How to Recover a
lost car key what to do Car Key
Losing your car keys could be a stressful experience. You should remain calm and try to remember that losing your car keys isn't a big deal.
Modern key fobs are also smarter than the traditional keys that only opened doors and then turned on the ignition. It is important to know what to do in the event you lose your key to avoid paying a high replacement fee.
Retract your Steps
Lost car keys could be a nightmare for any driver. There are several ways to recover your keys.
It is best to first retrace your steps. This simple method can be very helpful in finding lost keys. It's possible that you put keys in a hurry and then forgot about them. The process of retracing your steps can help you remember where you were when you last saw them. You should also look for places you've visited recently, even if you do not normally keep your keys there. It's possible that your keys have fallen out of a pocket or bag and are buried somewhere you wouldn't think of.
Another method to locate keys that are
replacing lost car keys my spare car key (
visit this page) is using the tracker. The device is small and attaches to your keys. Then, you can use an app to locate the keys. This is only possible if the keys have an electronic component, like remote key fobs.
If you do not have a tracking device or are unable to locate your keys, the next step should be to contact a local automotive locksmith. They will be able to assist you in creating a new key and reprogram it for your vehicle's immobilizer system. However, this service is typically expensive and can cost you a few hundred dollars.
You might need to have your vehicle towed to a dealership to replace lost keys. It is recommended to keep an extra key in your possession and take preventative measures to stop losing them in the first place.
The most important thing to remember when you've lost your car keys is to remain calm. When you can't locate your keys it's easy to panic. However, if you begin screaming at yourself, you'll make it even more difficult to locate them. If you are unable to locate your keys in a reasonable time frame, it might be time to contact an expert locksmith or visit the dealership. Regardless of what you do, be sure to inform your insurance company about the incident so they can help if anything happens to your car in the future.
Make sure you are aware of your hiding spots
It's important that you choose an area where people will not be able to see your spare key. If you don't, you're creating an easy target for thieves. A plant pot or a flower box is the usual place in which people store their spare keys, however this is a major mistake. If a burglar finds your keys, they might also find your wallet and other valuables.
A popular hideaway is behind the front door. However, this could be difficult to access if locked out. Locks that resemble regular locks and are attached to the door's interior are available, but they can be expensive. An alternative that is less expensive is to hide the key in a door mat or even in the grass. Some people also use fake rocks that look like normal but have a hidden compartment for the key.
It is not unusual to keep the key in the car. However, this can be risky. Thieves are aware of this technique and could be able of opening the gas cap by removing it from the outside. If you're concerned about this, you should purchase an electronic key holder that you can be able to attach to the underside of your vehicle. It looks similar to an old license plate frame, but is designed to secure the spare key in a discreet, hidden location.
You can also hide the key in your garage, particularly if it is detached. A key that is tucked in a recess on the side of your garage door will stay out of reach and inaccessible unless you have a ladder.
Vinyl siding can also be an ideal hiding spot because there are sometimes tiny splits that you can slide the key through. Connect a piece of fishing line to the key and slide it into the split until a small amount is visible. This will stop the key from sliding in case you happen to run into it while looking for it.
If you have lots of trees on your property, you could also try nailing your spare key to the end of one of the branches. This is a great idea when you reside in a rural area with plenty of tree coverage, since most people won't consider checking this location to find your keys.
Try turning off the car.
Until recently the loss of your car keys was not a huge issue. Locksmiths could be called to assist and the cost was usually about $20. Nowadays, cars are more and more technologically advanced, making them more expensive to replace.
A specific computer chip is required to start an engine in a new vehicle. It communicates with the ECU. The car will not start without this chip. This is why it's crucial to ensure you have the correct key for your vehicle.
If you have an older model traditional key, you may be able to locate it in the lock, and then start your vehicle. If this does not work, you may need to speak with a locksmith in order to create a new key or contact your car dealership.
Another option is beginning the car using a spare key. A lot of new manual cars come with spare keys key, and this is your best bet. This option is more risky and will depend on your car, but it may work.
This method also requires some technical expertise and a toolbox. It involves removing an engine component and isn't recommended for everyone. It's best to have a professional handle the task of this type of work as you'll be bypassing many of the safety features inside the car.
It's always a good idea to have a backup car key in case you lose one. The cheapest alternative is to get traditional keys made, however you can also purchase a transponder key or smart key. They are more expensive to replace and will require a trip to the dealership to purchase a new one that has connected electronically to your vehicle.
Review your day
Everyone has experienced this You lose your car keys. It's the most annoying thing you can do because it can ruin your day. You'll be late to work, and your chores will not be completed. Even worse, you could have to pay a fee to replace the key fob when you're renting cars. But, it doesn't need to be this way. Follow these simple steps to avoid the loss of your keys from ruining your day.
Don't panic first. Relax and take deep breaths to calm yourself and allow you to think clearly. It's also a good idea to write down where you've been so you can go back and figure out what happened to your keys.
If you're unable to remember the exact location you left them, start by retracing your day. If you've
lost keys to my car them while you were running errands, return to every stop and consider the things you were doing. Did you place them on the counter? Perhaps you were taking something from your bag and they were knocked loose. Try to remember exactly where you last saw them.
Check everywhere else. You may have left them in a pocket of your jacket or a bag that you carried. Be sure to look in places you would never think of, like pockets in other people's clothes or under a sofa cushion.
If you're still unable to locate your car keys, you might consider calling someone for help. Ask your friends whether they've seen them, or even better call a locksmith. The one thing you do not want to do is end up paying for a replacement key, or worse, having your vehicle stolen. A professional can help you get your keys back quickly and efficiently. You should also have an extra key. Keep it in a safe location.