How to Recover a Lost Car Key
The loss of your car key could be an incredibly stressful situation. Be calm and keep in mind that losing your car keys isn't an issue.
Modern key fobs are also smarter than the traditional keys, which opened doors and switched on the ignition. You need to know what you should do in the event that you lose yours to avoid paying a costly replacement cost.
Retract Your Steps
A lost car key could be a nightmare for any driver. Fortunately, there are many ways to retrieve your keys.
The first thing you should do is trace your steps. This simple technique can be very helpful in locating keys that have been lost. It's possible that you put them in a flurry and then 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 normally keep your keys in a safe place. More Information and facts 's entirely possible that your keys got tossed out of a bag or pocket and are buried in a place you didn't think of.
Another way to locate your keys that you have lost is by using a tracker. This device is small and attaches to your keys. You can then use an app to locate the keys. This is only possible if the keys have electronic components, such as a remote key fob.
If you don't have a tracker or aren't able to locate your keys, the next step should be to contact a local automotive locksmith. They can help you make an entirely new key and then reprogram it to the anti-theft system in your vehicle. However this service is usually expensive and can cost a few hundred dollars.
You may need to have your vehicle towed to a dealer to retrieve keys that were lost. It's a good idea keep a spare set keys on hand and take preventative steps to avoid losing your keys in the first instance.
The most important thing to keep in mind when you lose your car keys is to stay calm. When you can't locate your keys it's easy to panic. However, if you begin screaming at yourself, it will make it much more difficult to find them. If you can't find your keys within an acceptable timeframe it could be the right the right time to call a locksmith or visit the dealership. Whatever you decide to do, make sure to tell 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 hiding spots
It is crucial to choose a place where passersby won't be in a position to see your spare key. Otherwise, you're making yourself an easy target for thieves. Many people store their spare keys in plants or in a flower pot however this is a mistake. If a burglar gets your keys, they might also find your wallet and other valuables.
Another common hiding spot is behind the door, however it can be difficult to access when you're locked out. There are locks that attach to the door's interior and look similar to a regular lock, however they tend to be quite expensive. It is possible to hide the key in grass or under a mat. Some people employ fake rocks that have a compartment inside the rocks.
The key is often kept in the car, however this is an unwise choice. This method is well-known among thieves, who might be able to access the gas cap that is on the outside. If you're concerned about this, think about purchasing an electronic key holder that is attached to the underneath of your vehicle. It resembles the license plate but is designed to hide the spare key.
Your garage is another good location to hide the key, especially if have a detached garage. 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 can also be an excellent hiding place, since there are sometimes slight gaps that you can slide the key into. Connect a piece of fishing line to the key, and then slide it into the split until the smallest amount of it is visible. This will prevent the key from falling out if you happen to bump it while looking for it.
If you have lots of trees on your property, you can also try nailing the spare key to the bottom of a branch. If you reside in an area that has lots of trees, this is a great alternative. Many people don't think to look here for keys.
Try turning the car on
In the past the loss of your car keys was not a big deal. Locksmiths could be called to assist and the cost was usually around $20. However, today, cars are getting more and more technologically advanced, which can make them more expensive to replace if you lose one.
A specific computer chip is required to turn on an engine in a brand new car. It communicates with the ECU. The car will not start without this chip. This is the reason it's vital to make sure you have the correct key for your vehicle.
You may be able start your car with an older traditional style key. If this does not work, you might need to speak with a locksmith in order to create a new one or contact your car dealership.
You can also try to start the car using a spare key. Many new manual cars come with spare keys, so this may be your best option. This is a riskier option and will depend on your car, but it might work.
This technique also requires technical knowledge and an arsenal of tools. It also involves disassembling a part of the engine and isn't suitable for all. It is better to have a professional handle the task of this type of work particularly since you'll be ignoring a lot of the safety features in the car.
It's always recommended to have a spare car key in case you lose one. You can get a traditional key, however a transponder or smart key is also available. These are more expensive to replace and will require an excursion to the dealer for a new one that's been electronically paired with your vehicle.
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 for work and your chores aren't getting completed. Worse yet, you may be required to pay to replace the key fob when you're renting the car. It's not necessary to be this way. Follow these simple steps to avoid losing your keys ruining your day.
First of all, don't panic. Taking deep breaths will aid in calming down and think clearly. It's also a good idea to note where you've been so you can go back and figure out the reason why your keys disappeared.
If you're unable to remember where they were, walk back throughout your day. If you lost them when you were running errands, return to each stop and reflect on what you were doing. Did you set them down on some counter? You might have knocked them loose while grabbing something from your bag. Make sure you remember exactly the last time you observed them.
Once you've walked back through your day, make sure you look everywhere else. You might have put them in a pocket of your jacket or a bag you carried with you. Be sure to check places you would never think of, like pockets on other people's clothing or beneath a sofa cushion.
If you are unable to find your car keys, contact someone for help. Ask your friends to see whether they've seen them, or even better contact locksmith. You do not want to end up paying for an extra key, or worse, 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.