5 Lost Car Key Tips From The Professionals
How to Recover a Lost Car Key
The loss of your car key could be a stressful and emotional situation. But, it is important to keep calm and keep in mind that losing your keys doesn't have to be a huge deal.
Modern key fobs are smarter than traditional keys, which only opened doors and turned on the ignition. It's important to be aware of what to do if you lose your key to ensure that you don't need to pay a high cost for replacement.
Retract your steps
A lost car key can be a nightmare for anyone who drives. There are several ways to recover your keys.
The first thing you must do is to retrace your steps. This simple trick can be very helpful in locating keys lost. You might have dropped keys in a hurry, and forgotten about them. It's helpful to trace your steps back so that you remember where you were when you last saw them. You should also check any places you've visited recently, even if you do not normally keep your keys there. It's quite possible that your keys fell out of a pocket or bag, and are hiding in a place you didn't expect.
Trackers are another excellent method to locate keys that have gone missing. The device is small, and it can be attached to keys. Then you can use an app to find them. This is only possible in the event that you have electronic components within your keys, for example remote key fobs.
Contacting a locksmith in your area is the next step if you don't have a tracking device, or can't find your keys. They can help you make an original key and then reprogram it to your vehicle's anti-theft device. However the process is generally 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 your keys replaced. It is best to have an extra key in your possession and take preventative measures to stop losing keys in the first place.
When you lose your keys The most important thing to do is remain calm. If you are unable to find your keys, it's easy to panic. But if you start screaming at yourself, it will make it even harder to locate them. If you're unable to locate your keys in a reasonable time frame it could be the right the right time to call an expert locksmith or visit the dealership. No matter what you decide to do, make sure to 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 will not be aware of your spare key. Otherwise, you're making yourself an easy target for thieves. A flower pot or plant box is the usual place where many people keep their spare keys, however this could be a huge mistake. If a burglar discovers keys, he could also find valuables, such as your wallet.
A popular hiding spot is behind the front door. However, this could be difficult to access in the event that you are locked out. There are locks that are attached to the door's inside and look similar to a regular lock, however they tend to be quite expensive. A less expensive option is to put the key beneath a door mat or even in the grass. Some people employ fake rocks that have a compartment inside the rocks.
It is not unusual to store keys in the car. However, this can be dangerous. This method is well-known among thieves, who may be able open the gas cap on the outside. If you're worried about this, you should consider purchasing an electronic key holder that attaches to the underneath of your vehicle. It's similar to a license plate frame but is designed to secure the spare key in a concealed, hidden location.
You can also conceal the key in your garage, especially if it is detached. A key that is tucked in a nook in the side of your garage door will remain away from view and reach unless you have an access ladder.
Vinyl siding can also be an ideal hiding spot because there are sometimes tiny splits that you can slide the key into. Attach a fishing line to the key, and then slide it into the split until only the smallest amount of it is visible. This will stop the key from sliding when you happen to bump into it while looking for it.
You can also place the spare key at the end of the tree's branch if you have many trees on your property. If you reside in an area that has a lot of trees, this is a great option. Many people don't consider looking for keys.
Try Turning the Car On
In the past, losing your car key was not a huge issue. You could call an locksmith to help out, and the cost was usually around $20. Nowadays, cars are more and more technologically advanced, making them more expensive to replace.
To start the engine in a modern car there is a specific computer chip that communicates with the vehicle's ECU. The car will not start without this chip. This is the reason it's vital to ensure you have the correct key for your vehicle.
You might be able to start your car using an older traditional style key. If this isn't working, it could be time to contact a locksmith or call your auto dealership to have a new key made.
Another option is to try starting the car with a spare key. A lot of new manual vehicles have spare keys key, and this is your best bet. This method is more risky and will depend on the vehicle, but it could be successful.
This method requires a bit of technical know-how and tools. This process also involves disassembling an engine part and is not recommended for all. This kind of work should be done by a professional, particularly because you'll be ignoring many safety features in the car.
A backup car key is always a good idea in case you lose the original. You can buy a traditional key, but the smart key or transponder is also available. These are more expensive to replace and require an excursion to the dealer to purchase a new one that has been electronically paired with your vehicle.
Walk Back Through Your Day
It's happened to everyone It happens to everyone: You lose your car keys. It's among the most annoying things you could do because it instantly ruins your day. You'll be late to work and your errands aren't getting done. Even worse, you could have to pay a fee to replace the key fob if you're renting a car. It's not necessary to be this way. Follow these simple tips to prevent the loss of your keys from ruining your day.
Don't panic first. Relaxing will aid in calming down and think clearly. lost auto key can also record your location so you can revisit to find where you left your keys.
If you aren't able to remember where you put them, start by walking through your day. If you lost them while you were out running errands to each stop and think about the things you were doing. Did you place them on some counter? Perhaps you were taking something from your bag when they were accidentally tossed around. Try to recall exactly where you saw them.
Once you've walked back through your day, look everywhere else. You might have tucked them away inside a jacket pocket or a bag that you carried with you. Check places you would not normally think of looking, such as the pockets of clothing worn by others, or under a couch cushion.
If you're unable to find your car keys, you can call someone to help. Ask your friends whether they've seen them, or better yet call an locksmith. The one thing you do not want to do is end up paying for a replacement key or even worse, having your car stolen. An expert can help get your keys quickly and efficiently. It's also an excellent idea to keep an extra car key so be sure to keep it in a safe location.