How to Recover a Lost Car Key
Losing your car keys could be a stressful experience. You should remain calm and try to keep in mind that losing your car keys aren't an issue.
Unlike traditional keys that just opened doors and turned the ignition modern keys feature advanced technology. It is important to know what to do if you lose your key so that you don't have to pay a high cost for replacement.
Retract Your Steps
Lost car keys can be a nightmare for anyone who drives. There are fortunately, a variety of ways to retrieve your keys.
The first thing you must do is retrace your steps. This simple trick can be extremely helpful in locating keys that have been lost. You may have dropped them in a hurry and then forgotten about them. The process of retracing your steps can help you remember where you were when you last saw them. Also, you should check any locations you've been to recently even if you don't usually keep your keys in there. It's possible that your keys have fallen out of a purse or bag and are in a place you would not think to.
Trackers are another great method to locate lost keys. It is small and it is attached to the keys. You can then use an app to find them. This is only possible when you have electronic components within your keys, such as a remote key fob.
If you don't have a tracker or aren't able to locate your keys, your next step should be to contact an auto locksmith in your area. They will be able to help you create a new key and reprogram the key for your vehicle's immobilizer system. This service is costly and can cost several hundred dollars.
Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, you may have to get towed to a dealership to get your keys replaced. It's best to have a spare key on hand and make sure you take preventative measures to avoid losing them in the first place.
The most important thing to remember when you've lost your car keys is to remain calm. It's easy to get stressed when you're unable to locate your keys, but it'll be much more difficult to locate them if you start yelling at yourself. If you are unable to locate your keys within a reasonable time frame it could be the right time to contact an expert locksmith or visit the dealership. Regardless of what you do, be sure to inform your insurance company about the incident, so they can assist in the event of damage to your vehicle in the future.
Make sure you are aware of your hide spots
When you hide your spare key, it's important to choose a spot that isn't obvious for passers-by. You'll make yourself vulnerable to theft if you don't. Many people store their extra keys in plants or in a flower pot, but this is not a good idea. If a burglar gets keys, he could also find valuables like your wallet.
A popular hideaway is behind the front door. However, this could be difficult to access if locked out. Special locks that resemble normal locks and attach to the inside of your door are available, however they can be quite expensive. A less expensive option is to put the key in a door mat or even in the grass. Some people employ fake rocks with a hidden compartment within them.
It is not uncommon to store keys in the car. However, this can be dangerous. Thieves are aware of this technique, and they may also be able of opening the gas cap from outside. If you're worried about this, consider getting an electronic key holder that attaches to the underneath of your vehicle. It looks like an actual license plate, but it's designed to hide the spare key.
You can also put the key in your garage, especially if it is detached. A key that is tucked in a recess on the side of your garage door will remain out of sight and reach unless you have an extension ladder.
Vinyl siding can also be a good hiding place, as there are often small gaps that you can slide the key. Attach a fishing line to the key and then slide it into the split until a small amount is visible. This will prevent the key from sliding out if you accidentally bump it while searching for it.
If you have lots of trees on your property, you can also try nailing your spare key to the top of a branch. This is a great option when you live in a rural area with a lot of trees as most people don't think of checking this area to find your keys.
Try turning the car on
Up until recently, losing your car key was not a major issue. You could reach a locksmith to help out and it was usually only $20 or so. But today, cars are getting more and more technologically advanced, which can make them more expensive to replace if you break one.
To start the engine of a modern vehicle, there is a special computer chip that communicates with the vehicle's ECU. Without this, the car will not start. This is the reason it's vital to ensure that you have the proper key for your vehicle.
If you have an older traditional key, you may be able find it in the lock and start your car. If this does not work, you may have to contact a locksmith to create a new one or call your car dealership.
Another option is starting the car with an extra key. Many new manual vehicles have spare keys key, so this could be your best option. lost car key is more risky and will depend on your car, but it may be successful.
This technique requires some technical expertise and a toolbox. It also involves disassembling parts of the engine and isn't suitable for all. This type of work should be left to a professional, especially because you'll be bypassing many safety features of the vehicle.
A spare car key is always a good idea in case you misplace your original. The cheapest alternative is to get an old-fashioned key made, but you can also purchase a transponder or smart key. These keys are more expensive and will require a visit to the dealer to purchase the new key.
Walk Back Through Your Day
Everybody has experienced this when you lose your car keys. It's among the most annoying things you can do because it instantly ruins your day. You'll be late for work and your errands aren't being completed. You may even be required to replace the key fob in case you rent a vehicle. It's not necessary to be this way. Follow these simple tips to avoid losing your keys ruining your day.
Do not be afraid to start panicking. Take deep breaths to calm yourself and allow you to think clearly. You can also record your location so you can revisit to find where you left your keys.
If you're unable to remember where you put them down begin by retracing your day. If you've lost your keys while running around or shopping, go back and review each place you stopped. Did you put them down on a counter somewhere? Maybe you were picking something out of your bag and they were lost. Try to remember exactly where you last saw them.
Once you've completed your day, check everywhere else. You may have put them in the pocket of the jacket you wore or inside bags you brought with you. Be sure to check places you'd never think of, such as pockets on other people's clothing or underneath the cushion on your sofa.
If you're still unable to locate your car keys, think about getting help from someone. Ask your friends if they have seen them, or even better contact locksmith. The one thing you do not want to do is paying for a replacement key or even more traumatically, having your car stolen. An expert can help get your keys quickly and efficiently. You should also have an extra key. Keep it in a safe place.