How to Recover a Lost Car Key
The loss of your car key could be a very stressful experience. Be calm and try to keep in mind that losing your car keys isn't a big deal.
Modern key fobs are smarter than the traditional keys, which only opened doors and then turned on the ignition. It is important to know what to do in the event that you lose your keys to avoid paying a high replacement cost.
Retract Your Steps
The loss of a car key is an unimaginable scenario for any driver. Thankfully, there are several options to recover your keys.
The first thing you must do is retrace your steps. This simple technique can be extremely helpful in locating keys that have been lost. It's possible that you tossed them down in a rush and then forgot about them. You can trace your steps to recall where you were last time you were able to see them. It's also an excellent idea to look over any places you've visited recently, even if they aren't places you normally keep your keys. It's possible that your keys fell out of a pocket or bag and are in a place that you didn't think to.
Another method to locate your lost keys is by using the tracker. It is small and it can be attached to keys. It can then be used with an application to locate the keys. This is only possible if the keys have an electronic component, such as a remote key fob.
Contacting a locksmith near you is the next step if you don't have a tracking device, or are unable to locate your keys. They can assist you in creating a new key and reprogram it for your vehicle's immobilizer system. This can be costly and cost up to hundreds of dollars.
Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, you may need to be 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 keys in the first place.
The most important thing to remember when you've lost your car keys is to remain calm. When you can't locate your keys it's easy to panic. If you begin screaming at yourself, you'll make it more difficult to locate them. If you've not found your keys within an acceptable amount of time, it could be time to contact a locksmith or head to the dealership. Whatever you do, make 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
It's crucial to pick a place where passersby aren't aware of your spare key. Otherwise, you'll be an easy target for thieves. A plant pot or a flower box is the usual place where people store their keys, but this can be a big mistake. If a burglar discovers your keys, they could also discover your wallet and other valuables.
A popular place to hide is behind the front door. However, this could be difficult to access if locked out. You can buy special locks that are attached to the inside of your door and look similar to a regular lock, however they are usually quite expensive. It is possible to hide the key in the grass or under a mat. Some people also use fake rocks that look normal, but conceal a compartment for the key.
The key is often kept in the car however, this can be an unwise choice. Thieves are aware of this trick and could be able to access the gas cap by removing it from the outside. If you are worried about this, you should purchase a magnetic key holder to be able to attach to the underside of your vehicle. It looks like an actual license plate, but it's designed to conceal the spare key.
You can also put the key in your garage, especially when it's not attached. A key that is hidden in a recess on the side of the garage door will remain away from view and reach unless you have a ladder.
Vinyl siding can also be a great hiding spot, since there are sometimes slight gaps that you can slide the key into. Be sure to secure a piece of clear fishing line to the key and then slide it into the wall until only a tiny amount is visible. This will stop the key from sliding out in case you accidentally hit it while looking for it.
lost key to car no spare can also put the spare key to the end of a tree branch if you have many trees on your property. If you reside in an area that has lots of trees it is a good alternative. Most people won't even think about looking here for keys.
Try turning the car on
Until recently the loss of your car key was not a huge issue. You could contact a locksmith to help you out, and the cost was usually only $20 or so. But today automobiles are becoming more and more technologically advanced, which can make them more expensive to replace if you break one.
A special computer chip is required to turn on an engine in a new vehicle. It communicates with the ECU. The car will not start without this chip. This is why it's important to make sure you have the proper key for your vehicle.
It is possible to start your car with an older style traditional key. If this does not work, it might be time to contact an locksmith or your car dealer to have a replacement key made.
You can also try to start the car using a spare key. A lot of new manual cars come with spare keys, so this may be your best bet. This is a little more risky and will depend on the specific vehicle you drive however, it is a possibility.
This process also requires technical know-how and tools. This process also involves disassembling an engine component and is not recommended for all. It is better to let a professional take care of this type of work particularly since you'll be ignoring a lot of the safety features that are in the car.
A backup car key is always an excellent idea in the event that you misplace the original. You can get a traditional key, however the smart key or transponder is also available. lost keys to car no spare are more expensive to replace and requires an excursion to the dealer for a new one that's been electronically paired with your car.
Walk Back Through Your Day
Everyone has had this experience You lose your car keys. It's one of the most stressful things you can do, as it can cause you to lose your day. You'll be late to work and your errands aren't getting completed. And, worse yet, you might have to pay a fee to replace the key fob when you're renting the car. However, it doesn't have to be this way. You can stop the loss of your keys from damaging your day if you follow these simple tips.
Do not be afraid to start panicking. Take deep breaths to calm yourself and allow you to think clearly. It's also a good idea to note the places you've been to so you can go back and find out what happened to your keys.
If you aren't able to remember where you put them, start by walking through your day. If you lost your keys while doing out for errands or shopping, go back and go through each place you stopped. Did you place them on the counter? You may have knocked them loose after you took something from your bag. Try to remember exactly where you observed them.
Once you've walked back through your day, make sure you look everywhere else. You may have left them inside a jacket pocket or a bag you carried. Be sure to check places you'd never think of, like the pockets of other people's clothes or under cushions on your sofa.
If you are unable to find your car keys, you can call someone to help. Ask your friends if they have seen them, or better yet contact an locksmith. The most important thing you don't want to do is paying for a replacement key or even worse, having your vehicle stolen. A professional can help you get your keys back fast and efficiently. You should also have a spare key. Keep it in a safe place.