How to Recover a Lost Car Key
The loss of your car keys can be a stressful event. But, it is important to remain calm and keep in mind that losing your keys doesn't have to be a huge issue.
Unlike traditional keys that just opened doors and switched the ignition, modern key fobs also come with sophisticated technology. You need to know what you should do in the event that you lose yours to avoid paying a high replacement cost.
Retract your Steps
Lost car keys can be a nightmare for anyone who drives. Thankfully, there are several options to recover your keys.
It is best to first retrace your steps. It may sound easy, but it can be very effective in finding the keys you lost. You might have lost them in a hurry and forgotten about them. Retracing your steps will help you remember where you were when you last saw them. You should also check any locations you've been to recently even if you don't normally keep your keys there. It's possible that your keys have fallen out of a bag or pocket and are in a place you would not think to.
Another method to locate your lost keys is by using a tracker. This device is small, and it can be attached to keys. Then you can make use of an app to locate them. This is only possible if you have electronic components inside your keys, such as a remote key fob.
Contacting a locksmith in your area is the next step in case you don't own a tracking device, or if you can't find your keys. They'll be able to assist you in creating a new key and reprogram it to your vehicle's immobilizer system. However this service is usually expensive and can cost you a few hundred dollars.
Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, you might have to get towed to the dealership in order to replace your lost keys. It's a good idea keep a spare set of keys in your possession, and to take preventative steps to ensure that you don't lose your keys in the first place.
If you've lost your keys the most important thing to do is remain calm. It's easy to get stressed when you are unable to locate your keys, but it will be much harder to find 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 an expert locksmith or visit 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 car in the future.
Check Your Hide Spots
If you want to hide your spare key, it's important to choose the location that's not obvious for people passing by. You'll make yourself a target for thieves If you don't. Many people store their spare keys in plants or in a flower pot, but this is a mistake. If a burglar discovers the keys, he may also discover valuables such as your wallet.
Another favorite place to hide is behind the door, however this can be tricky to gain access to when you're locked out. There are locks that fit on the door's inside and appear like a standard lock, but these are usually quite expensive. You can conceal the key under a mat. Some people also use fake rocks that look ordinary but have a hidden compartment for the key.
It is not uncommon to store the key in the car. However, this can be risky. 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, consider getting an electronic key holder that is attached to the underneath of your vehicle. It looks similar to the frame of a license plate, but is designed to hold the spare key in a discreet secret location.
Your garage is another good location to hide the key, particularly if you have a detached garage. A key that is tucked in a recess on the side of your garage door will stay away from view and reach unless you have an access ladder.
Vinyl siding is also an ideal place to hide, as there are often small splits where you can slide the key. Attach a fishing line to the key and slide it into the split until an inch or two of it is visible. This will stop the key from sliding if you happen to bump into it while searching for it.
You can also nail the spare key to the end of a tree branch if you have many trees on your property. If you live in an area with many trees this is a great alternative. Most people won't even think about looking here for keys.
Try turning off the car
Not long ago when you lost your car keys was no big issue. You could call a locksmith to help out, and it cost around $20. Nowadays, cars are more and more advanced in technology and are more expensive to replace.
A special computer chip is required to start an engine in a new vehicle. It communicates with the ECU. Without this, the car will not start. It's essential to have the correct key.
You might be able to start your car using an older style traditional key. If this does not work, it might be time to call a locksmith or contact your dealership for a new key made.
lost keys to car no spare is starting the car with a spare key. This is the best solution for a lot of new manual vehicles, since they have spare keys. This option is more risky and will depend on your vehicle, but it could work.
This technique requires some technical know-how and tools. It also involves removing parts of the engine and isn't recommended for all. It's best to leave it to a professional to take care of this type of job particularly since you'll be bypassing a lot of the safety features inside the vehicle.
A backup car key is always an excellent idea in the event that you misplace your original. You can purchase an old-fashioned key, but a transponder or smart key is also available. These keys are more expensive and will require a visit to the dealer to get an updated one.
Take a look back at your day
Everybody has experienced this when you lose your car keys. It's the most annoying thing you can do, as it can make your day miserable. You'll be late to work, and your errands aren't going to be completed. And, worse yet, you might be required to pay to replace the key fob in case you're renting a car. It doesn't need to be this way. Follow these simple tips to prevent losing your keys and ruining your day.
Don't panic first. Relax and take deep breaths to calm down and help you focus. You can also write down your location so you can go back to find out where you left your keys.
If you're unable to remember where they were, walk back throughout your day. If you lost them while you were running errands, return to each stop and reflect on what you were doing. Did you put them on a counter? 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 tucked them away inside a jacket pocket or in a bag you carried. Make sure to search in places you wouldn't typically think of, like pockets on other people's clothes or under cushions on your sofa.
If you can't locate your car keys, you can call someone to help. Ask your friends if they've ever seen keys or, even better, ask a professional locksmith for assistance. The last thing you want to do is having to pay for a replacement key or even more traumatically, having your car stolen. An expert can help you get your keys back fast and efficiently. It's also an excellent idea to keep a spare car key, so be sure to keep it in a safe place.