them.
After you've gone back through your day, check everywhere else. You might have tucked them away in a pocket of your jacket or a bag that you carried around. Check places you would not typically think about, such as the pockets of clothes worn by other people or under cushions on couches.
If you're unable to find your car keys, call someone for assistance. Ask your friends whether they've seen them, or even better, call locksmith. You do not want to end up paying for an extra key, or worse, having your vehicle stolen. An expert can assist you to return your keys quickly and efficiently. You should also have an extra key. Keep it in a safe place.