How to Recover a Lost Car Key
Losing your car key can be an incredibly stressful situation. But, it is important to keep calm and keep in mind that losing your keys doesn't have to be a huge deal.
Unlike traditional keys that just opened doors and switched the ignition modern keys have sophisticated technology. It is important to know what to do if you lose your key to ensure that you don't need to pay a costly fee for a replacement.
Retract Your Steps
The loss of a car key is an absolute nightmare for any driver. There are several ways to recover your keys.
The first thing you should do is retrace your steps. This simple technique can be extremely helpful in finding lost keys. You might have dropped them in a hurry and forgot about them. The process of retracing your steps can help you remember where you were when you last saw them. It's also a good idea to check any places you've been to recently even if they're not places where you typically keep your keys. It's possible that your keys have fallen out of a bag or pocket and are buried somewhere that you didn't expect.
Another great way to find your lost keys is by using the tracker. It is small and it attaches to the keys. Then you can use an app to find them. This is only possible if you have electronic components in your keys, like remote key fobs.
If you don't have a tracking device or you're unable to find your keys, the next course of action should be to contact a local locksmith for your vehicle. They can assist you in creating a brand new key and reprogram the key for your vehicle's immobilizer system. However, this service is typically expensive and could cost a few hundred dollars.
Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, you might be required to take a towed vehicle to a dealership to replace your lost keys. It is best to have a spare key available 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 stay calm. When you can't find your keys it's easy to panic. If you begin screaming at yourself, you'll make it more difficult to locate them. If you're unable to locate your keys in a reasonable time frame it could be the right the right time to call a locksmith or visit the dealership. Whatever you decide to do, be sure to inform your insurance company that you're insured so they can assist if something happens to your vehicle in the future.
Check Your Hiding Spots
If you are planning to place your spare key in a safe place it is important to pick a spot that isn't obvious for passers-by. If you don't, you're creating an easy target for thieves. Many people keep their extra keys in a flower pot or planter however this is not a good idea. If a burglar discovers keys, he could also find valuables like your wallet.
A popular hiding spot is behind the front door. However, this could be difficult to access when locked out. Locks that resemble normal locks and fit to the inside of your door are available, but they can be expensive. A less expensive option is to put the key under the door mat or in the grass. Some people make fake rocks with a compartment hidden inside them.
The key is usually stored in the car, however, this can be a risky option. Thieves are aware of this technique and may be able to open the gas cap by removing it from the outside. If you're worried about this, you should consider purchasing an electronic key holder that attaches to the underneath of your vehicle. It looks like the license plate but is designed to hide the spare key.
You can also put the key in your garage, particularly in the event that it is not connected. A key that is tucked in a recess on the side of the garage door will remain away from view and reach unless you have a ladder.
Vinyl siding is also an excellent hiding spot since there are often small gaps that you can slide the key. 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 if you accidentally hit it while looking for it.
You can also nail the spare key at the end of an erect tree branch if have a lot of trees on your property. If you reside in an area that has many trees it is a good alternative. Many people don't consider looking for your keys.
Try Turning the Car On
Until recently the loss of your car key was not a huge issue. A locksmith was available to help and the cost was usually about $20. Today, cars are becoming more and more advanced in terms of technology and are more expensive to replace.
In lost car key to start the engine in a modern automobile there is a computer chip that communicates with the vehicle's ECU. Without this, the car will not start. This is why it's crucial to ensure that you have the proper key for your vehicle.
If you have an older style traditional key, you may be able find it in the lock and still start your car. If this does not work, it might be time to contact a locksmith or contact your auto dealership to have an alternative key made.
Another option is to try starting the car with a spare key. This is the best solution for a lot of new manual vehicles, since they come with a spare key. This option is more risky and will depend on your car, but it might be successful.
This method requires some technical know-how and tools. This method involves removing the engine and is not recommended for anyone. It's best to leave it to a professional to take care of this type of job as you'll bypass a lot of the safety features that are in the car.
It's always a good idea to have a backup car key in the event that you lose one. The cheapest alternative is to have an old-fashioned key made, but you can also buy a transponder key or smart key. These are more expensive to replace and requires a trip to the dealership for a new key that's been electronically paired with your vehicle.
Walk Back Through Your Day
It's happened to everyone: You lose your car keys. It's one of the most stressful things you can do because it can cause you to lose your day. You'll be late for work and your chores aren't getting done. And, worse yet, you might have to pay a fee to replace the key fob in case you're renting a car. It's not necessary to be like this. You can prevent the loss of your keys from ruining your day if follow these simple steps.
Do not panic first. Breathing deeply can allow you to relax and focus your thoughts. It's an excellent idea to write down where you've been so that you can go back and figure out what happened to your keys.
If you're unable to remember where they were take a walk through your day. If you lost them when you were running errands, return to every stop and consider the things you were doing. Did sneak a peek at this site set them down on a counter somewhere? that guy may have knocked them loose when you grabbed something from your bag. Make sure you remember exactly the last time you was when you last saw them.
Check everywhere else. You might have left them in a pocket of the jacket you were wearing or inside the bag you carried with you. Be sure to check places you wouldn't typically think of, such as pockets on other people's clothing or underneath a sofa cushion.
If you are unable to locate your car keys, call someone for assistance. Ask your friends to see whether they've seen them, or even better, call an locksmith. You don't want to end up paying for a second key or, even more importantly, have your vehicle stolen. An expert can help you get your keys back quickly and efficiently. It is also recommended to have an extra key. Keep it in a secure place.
