How to Recover a Lost Car Key
The loss of your car keys can be a stressful and stressful experience. However, you must keep your cool and remember that losing your keys doesn't need to be a big issue.
Unlike traditional keys that just opened doors and turned the ignition modern keys come with advanced technology. It is important to know what to do in the event that you lose your keys to avoid paying a costly replacement cost.
Retract your steps
A lost car key is an unimaginable scenario for any driver. Thankfully, there are several ways you can recover your keys.
The first thing you should do is retrace your steps. It might sound simple but it could be extremely effective in locating your keys that you've lost. You may have dropped them in a hurry and then forgotten about them. It's helpful to trace your steps back so that you remember where you were when you last saw them. Also, you should check any places you've visited recently, even if you don't normally keep your keys there. It's possible that your keys fell out of a bag or pocket and are buried somewhere that you didn't think of.
Trackers are a great method of locating your keys that have gone missing. The device is small and attached to your keys. Then you can use an app to find them. This is only possible if your keys have an electronic component, such as remote key fobs.
If you don't have a tracking device or aren't able to locate your keys, the next course of action should be to contact an auto locksmith in your area. They'll be able to help you create a new key and reprogram it to your vehicle's immobilizer system. However lost keys is generally expensive and can cost a few hundred dollars.
Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, you may be required to take a towed vehicle to the dealer to get your keys replaced. It is recommended to keep an extra key in your possession and take preventative measures to stop losing keys in the first place.
The most important thing to remember when you lose your car keys is to stay calm. It's easy to get stressed when you can't find your keys, but it'll be a lot more difficult to locate them if you start shouting at yourself. If you are unable to locate your keys within an acceptable timeframe it could be the right time to contact a locksmith or visit the dealership. Whatever you do, make sure to inform your insurance provider about the incident, so they can help if anything happens to your vehicle in the future.
Be aware of your hiding spots
It is crucial to choose a place where passersby won't be able to see your spare key. You'll be vulnerable to theft in the event that you don't. Many people keep their extra keys in the form of a planter or flower pot, but this is not a good idea. If a burglar gets the keys, they could also find valuables, such as your wallet.
Another popular hiding place is behind the door, but this can be tricky to gain access to when you're locked out. You can purchase locks that attach to the inside of your door and look similar to a regular lock, but they are typically quite costly. A less expensive option is to hide the key under a door mat, or in the grass. Some people also use fake rocks that look ordinary but have a hidden compartment for the key.
The key is usually stored in the car, but this can be an unwise choice. Thieves are aware of this tactic, and they may also be able of opening the gas cap from the outside. If you're worried about this, think about purchasing an electronic key holder that is attached to the underside of your vehicle. It's similar to the frame of a license plate, but is designed to secure the spare key in a hidden secret location.
Garages are another great location to hide the key, especially if have a detached one. If you don't have a ladder the key that is hidden in a nook in the side of your garage is out of view.
Vinyl siding is also a great hiding spot, since there are sometimes slight splits that you can slide the key into. Be sure to secure a piece of clear fishing line to the key, and then slide it in until only a tiny amount is visible. This will stop the key from sliding if you accidentally hit it when you are searching for it.
You can also place the spare key to the top of the tree's branch if you have many trees on your property. This is a good choice if you reside in a rural location with a lot of trees, since most people won't think to check this place for keys.
Try turning off the car
In the past, losing your car key was not a huge issue. You could reach an locksmith to help out, and the cost was usually only $20 or so. However, today automobiles are becoming increasingly technologically advanced, which could 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 why it's important to make sure you have the proper key for your vehicle.
You may be able start your car using an older style traditional key. If this doesn't work, it may be time to call a locksmith or call your auto dealership to have a replacement key made.
You can also start the car using a spare key. This is a good option for the majority of new manual cars, as they have spare keys. This method is more risky and will be dependent on your vehicle, but it could be successful.
This technique requires some technical know-how and a toolbox. This process also involves disassembling an engine component and is not recommended for all. This kind of work should be done by a professional, especially since you'll be ignoring many safety features of the car.
A spare car key is always an ideal option in the event you lose the original. The most affordable alternative is to get an old-fashioned key made, however you can also purchase a transponder key or smart key. These keys are more expensive and will require a visit to the dealer to get the new key.
Review your day
It's all too common The car keys. It's among the most frustrating things you can do because it can completely ruin your day. You'll be late to work and your chores aren't getting done. Even worse, you could be required to pay to replace the key fob in case you're renting the car. It doesn't need to be this way. Follow these simple tips to avoid losing your keys and ruining your day.
First of all, don't panic. Take deep breaths to calm down and help you focus. You can also note your location so that you can go back to find out where you left your keys.
If you're unable to remember where you placed them, walk back throughout your day. If you've lost your keys while running errands or shopping, go back and look over each place you stopped. Did you place them on the counter? You may have tossed them loose after you took something from your bag. Try to remember exactly where you were when you saw them.
You should also look elsewhere. You may have put them in the pocket of the jacket you wore or inside the bag you carried with you. Look in places that you wouldn't normally think to look for items, such as the pockets of clothes worn by other people or under the couch cushion.
If you're still having trouble finding your car keys, consider getting help from someone. Ask your friends whether they've seen keys, or better yet contact locksmith. The one thing you do not want to do is end up paying for a replacement key or even more traumatically, having your car stolen. An expert can assist you to return your keys quickly and efficiently. You should also have an extra key. Keep it in a safe place.
