How to Recover a Lost Car Key
Losing your car key can be a very stressful experience. However, you must remain calm and keep in mind that losing your keys does not need to be a big deal.
Modern key fobs are smarter than the traditional keys that only opened doors and switched on the ignition. You need to know what you should do if you lose yours to avoid paying a large replacement cost.
Retract your Steps
lost spare car key car keys can be a major headache for anyone who drives. There are fortunately, a variety of ways you can recover your keys.
It is best to first retrace your steps. It may sound simple, but it can be extremely effective in locating the keys you
replacing lost keys. You might have dropped them in a hurry and forgotten about them. The process of retracing your steps can help you remember where you were when you last saw them. It's also an excellent idea to look over any areas you have visited recently even if they're not places where you typically keep your keys. It's possible that your keys fell out of a purse or bag and are hidden somewhere that you didn't think to.
Trackers are another excellent method of locating your keys that have gone missing. This device is small and can be attached to your keys. Then, you can use an application to locate them. This is only possible if the keys have electronic components, such as a
remote key fob.
Contacting a locksmith near you is the next step if you don't have a tracker device, or if you cannot locate your keys. They will be able to help you create a new key and reprogram it to the immobilizer system of your vehicle. This service can be expensive and could cost you hundreds of dollars.
Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, you may be required to take a towed vehicle to the dealer to get replacement keys. It's a good idea keep a spare set of keys on hand and take preventative steps to ensure you don't lose your keys in the first instance.
The most important thing to remember when you lose your car keys is to remain calm. If you're unable to locate your keys it's easy to get panicked. However, if you begin screaming at yourself, it will make it much harder to locate them. If you're still not able to locate your keys within a reasonable amount of time, it could be time to contact a locksmith or go to the dealership. Whatever you do, be sure to inform your insurance provider about the incident so that they can assist in the event of damage to your vehicle in the future.
Make sure you are aware of your hiding spots
It's crucial to pick
replacing a lost car key place where passersby won't be able to see your spare key. You'll make yourself a target for thieves in the event that you don't. Many people store their extra keys in the form of a planter or flower pot however this is a mistake. If a burglar gets keys, he could also find valuables, such as your wallet.
Another favorite place to hide is behind the door, but this can be tricky to gain access to if you're locked out. Locks that resemble normal locks and attach to the inside your door are available, however they can be quite expensive. You can conceal the key in grass or under a mat. Some people use fake rocks with a compartment hidden inside them.
It is not unusual to store the key in the car. However, this could be dangerous. Thieves are aware of this trick, and they may also be able to access the gas cap by removing it from the outside. If you're concerned about this, you should consider purchasing an magnetic key holder that attaches to the underside of your vehicle. It looks like the license plate but is designed to conceal the spare key.
The garage is a good place to hide your key, especially if have a detached one. If you do not have a ladder, the key that is hidden in a corner in the side of your garage will be hidden from view.
Vinyl siding is also an ideal hiding spot because there are often slight splits that you can slide the key into. Attach a fishing line to the key and slide it into the split until only a small amount is visible. This will stop the key from sliding if you accidentally bump into it while looking for it.
You can also place the spare key at the end of an erect tree branch if have a lot of trees on your property. If you live in an area with lots of trees this is a great option. A majority of people won't think about looking here to find your keys.
Try turning off the car.
Until recently the loss of your car keys was not a huge issue. A locksmith was available to assist and the cost was typically about $20. Today, cars are becoming more and more advanced in terms of technology which makes them more expensive to replace.
A specific computer chip is required to turn on an engine in a new vehicle. It communicates with the 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 locate it inside the lock, and then start your car. If this does not work, you may need to call a locksmith to create a new one or contact your dealership for assistance.
You can also try to start the car using an extra key. Many new manual vehicles have spare keys key, so this could be the best option. This is a riskier option and will depend on your vehicle, but it could work.
This technique also requires technical expertise and an arsenal of tools. This method involves removing an engine component and is not recommended for anyone. This type of work should be left to a professional particularly because you'll be ignoring many safety features of the vehicle.
A spare car key is always a good idea in case you misplace the original. You can purchase an old-fashioned key, but the smart key or transponder is also available. They are more expensive to replace and requires an excursion to the dealer to purchase a new one that has been electronically paired with your vehicle.
Take a look back at your day
Everybody has experienced this You lose your car keys. It's one of the most stressful things you can do, as it can make your day miserable. You'll be late to work, and your chores aren't going to be completed. And, worse yet, you might have to pay a fee to replace the key fob if you're renting cars. But, it doesn't have to be this way. You can prevent losing your keys and ruining your day if you follow these simple steps.
First foremost, don't be anxious. Take a deep breath to relax and help you focus. You can also record your location to revisit to find where you left your keys.
If you cannot remember where you placed them go back to your day. If you've
lost keys to my car your keys while running around or shopping, return and look over each place you stopped. Did you place them on a counter? Perhaps you were taking something from your bag when they were accidentally tossed around. Try to remember exactly the location you saw them.
Take a look around. You might have left them in a pocket in the jacket you were wearing or in bags you brought with you. Be sure to check places you would never think of, such as pockets in other people's clothing or beneath a sofa cushion.
If you're still unable to locate your car keys, think about asking for help from someone. Ask your friends to see if they have seen keys, or better yet contact an locksmith. The last thing you want to do is end up having to pay for a replacement key or even worse, having your car stolen. An expert can help you get your keys back quickly and efficiently. It is also recommended to have a spare key. Keep it in a safe location.
