How to Recover a Lost Car Key
Losing your car keys can be a stressful experience. However, you must keep your cool and remember that losing your keys don't need to be a big issue.
In contrast to traditional keys that simply opened doors and switched the ignition modern keys have advanced technology. It's important to know what to do in the event that you lose your keys so that you don't have to pay a high cost for replacement.
Retract your Steps
The loss of a car key can be a nightmare for any driver. There are fortunately, a variety of options to recover your keys.
It is recommended to retrace your steps. This simple technique can be very helpful in locating keys lost. It is possible that you dropped them in a flurry and forgot about them. It's helpful to trace your steps back so that you remember where you were when you last saw them. It's also an excellent idea to look over any places you've visited recently even if they're not places you normally keep your keys. It's possible that your keys got tossed out of a pocket or bag and are hidden somewhere you wouldn't think of.
Another way to locate your lost keys is by using a tracker. This device is small, and it is attached to the keys. Then, you can use an app to find them. replacing lost car keys is only possible in the event that you have electronic components within your keys, for example a remote key fob.
If you don't have a tracker or are unable to locate your keys, your next course of action should be to contact a local locksmith for your vehicle. They can help you create a new key and reprogram the key for your vehicle's immobilizer system. This can be costly and can cost a few hundred bucks.
You might need to have your car towed to a dealer in order to replace lost keys. It's best to have a spare key available and take preventative measures to avoid losing keys in the first place.
The most important thing to keep in mind when you lose your car keys is to remain calm. If you're unable to locate your keys, it's easy to panic. If you begin screaming at yourself, it will make it much harder to locate them. If you're still not able to locate your keys within a reasonable amount of time, it may be time to call a locksmith or head to the dealership. No matter what you decide to do, make sure to inform your insurance company that you're insured so they can assist if something happens to your vehicle in the future.
Make sure you are aware of your hide spots
It's crucial to pick an area where people will not be 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 a flower pot or planter This is not a good idea. If a burglar gets the keys, they could also find valuables like your wallet.
Another common hiding spot is behind the door, but this can be tricky to access in the event that you're locked out. There are locks that are attached to the door's inside and appear like a standard lock, but these are typically quite costly. An alternative that is less expensive is to hide the key in a door mat, or in the grass. Some people also make fake rocks that appear ordinary but have a hidden compartment for the key.
The key is usually stored in the car, however, this can be an unwise choice. This trick is well-known to thieves, who might be able to access the gas cap that is on the outside. If you're concerned about this, think about purchasing an magnetic key holder that can be attached to the underneath of your vehicle. It looks similar to the frame of a license plate, but is designed to keep the spare key in a discreet secret location.
You can also hide the key in your garage, especially if it is detached. If you don't have a ladder the key that is hidden in a nook in the side of your garage is out of view.
Vinyl siding is also an excellent hiding place, because there are often slight gaps that you can slide the key through. Be sure to secure 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 falling out in case you accidentally hit it while searching for it.
If you have a lot of trees on your property, you can also try nailing the spare key to the top of a branch. If you reside in an area that has a lot of trees this is a great alternative. Many people don't think about looking here for your keys.
Try turning the car on
Not long ago when you lost your car keys wasn't a big issue. A locksmith could be called to help and the cost was usually around $20. Today, cars are becoming more and more advanced in technology and are more expensive to replace.
To start the engine of a modern vehicle there is a specific computer chip that communicates with the vehicle's ECU. The car won't start without this chip. It's essential to have the correct key.
You may be able start your car with an older, traditional style key. If this does not work, it might be time to contact an locksmith or your car dealer to have an alternative key made.
Another option is to try beginning the car using an extra key. Many new manual vehicles come with a spare key, and this is the best option. This method is more risky and will depend on the vehicle, but it could work.
This process also requires technical know-how and an arsenal of tools. This method involves removing an engine part and is not recommended for all. This type of work should be left to a professional, especially since you'll be ignoring many safety features of the vehicle.
A spare car key is always an ideal option in the event you misplace your original. You can buy a traditional key, but a transponder or smart key is also available. They're more expensive to replace and will require a trip to the dealership to purchase a new one that has been electronically paired with your car.
Review your day
Everybody has experienced this when you lose your car keys. It's the most frustrating thing you can do because it can make your day miserable. You're going to be late for work and your chores aren't getting completed. You might even need to pay to replace the key fob in case you rent the vehicle. But, it doesn't have to be this way. Follow these simple tips to prevent losing your keys and ruining your day.
First of all, don't panic. Relaxing will help you calm down and think clearly. You can also record your location to go back to find out where you left your keys.
If you're unable to remember where you put them go back through your day. If you lost them when you were running errands, go back to every stop and consider the things you were doing. Did you set them down on some counter? Maybe you were picking something from your bag when they were lost. Make sure you remember exactly where you last observed them.
Take a look around. You may have put them in a pocket of the jacket you were wearing or in a bag you took with you. You should look in places you wouldn't normally think to look, such as the pockets of clothes worn by others, or under the couch cushion.
If you can't locate your car keys, you can call someone for assistance. Ask your friends if anyone has seen keys or, even better, ask a professional locksmith for assistance. The one thing you do not want to do is end up paying for a replacement key, or worse, having your car stolen. A professional can help you locate your keys quickly and efficiently. It is also recommended to have an extra key. Keep it in a safe place.