How to Recover a Lost Car Key
Losing your car keys can be a stressful event. You should remain calm and keep in mind that losing your car keys is not a big deal.
Instead of traditional keys that opened doors and switched the ignition modern keys have sophisticated technology. You should know what to do in the event that you lose yours to avoid paying a large replacement cost.
Retract your steps
A lost car key can be a major headache for any driver. Thankfully, there are several options to recover your keys.
The first thing you need to do is trace your steps. It may sound easy but it could be extremely effective in locating your lost car key what to do keys. You may have dropped keys in a hurry, and forgotten about them. You can go back to remember where you were last time you saw them. It’s also a good idea to check any places you’ve been to recently, even if they aren’t places where you typically store your keys. It’s possible that your keys fell out of a bag or pocket and are hidden in a location you would not expect.
Another way to locate keys that are lost is using a tracker. The device is small and can be attached to your keys. Then, you can use an app to locate them. This is only possible in the event that you have electronic components in your keys, like remote key fobs.
Contacting a locksmith in your area is the next step in case you don’t own a tracking device, or can’t find your keys. They can help you make an entirely new key and then reprogram it to your vehicle’s anti-theft device. However the process is generally expensive and can cost a few hundred dollars.
You might need to take your vehicle to a dealership to retrieve keys that were lost. It’s a good idea keep a spare set keys in your possession, and to take preventative measures to ensure that you don’t lose your keys in the first instance.
When you lose your keys The most important thing is to remain calm. If you’re unable to locate your keys it’s easy to panic. However, if you begin screaming at yourself, you’ll make it much more difficult to locate them. If you’re unable to locate your keys in an acceptable amount of time, it might be time to call a locksmith or visit the dealership. Whatever you decide to do, make sure to inform your insurance company that you’re insured so they can help if something happens to your vehicle in the future.
Check Your Hiding Spots
It’s crucial to pick an area where people 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 a flower pot or planter, but this is not a good idea. If a burglar gets the keys, they could also discover valuables such as your wallet.
A popular place to hide is behind the front door. However, this can be difficult to gain access to if locked out. Special locks that resemble regular locks and are attached to the inside of your door are available, but they can be expensive. An alternative that is less expensive is to hide the key in a door mat, or in the grass. Some people also use fake rocks that look normal, but conceal a compartment for the key.
The key is often kept in the car but this can be a risky option. This trick is well-known to thieves, who might be able to open the gas cap on the outside. If you are worried about this, get a magnetic key holder to be able to attach to the underside of your vehicle. It looks like the license plate but is designed to hide the spare key.
The garage is a good hiding place for the key, particularly if you have a detached one. A key that is hidden into a corner on the side of your garage door will remain out of sight and reach unless you have an extension ladder.
Vinyl siding is also an ideal place to hide, as there are often tiny gaps where you can slide the key. Attach a fishing line to the key and slide it into the split until the smallest amount of it is visible. This will stop the key from slipping out in case you accidentally hit it while searching for it.
If you have lots of trees on your property, you may also try nailing the spare key to the end of one of the branches. If you live in an area with a lot of trees it is a good alternative. Many people don’t consider looking for your keys.
Try turning off the car
Not too long ago when you lost key in car your car key lost Replacement keys wasn’t a big deal. You could contact a locksmith to help you out, and the cost was usually around $20. Today, cars are becoming more and more technologically advanced, making them 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. Without this, the car will not start. This is why it’s crucial to ensure that you have the right key for your car.
It is possible to start your car with an older style traditional key. If this doesn’t work, you may have to speak with a locksmith in order to make a new key or call your car dealership.
Another option is to try beginning the car using a spare key. This is the best solution for many new manual vehicles, since they have spare keys. This option is more risky and will be dependent on your vehicle, but it could work.
This technique also requires technical know-how and tools. It also involves disassembling parts of the engine and isn’t recommended for everyone. This kind of work should be done by a professional, especially because you’ll be bypassing many safety features of the vehicle.
It’s always recommended to have a backup car key in the event that you lose one. You can buy 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 an updated one.
Take a look back at your day
Everybody has experienced this when you lose your car keys. It’s among the most frustrating things you can do since it instantly ruins your day. You’ll be late to work and your errands aren’t being completed. You might have to pay to replace your key fob when you rent the vehicle. However, it doesn’t have to be this way. You can prevent losing your keys and ruining your day if follow these simple steps.
Do not be afraid to start panicking. Taking deep breaths will allow you to relax and focus your thoughts. It’s an excellent idea to write down where you’ve been so you can go back and find out the reason why your keys disappeared.
If you can’t remember the exact location you left them, start by walking back through your day. If you lost your keys while doing around or shopping, go back and go through each stop. Did you place them on a counter somewhere? Maybe you were picking something from your bag and they were accidentally tossed around. Try to remember exactly where you last was when you last saw them.
After you’ve gone back through your day, make sure you look everywhere else. You may have put them in a pocket in the jacket you wore or inside bags you brought with you. Check places you would not normally think to look for items, such as the pockets of clothes worn by other people or under a couch cushion.
If you’re unable to locate your car keys, you can call someone for assistance. Ask your friends if anyone has seen them, or better yet contact an expert locksmith for help. The one thing you do not want to do is paying for a new key or even worse, having your car stolen. An expert can assist you to get your keys back quickly and efficiently. You should also have an extra key. Keep it in a safe location.
