The Top Lost Car Key Experts Have Been Doing Three Things
How to Recover a Lost Car Key
Losing your car keys can be a stressful event. It is important to remain calm and try to remember that losing your car keys aren't a big deal.
Key fobs that are modern are smarter than traditional keys that only opened doors and turned on the ignition. It's important to know what to do in the event that you lose your keys to ensure that you don't need to pay a costly fee for replacement.
Retract your Steps
Lost car keys are an absolute nightmare for any driver. There are several options to recover your keys.
The first thing you must do is retrace your steps. It may sound easy, but it can be very effective in finding the keys you lost. You might have lost keys in a hurry, and forgotten about them. You can go back to remember where you were last time you were able to see them. It's also a good idea to check any areas you have visited recently, even if they aren't places where you typically keep your keys. It's entirely possible that your keys got tossed out of a bag or pocket and are buried in a place you didn't expect.
Another method to locate your keys that you have lost is by using a tracker. The device is small and attached to your keys. You can then use an application to locate them. This is only possible if your keys have electronic components, such as remote key fobs.
Contacting a locksmith near you is the next step to take if you don't own a tracking device, or are unable to locate your keys. They can help you make a new key, and then reprogram it to the anti-theft system in your vehicle. However this service is usually expensive and can cost a few hundred dollars.
You might need to take your vehicle to a dealer to get keys replaced. It's a good idea to keep a spare set of keys on hand and take preventative measures to avoid losing your keys in the first instance.
When you lose your keys the most important thing is to remain calm. If you are unable to locate your keys it's easy to panic. But if you start screaming at yourself, it will make it more difficult to find them. If you're still not able to locate your keys in some time, it could be time to call a locksmith or head to the dealership. Regardless of what you do, be sure to inform your insurance provider about the incident so they can help if anything happens to your car in the future.
Be aware of your hiding spots
It's crucial to pick a place where passersby won't be in a position to see your spare key. If you don't, you're creating an easy target for thieves. A flower pot or plant box is the standard location where people store their extra keys, but this can be a big mistake. If a burglar discovers the keys, he may also find valuables, such as your wallet.
A popular place to hide is behind the front door. However, this can be difficult to gain access to when locked out. You can purchase locks that are attached to the inside of your door and look similar to a regular lock, however they are usually quite expensive. A cheaper alternative is to put 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 kept in the car however this is a risky option. Thieves are aware of this tactic, and they may also be able to access the gas cap by removing it from the outside. If you're concerned about this, purchase a magnetic key holder to be able to attach to the underside of your vehicle. It resembles the license plate but is designed to hide the spare key.
Garages are another great location to hide the key, especially if have a detached one. A key that is tucked in a recess on the side of your garage door will stay out of reach and inaccessible unless you have a ladder.
Vinyl siding also makes for a great hiding spot, since there are sometimes slight gaps that you can slide the key into. Attach a fishing line to the key, and slide it into the split until only an inch or two of it is visible. This will prevent the key from slipping out if you accidentally bump it while looking for it.
You can also place the spare key at the end of a tree branch if you have a lot of trees on your property. If you reside in an area that has lots of trees it is a good alternative. lost keys car won't even consider looking for keys.
Try turning the car on
Not too long ago the loss of your car keys was not a big deal. A locksmith was available to help and the cost was usually about $20. Today, cars are becoming more and more technologically advanced and are more expensive to replace.
A specific computer chip is required to turn on an engine in a brand new car. It communicates with the ECU. The car will not start without this chip. This is the reason it's vital to make sure you have the right key for your car.
If you have an older model traditional key, you may be able to locate it inside the lock and start the vehicle. If this does not work, it might be time to contact a locksmith or contact your car dealer to have a replacement key made.
You can also try to start the car using an extra key. A lot of new manual cars come with a spare, so this may be your best bet. This is a little more risky and depends on the particular vehicle you are driving but it could work.
This technique also requires technical expertise and a toolbox. It also involves disassembling an engine component and isn't suitable for everyone. It's better to let a professional take care of this type of work as you'll be bypassing many of the safety features inside the vehicle.
It's always an excellent idea to have a backup car key in the event that you lose one. The most affordable alternative is to have an old-fashioned key made, however you can also get a transponder key or smart key. These keys are more expensive and require a visit to the dealer in order to purchase an updated one.
Take a look back at your day
Everybody has experienced this: you lose your car keys. It's the most frustrating thing you can do because it can ruin your day. You're going to be late to work and your chores aren't getting done. You might need to pay to replace the key fob in case you rent vehicles. But, it doesn't need to be this way. You can avoid losing your keys from ruining your day if you adhere to these easy tips.
First foremost, don't be anxious. Taking deep breaths will aid in calming down and think clearly. It's an excellent idea to write down the places you've been to so you can go back and figure out the reason why your keys disappeared.
If you're unable to remember where you put them begin by walking through your day. If you lost them while you were out running errands, go back to each stop and think about what you were doing. Did you place them on the counter? You might have knocked them loose after you took something from your bag. Try to remember exactly where you observed them.
After you've gone back through your day, look everywhere else. You might have tucked them away inside a jacket pocket or in a bag you carried with you. You should look in places you wouldn't normally think to look, such as the pockets of clothing worn by other people or under a couch cushion.
If you can't find your car keys, you can call someone to help. Ask your friends if they've seen them or, better yet seek out a professional locksmith for assistance. You don't want to end up paying for a new key or worse, have your car stolen. A professional can help you locate your keys quickly and efficiently. You should also have an extra key. Keep it in a secure place.
