How to Recover a Lost Car Key
Losing your car keys could be a stressful experience. But, it is important to keep calm and keep in mind that losing your keys does not need to be a big deal.
In contrast to traditional keys that simply opened doors and switched the ignition keys of today feature sophisticated technology. You need to know what you should do in the event you lose your key to avoid paying a costly replacement fee.
Retract your steps
A lost car key can be a major headache for any driver. There are fortunately, a variety of ways you can recover your keys.
The first thing you must do is to retrace your steps. This simple trick can be very useful in locating keys lost. It's possible that you put keys in a hurry and forgot about them. You can go back to recall where you were last time you saw them. Also, you should check any places you've been recently, even if you don't usually keep your keys in there. It's possible that your keys have fallen out of a bag or pocket and are buried somewhere you would not think of.
Trackers are a great way to locate your lost keys. It is small and it is attached to the keys. It can then be used with an app to locate the keys. This is only possible if the keys have an electronic component, like remote key fobs.
If you don't have a tracking device or you're unable to find your keys, your next course of action is to call a local locksmith for your vehicle. They can assist you in creating an original key and reprogram it for the anti-theft system in your vehicle. This service can be expensive and can cost several hundred dollars.
You might need to have your vehicle towed to a dealership to retrieve keys that were lost. It is best to have an extra key in your possession and make sure you take preventative measures to avoid losing keys in the first place.
When you lose your keys, the most important thing to do is remain calm. If you're unable to find your keys, it's easy to panic. But if you start screaming at yourself, it will make it much harder to locate them. If you're unable to locate your keys in a reasonable time frame, it might be the right time to call a locksmith or go to the dealership. No matter what you decide to do, make sure to inform your insurance company so they can help if something happens to your vehicle in the future.
Check Your Hide Spots
If you are planning to hide your spare key, it's important to choose an area that isn't easily visible for people passing by. You'll make yourself an easy target for thieves if you don't. Many people store their spare keys in a flower pot or planter, but this is a mistake. If a burglar discovers the keys, he may also find valuables, such as your wallet.
Another popular hiding place is behind the door, but this can be tricky to access in the event that you're locked out. There are locks that fit on the inside of your door and look similar to a regular lock, but they tend to be quite expensive. You can conceal the key under a mat. Some people also use fake rocks that look ordinary but have a hidden compartment for the key.
The key is also often kept in the car however, this can be risky. This technique is well-known to thieves, who may be able to access the gas cap on the outside. If you're worried about this, you should consider purchasing a magnetic key holder that can be attached 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 secret location.
You can also hide the key in your garage, particularly when it's not attached. If you don't have a ladder, a key placed in a small space along the side of your garage will be out of sight.
Vinyl siding can also be a good hiding place, as there are often small splits where you can slide the key. Connect a piece of fishing line to the key and then slide it into the split until only an inch or two of it is visible. This will stop the key from sliding when you happen to hit it while searching for it.
If you have lots of trees on your property, you may also try nailing your spare key to the end of a branch. If you live in an area with many trees it is a good alternative. key lost car won't even think to look here to find your keys.
Try turning off the car.
Not long ago when you lost your car keys was no big deal. A locksmith was available to help, and the price was typically about $20. However, today automobiles are becoming more and more technologically advanced, which can make them more expensive to replace if you break one.
A special computer chip is needed to start an engine in a new vehicle. It communicates with the ECU. Without this, the car will not turn on. This is why it's important to make sure you have the proper key for your vehicle.
You might be able to start your car using an older style traditional key. If this does not work, it might be time to contact a locksmith or contact your car dealer to have an alternative key made.
You can also try to start the car with a spare key. This is the best solution for many new manual cars, as they have spare keys. This is a bit riskier and depends on the particular vehicle you drive but it could work.
This technique requires some technical know-how and a toolbox. This method also involves disassembling the engine and is not recommended for everyone. It is better to let a professional take care of this type of job as you'll be ignoring a lot of the safety features inside the vehicle.
A spare car key is always an excellent idea in the event that you lose your original. The cheapest alternative is to have a traditional key made, however you can also get a transponder or smart key. These keys are more expensive and will require a visit to the dealer to purchase a new one.
Walk Back Through Your Day
Everybody has experienced this: you lose your car keys. It's one of the most frustrating things you can do since it immediately ruins your day. You'll be late for work, and your errands won't get done. Even worse, you could be required to pay to replace the key fob in case you're renting cars. It doesn't have to be this way. You can avoid losing your keys and ruining your day if follow these simple steps.
First first, don't get stressed. Taking deep breaths will help you calm down and focus your thoughts. You can also record your location to return to find out where you left your keys.
If you aren't able to remember where you put them Begin by retracing your day. If you've lost your keys while running around or shopping, go back and look over each visit. Did you put them on a counter? Perhaps you were taking something from your bag when they were knocked loose. Make sure you remember exactly the last time you was when you last saw them.
Once you've completed your day, look everywhere else. You may have put them in a pocket in the jacket you wore or inside the bag you carried with you. Be sure to look in places you wouldn't typically think of, such as the pockets of other people's clothes or under the cushion on your sofa.
If you're still having trouble finding your car keys, think about getting help from someone. Ask your friends whether they've seen them, or even better contact an locksmith. You don't want to be paying for a second key or, even more importantly, have your vehicle stolen. A professional can help you return your keys quickly and efficiently. You should also have a spare key. Keep it in a secure place.