How to Recover a Lost Car Key
Losing your car key can be a very stressful experience. It is important to remain calm and try to remember that losing your car keys aren't an issue.
In contrast to traditional keys that simply opened doors and switched the ignition, modern key fobs also feature smart technology. It is important to know what to do if you lose yours to avoid paying a large replacement cost.
Retract your steps
The loss of a car key is a nightmare scenario for any driver. There are fortunately, a variety of options to recover your keys.
The first thing you need to do is retrace your steps. This simple technique can be very helpful in locating keys that have been
lost keys for car no spare. You might have dropped keys 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 locations you've been to recently even if you do not normally keep your keys there. It's quite possible that your keys got tossed out of a pocket or bag, and are hiding in a place you didn't expect.
Trackers are another great method of locating your keys that are lost. The device is small, and it is attached to the keys. You can then 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.
If you do not have a tracking device or you're unable to find your keys, the next course of action is to contact a local locksmith for your vehicle. They can help you make an entirely new key and then reprogram it to the anti-theft system in your vehicle. This service can be expensive and could cost you hundreds of dollars.
You might need to have your car key
lost my spare car key no spare (
great post to read) towed to a dealer to retrieve keys that were
lost car key no spare. It is best to have a spare key on hand and take preventative measures to stop losing them in the first place.
If you lose your keys The most important thing to do is stay calm. It's easy to get anxious when you're unable to locate your keys, but it will be much harder to find them if you begin shouting at yourself. If you're still not able to locate your keys within an acceptable amount of time, it may be time to call a locksmith or head to the dealership. Regardless of what 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.
Check Your Hide Spots
When you keep your spare keys hidden It's crucial to choose a spot that isn't obvious to passers-by. Otherwise, you'll be an easy target for thieves. A flower pot or plant box is the usual place where people store their keys, but this could be a huge mistake. If a burglar gets keys, he could also find valuables like your wallet.
A popular place to hide is behind the front door. However, this can be difficult to gain access to when locked out. There are locks that attach to the inside of your door and appear like a standard lock, but these tend to be quite expensive. A less expensive option is to hide the key in a door mat or even in the grass. Some people also make fake rocks that appear like normal but have a hidden compartment for the key.
The key is often kept in the car, but this can be risky. Thieves are aware of this technique, and they may also be able to open the gas cap by removing it from the outside. If you are worried about this, get an electronic key holder that you can connect to the underside of your vehicle. It resembles an actual license plate, but it's designed to hide the spare key.
Garages are another great hiding place for the key, particularly if you have a detached garage. If you don't have a ladder keys hidden in a nook in the side of your garage is out of view.
Vinyl siding is also a great hiding spot, because there are sometimes tiny gaps that you can slide the key through. Make sure you tie a piece of fishing line to the key and then slide it into the siding until just a tiny amount is visible. This will stop the key from sliding when you happen to run into it while searching for it.
If you have a lot of trees on your property, you could also try nailing the spare key to the top of the branch. If you reside in an area that has many trees, this is a great alternative. Most people won't even think about looking here for your keys.
Try turning the car on
Not too long ago, losing your car keys was not a big deal. You could reach an locksmith to help out and it was usually just $20 or so. Today, cars are becoming more and more advanced in technology and are 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 won't start without this chip. This is the reason it's vital to make sure you have the proper key for your vehicle.
If you have an older style traditional key, you might be able to find it in the lock, and then begin the car. If this does not work, it might be time to contact an locksmith or your car dealer to have a new key made.
You can also try to start the car using a spare key. A lot of new manual cars have spare keys, so this may be the best option. This is a riskier option and will be dependent on your car, but it may work.
This method requires a bit of technical know-how and an arsenal of tools. This method involves removing an engine part and is not recommended for anyone. It is better to leave it to a professional to take care of this kind of work particularly since you'll bypass a lot of the safety features in the car.
A backup car key is always a good idea in case you misplace your original. You can purchase a traditional key, however a transponder or smart key is also available. They are more expensive to replace and requires a trip to the dealership to purchase a new one that has been electronically paired with your vehicle.
Walk Back Through Your Day
It's all too common It happens to everyone: You lose your car keys. It's one of the most stressful things you can do, as it can ruin your day. You'll be late for work, and your chores will not be completed. Worse yet, you may be required to pay to replace the key fob if you're renting cars. But, it doesn't need to be this way. You can prevent the loss of your keys from damaging your day if you adhere to these easy tips.
First of all, don't panic. Take deep breaths to relax and help you focus. You can also record your location to return to find out where you left your keys.
If you aren't able to remember where you put them down, start by walking through your day. If you've
lost car key with no spare them while you were out running errands to each stop and think about what you were doing. Did you set them down on a counter somewhere? You may have tossed them loose while grabbing something from your bag. Try to remember exactly the last time you saw them.
Take a look around. You might have put them in a jacket pocket or a bag you carried around. Check places you would not typically think about, such as the pockets of clothing worn by others, or under a couch cushion.
If you're unable to find your car keys, call someone for assistance. Ask your friends if they've seen keys or, even better contact an expert locksmith for assistance. You do not want to end up paying for an extra key, or worse, having your vehicle stolen. An expert can help get your keys quickly and efficiently. It's also a good idea for you to keep a spare car key, therefore, make sure you keep it in a secure place.
