How to Recover a Lost Car Key
The loss of your car keys can be a stressful experience. But, it is important to remain calm and be aware that losing your keys doesn't have to be a huge issue.
Instead of traditional keys that opened doors and turned the ignition modern keys have sophisticated technology. It's important to know what to do in the event that you lose your key so that you don't have to shell out a large amount for replacement.
Retract your steps
Lost car keys are an unimaginable scenario for any driver. There are fortunately, a variety of ways to retrieve your keys.
The first thing you should do is to retrace your steps. It may sound simple but it could be extremely effective in locating the keys you lost. You might have dropped keys in a hurry, and then forgotten about them. It's helpful to trace your steps back so that you remember where you were when you last saw them. You should also look for places you've visited recently even if you do not normally keep your keys in there. It's entirely possible that your keys got tossed out of a bag or pocket, and are hiding in a location you would not think of.
Trackers are a great method to locate keys that are lost. The device is small and can be attached to your keys. You can then use an application to locate the keys. This is only possible in the event that you have electronic components inside your keys, like remote key fobs.
If you don't have a tracker or aren't able to locate your keys, the next course of action is to contact a local automotive locksmith. They can assist you with the creation of an original key and reprogram it to work with your vehicle's anti-theft system. However the process is generally expensive and can cost a few hundred dollars.
Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, you could be required to take a towed vehicle to the dealer to replace your lost keys. It is a good idea to keep a spare set keys in your possession and take preventative steps to ensure that you don't lose your keys in the first instance.
If you've lost your keys the most important thing is to remain calm. If you're unable to find your keys it's easy to panic. However, if you begin screaming at yourself, it will make it even more difficult to locate them. If you can't find your keys within a reasonable time frame, it might be time to contact a locksmith or visit the dealership. No matter what you decide to do, be 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
If you want to place your spare key in a safe place it is important to pick the location that's not obvious for passers-by. Otherwise, you're making yourself an easy target for thieves. Many people keep their extra keys in plants or in a flower pot This is a mistake. If a burglar discovers your keys, they could also find your wallet and other valuables.
Another popular hiding place is behind the door, however it can be difficult to access when you're locked out. Locks that resemble normal locks and fit to the door's interior are available, but they can be expensive. A cheaper alternative is to put the key in the door mat or in the grass. Some people also use fake rocks that look normal, but conceal a compartment for the key.
It is not uncommon to store keys in the car. However, this can be dangerous. Thieves are aware of this trick, and they may also be able to access the gas cap from the outside. If you're concerned about this, consider getting an magnetic key holder that is attached to the underside of your vehicle. It resembles an old license plate frame, but is designed to hold the spare key in a concealed and hidden place.
You can also hide the key in your garage, particularly when it's not attached. A key that is tucked in a nook in the side of the garage door will remain out of sight and reach unless you have a ladder.
Vinyl siding is also an excellent hiding spot, as there are often small splits where you can slide the key. Be sure to secure a clear fishing line to the key and slide it into the wall until only a tiny bit is showing. This will prevent the key from slipping out if you happen to bump it while looking for it.
You can also nail the spare key at the base of the tree's branch if you have a lot of trees on your property. This is a good choice for those who reside in a rural location with a lot of trees as most people don't think to check this place to find your keys.
Try turning the car on
Not long ago when you lost your car keys wasn't a big issue. Locksmiths could be called to help and the cost was typically about $20. Today, cars are becoming more and more advanced in terms of technology, making them more expensive to replace.
To start the engine of a modern vehicle there is a computer chip that communicates with the vehicle's ECU. Without this, the car won't turn on. This is why it's important to ensure that you have the right key for your car.
If you have an older model traditional key, you might be able to find it inside the lock, and then start your car. If this does not work, you may need to contact a locksmith to make a new key or contact your dealership for assistance.
Another option is to try beginning the car using a spare key. Many new manual cars come with a spare key, and this is your best option. This is a little riskier and it will depend on the particular vehicle you are driving but it could work.
This method requires some technical knowledge and tools. It also involves disassembling an engine component and isn't recommended for all. This type of work should be done by a professional, especially since you'll be ignoring many safety features of the car.
A spare car key is always a good idea in case you misplace the original. You can get a traditional key, however the smart key or transponder is also available. These keys are more expensive and require a visit to the dealer in order to purchase an updated one.
Walk Back Through Your Day
It's all too common: You lose your car keys. It's among the most annoying things you could do because it instantly ruins your day. You'll 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 the car. It doesn't need to be like this. You can avoid losing your keys and ruining your day if you follow these simple tips.
First first, don't get stressed. Take a deep breath to relax and help you think clearly. You can also write down your location so you can return to find out where you left your keys.
If you can't remember where you put them Begin by walking through your day. If you lost your keys while running errands or shopping, return and look over each visit. Did you place them on a counter? You may have tossed them loose after you took something from your bag. Make sure you remember exactly the last time you was when you last saw them.
Take car keys lost . You might have left them in the pocket inside the jacket you wore or inside the bag you carried with you. You should look in places you wouldn't normally think of looking for items, such as the pockets of clothes worn by others or under the couch cushion.
If you still can't find your car keys, think about getting help from someone. Ask your friends to see if they have seen them, or even better contact an locksmith. The last thing you want to do is end up paying for a replacement key, or worse, having your car stolen. An expert can help you get your keys back fast and efficiently. It's also a good idea for you to keep an extra car key, so be sure to keep it in a secure place.