How to Recover a Lost Car Key
Losing your car keys could be a stressful experience. Be calm and remember that losing your car keys is not an issue.
Instead of traditional keys that opened doors and switched the ignition, modern key fobs also come with sophisticated technology. You should know what to do if you lose yours to avoid paying a high replacement cost.
Retract Your Steps
A lost car key can be a nightmare for anyone who drives. Thankfully, there are several ways you can recover your keys.
It is recommended to retrace your steps. This simple trick can be very helpful in locating keys that have been lost. It's possible that you put keys in a hurry and forgot about them. You can trace your steps to recall where you were last time you were able to see them. You should also check any locations you've been to recently, even if you do not normally keep your keys in there. replace lost car key that your keys have fallen out of a bag or pocket and are buried somewhere that you didn't think of.
Trackers are another great method of locating your keys that are lost. This device is small and can be attached to your keys. It can then be used with an application to locate them. This is only possible when you have electronic components inside your keys, for example a remote key fob.
If you do not have a tracking device or aren't able to locate your keys, your next step should be to contact an auto locksmith in your area. They'll be able to assist you in creating a brand new key and reprogram the key to your vehicle's immobilizer system. However this service is usually expensive and can cost a few hundred dollars.
Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, you could need to be towed to the dealership in order to get replacement keys. It's a good idea to keep a spare set keys on hand, and to take preventative steps to avoid losing your keys in the first instance.
If you've lost your keys the most important thing to do is stay calm. It's easy to get stressed when you can't find your keys, but it will be much harder to find them if you start yelling at yourself. If you're unable to locate your keys within a reasonable time frame then it's probably the right time to call an expert locksmith or visit the dealership. No matter what you decide to do, be sure you inform your insurance company so that they can help if something happens to your vehicle in the future.
Be aware of your hiding spots
When you place your spare key in a safe place it is important to pick an area that isn't easily visible for people passing by. Otherwise, you're making yourself an easy target for thieves. A plant pot or a flower box is the standard location where people store their extra keys, but this could be a huge mistake. If a burglar discovers the keys, he may also find valuables like your wallet.
A popular hiding spot is behind the front door. However, it can be difficult to gain access to in the event that you are locked out. Special locks that look like normal locks and attach to the inside your door are available, but they can be quite expensive. You can conceal the key in the grass or under a mat. Some people use fake rocks with a hidden compartment within the rocks.
The key is often stored in the car, but this can be risky. This method is well-known among thieves, who might be able to open the gas cap that is on the outside. If you're concerned about this, think about purchasing an electronic key holder that can be attached to the underneath of your vehicle. It resembles an actual license plate, but it's designed to conceal the spare key.
The garage is a good location to hide the key, especially if you have a detached garage. A key that is tucked into a corner on the side of your garage door will remain out of reach and inaccessible unless you have an extension ladder.
Vinyl siding also makes for an excellent hiding place, since there are sometimes slight splits that you can slip the key through. Be sure to secure a piece of clear fishing line to the key, and then slide it in until only a tiny amount is visible. This will stop the key from falling out if you happen to bump it while searching for it.
If you have lots of trees on your property, you could also try nailing your spare key to the top of one of the branches. This is a great option when you reside in a rural area with plenty of trees, since most people won't consider checking this location to find your keys.
Try Turning the Car On
Not too long ago, losing your car keys was not a big problem. Locksmiths could be called to assist and the cost was usually around $20. However, today, cars are getting increasingly technologically advanced, which could make them more expensive to replace if you do lose one.
A specific computer chip is required to start the engine in a new vehicle. It communicates with the ECU. The car will not start without this chip. This is the reason it's vital to ensure you have the right key for your car.
If you have an older style traditional key, you may be able find it in the lock and begin the vehicle. If this doesn't work, you may have to contact a locksmith to create a new key or contact your dealership for assistance.
You can also try to start the car using an extra key. This is a good option for many new cars that are manual, as they have spare keys. This is a riskier option and will depend on the car, but it may work.
This method requires a bit of technical expertise and tools. It also involves removing parts of the engine and isn't recommended for all. It is better to have a professional handle the task of this type of work as you'll be ignoring many of the safety features in the car.
A backup car key is always an excellent idea in the event that you lose the original. The most affordable option is to have an old-fashioned key made, but you can also buy a transponder or smart key. These keys are more expensive and will require a visit to the dealer to purchase an updated one.
Walk Back Through Your Day
It's all too common The 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 won't get done. You might even have to pay to replace the key fob in case you rent a vehicle. It doesn't need to be this way. Follow these easy tips to avoid losing your keys ruining your day.
Don't panic first. Take deep breaths to calm yourself and allow you to think clearly. It's an excellent idea to write down where you've been so that you can revisit the place and find out the reason why your keys disappeared.
If you are unable to remember where you placed them, walk back through your day. If you've lost your keys while doing around or shopping, go back and go through each stop. Did you place them on a counter? You might have knocked them loose when you grabbed something from your bag. Make sure you remember exactly where you last saw them.
You should also look elsewhere. You may have left them in a pocket of your jacket or a bag that you carried with you. You should look in places you wouldn't typically think about, such as the pockets of clothing worn by others or under cushions on couches.
If you are unable to find your car keys, call someone to help. Ask your friends if they've seen them, or better yet seek out an expert locksmith for assistance. You do not want to end up paying for an extra key or, even more importantly, have your car stolen. An expert can assist you to get your keys back fast and efficiently. It is also recommended to have a spare key. Keep it in a safe place.