How to Recover a Lost Car Key
The loss of your car keys can be a stressful and emotional situation. However, you must keep your cool and keep in mind that losing your keys doesn't need to be a big issue.
Unlike traditional keys that just opened doors and switched the ignition, modern key fobs also come with advanced technology. You need to know what you should do in the event that you lose your keys to avoid paying a high replacement cost.
Retract your steps
Lost car keys can be a major headache for anyone who drives. There are several options to retrieve your keys.
It is recommended to retrace your steps. It might sound simple however it can be extremely effective in locating your keys that you've lost. It's possible that you tossed keys in a hurry and forgot about them. The process of retracing your steps can help you remember where you were when you last saw them. You should also look for locations you've been to recently, even if you don't usually keep your keys there. It's possible that your keys fell out of a bag or pocket and are hidden somewhere that you didn't expect.
Trackers are another great method of locating your keys that are lost. This device is small and attached to your keys. Then you can make use of an app to locate them. This is only possible if the keys have an electronic component, like a remote key fob.
If you do not have a tracking device or aren't able to locate your keys, your next course of action is to contact a local locksmith for your vehicle. They can assist you with the creation of a new key, and then reprogram it to your vehicle's anti-theft device. However, this service is typically expensive and can cost you 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 keep a spare set keys in your possession, and to take preventative steps to ensure you don't lose your keys in the first instance.
The most important thing to remember when you lose your car keys is to remain calm. When you can't find your keys it's easy to panic. But if you start screaming at yourself, you'll make it even more difficult to find them. If you're still not able to locate your keys within a reasonable amount of time, it may be time to call an expert locksmith or visit the dealership. Whatever you decide to do, be sure you 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 the location where passers-by won't be aware of your spare key. You'll be an easy target for thieves if you don't. Many people store their extra keys in the form of a planter or flower pot however this is a mistake. If a burglar discovers your keys, they may also discover your wallet and other valuables.
Another popular hiding place is behind the door, but this can be tricky to gain access to in the event that you're locked out. You can buy special locks that attach to the inside of your door and appear like a standard lock, but these are usually quite expensive. A less expensive option is to put the key in a door mat, or in the grass. 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, but this can be an unwise choice. Thieves are aware of this trick, and they may also be able to open the gas cap from outside. If you're concerned about this, get an magnetic key holder to be able to attach to the underside of your vehicle. It resembles an old license plate frame, but is designed to secure the spare key in a discreet secret location.
You can also put the key in your garage, particularly if it is detached. If you don't have a ladder, a key placed in a small space along the side of your garage will be hidden from view.
Vinyl siding is also an excellent hiding spot because there are usually small splits where you can slide the key. Just make sure to tie a piece of clear fishing line to the key and then slide it into the siding until just a tiny amount is visible. This will stop the key from sliding in case you accidentally hit it while looking for it.
If you have lots of trees on your property, you could also try nailing the spare key to the end of the branch. If you reside in an area that has lots of trees this is a great option. A majority of people won't think to look here for keys.
Try turning off the car.
Not long ago when you lost your car keys wasn't a big deal. A locksmith was available to assist and the cost was typically about $20. Today, cars are more and more technologically advanced which makes them more expensive to replace.
To start the engine in a modern car, there is a special computer chip that communicates with the vehicle's ECU. Without this, the car won't turn on. This is the reason it's vital to ensure you have the proper key for your vehicle.
If you have an older traditional key, you may be able to find it in the lock and still start your vehicle. If this does not work, it might be time to call an locksmith or your dealership for a new key made.
You can also try to start the car with an extra key. Many new manual cars come with spare keys key, so this could be your best option. This is a little riskier and it will depend on the particular vehicle you drive but it could work.
This method also requires some technical expertise and a toolbox. It also involves disassembling a part of the engine and isn't recommended for everyone. what to do if lost car keys of work is best left to a professional, especially because you'll be bypassing many safety features in the car.
It's always an excellent idea to have a spare car key in the event that you lose one. You can purchase a traditional key, however the smart key or transponder is also available. These keys are more expensive and require a trip to the dealer to get the new key.
Walk Back Through Your Day
Everyone has experienced this You lose your car keys. It's the most frustrating thing you can do because it can cause you to lose your day. You'll be late for work, and your chores won't get done. Worse yet, you may have to pay a fee to replace the key fob in case you're renting a car. It's not necessary to be like this. Follow these simple tips to prevent losing your keys and ruining your day.
Do not panic first. Relax and take deep breaths to calm down and help you focus. You can also note your location so that you can revisit to find where you left your keys.
If you aren't able to remember where you put them down Begin by retracing your day. If you lost your keys while doing around or shopping, return and go through each place you stopped. Did you set them down on some counter? You may have tossed them loose while grabbing something from your bag. Make sure you remember exactly where you observed them.
After you've gone back through your day, check everywhere else. You might have left them in a pocket in the jacket you were wearing or inside the bag you carried with you. Make sure to search in places you wouldn't typically think of, like the pockets of other people's clothing or underneath a sofa cushion.
If you're still unable to locate your car keys, consider asking for help from someone. Ask your friends to see whether they've seen them, or better yet contact a locksmith. The last thing you want to do is end up paying for a replacement key or even worse, having your car stolen. An expert can help you get your keys back fast and efficiently. It's also an excellent idea to have an extra car key, so make sure you keep it in a secure location.