How to Recover a Lost Car Key
Losing your car key can be a stressful and emotional situation. But you should try to keep calm and be aware that losing your keys does not have to be a huge issue.
Modern key fobs are smarter than the traditional keys, which only opened doors and switched on the ignition. It is important to know what to do in the event you lose your key to avoid paying a large
replacement lost car keys cost.
Retract Your Steps
The loss of a car key can be a major headache for anyone who drives. Fortunately, there are many ways you can recover your keys.
The first thing you need to do is trace your steps. This simple trick can be extremely helpful in locating keys that have been
lost a car key. It's possible that you put them in a flurry and then forgot about them. You can retrace your steps to remember where you were the last time you were able to see them. You should also check any places you've visited recently, even if you do not normally keep your keys there. It's possible that your keys have fallen out of a purse or bag and are buried somewhere you wouldn't think of.
Trackers are another excellent method of locating your keys that have gone missing. This device is small and attached to your keys. You can then make use of an app to locate them. This is only possible when you have electronic components within your keys, for example a remote key fob.
If you do not have a tracking device or are unable to locate your keys, the next course of action is to contact a local locksmith for your vehicle. They'll be able to assist you in creating a brand new key and reprogram the key to your vehicle's immobilizer system. However the process is generally expensive and could cost a few hundred dollars.
It is possible to have your car towed to a dealer to
replace lost keys. It is best to have an extra key in your possession and take preventative measures to avoid losing keys in the first place.
If you've
lost keys in car your keys The most important thing is to remain 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 start shouting at yourself. If you can't find your keys in an acceptable timeframe it could be the right time to call a locksmith or go to the dealership. Whatever you do, make sure to inform your insurance company about the incident, so they can assist in the event of damage to your vehicle in the future.
Be aware of your hiding spots
When you hide your spare key, it's important to choose a spot that isn't obvious for people passing by. Otherwise, you're making yourself an easy target for thieves. Many people keep their extra keys in plants or in a flower pot however this is not a good idea. If a burglar gets your keys, they might also discover your wallet or other valuables.
Another popular hiding place is behind the door, however this can be tricky to gain access to in the event that you're locked out. Locks that resemble regular locks and are attached to the inside of your door are available, however they can be expensive. You can hide the key in the grass or under a mat. Some people also use fake rocks that look like normal but have a hidden compartment for the key.
It is not uncommon to keep the key in the car. However, this can be dangerous. This method is well-known among thieves, who might be able to access the gas cap that is on the outside. If you're worried about this, consider getting an magnetic key holder that can be attached to the underside of your vehicle. It resembles a license plate but is designed to hide the spare key.
Your garage is another good place to hide your key, especially if you have a detached one. If you do not have a ladder, a key placed in a small space on the side of your garage will be out of view.
Vinyl siding can also be an excellent hiding spot because there are usually small gaps that you can slide the key. Be sure to secure a clear fishing line to the key, and then slide it into the wall until only small amounts of it are visible. This will prevent the key from falling out if you happen to bump it while searching for it.
You can also nail the spare key at the base of a tree branch if you have a lot of trees on your property. This is a good choice when you live in a rural area with plenty of tree coverage, since most people won't think of checking this area for keys.
Try turning the car on
Not long ago the loss of your car keys was no big problem. A locksmith was available to assist and the cost was usually around $20. But today, cars are getting more and more technologically advanced, which could make them more expensive to replace should you break one.
A specific computer chip is needed to turn on an engine in a brand new car. It communicates with the ECU. The car won't start without this chip. This is why it's crucial to ensure you have the right key for your car.
If you have an older style traditional key, you may be able to find it in the lock and start the car. If this does not work, it might be time to call an locksmith or your dealership for a new key made.
Another option is starting the car with an extra key. A lot of new manual vehicles come with spare keys key, and this is your best bet. This option is more risky and will be dependent on your vehicle, but it could be successful.
This technique also requires technical know-how and an arsenal of tools. It involves removing parts of the engine and isn't recommended for anyone. This kind of work should be done by a professional, especially since you'll be ignoring many safety features in the car.
It's always a good idea to have a spare car key in the event that you lose one. You can buy a traditional key, but a transponder or smart key is also available. These are 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. You'll be late to work, and your chores aren't going to be completed. You may even have to pay to replace your key fob when you rent a vehicle. It doesn't need to be this way. Follow these simple steps to prevent losing your keys ruining your day.
First foremost, don't be anxious. Take deep breaths to calm down and help you think clearly. You can also note your location to revisit to find where you left your keys.
If you cannot remember where they were go back to your day. If you lost your keys while running out for errands or shopping, return and review each stop. Did you put them down on some counter? You may have tossed them loose after you took something from your bag. Make sure you remember exactly where you observed them.
Once you've walked back through your day, check everywhere else. You may have put them in a pocket in the jacket you wore or inside bags you brought with you. Look in places that you wouldn't normally think to look for items, such as the pockets of clothes worn by others or under the couch cushion.
If you're still having trouble finding your car keys, you might consider getting help from someone. Ask your friends if they've seen keys or, even better contact a professional locksmith for assistance. You don't want to be paying for a new key or, even more importantly, have your car stolen. An expert can help get your keys quickly and efficiently. It's also an excellent idea to have an extra car key so be sure to keep it in a secure place.