5 Lost Car Key Lessons From The Professionals
How to Recover a lost car key what to do Car Key
Losing your car key can be a stressful and emotional situation. You should remain calm and remember that losing your car keys aren't a big deal.
Unlike traditional keys that just opened doors and switched the ignition modern keys have smart technology. It is important to know what to do if you lose your key so that you don't have to shell out a large amount to replace it.
Retract your Steps
Lost car keys could be a nightmare for any driver. Thankfully, there are several ways you can recover your keys.
The first thing you need to do is to retrace your steps. This simple trick can be very helpful in locating keys that have been lost. You may have dropped them in a hurry and forgotten about them. Retracing your steps will help you remember where you were when you last saw them. Also, you should check any places you've visited recently, even if you do not normally keep your keys there. It's entirely possible that your keys got tossed out of a bag or pocket and are hidden in a location you would not think of.
Another way to locate keys that are lost is using the tracker. It is small and it attaches to the keys. Then, you can use an app to locate them. This is only possible if your keys are equipped with an electronic component, like remote key fobs.
If you don't have a tracker or are unable to locate your keys, your next step should be to contact an auto locksmith in your area. They can assist you in creating a new key, and reprogram it for your vehicle's anti-theft device. However this service is usually expensive and can cost a few hundred dollars.
Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, you might need to be towed to the dealership in order to get your keys replaced. It's best to have a spare key on hand and take preventative measures to stop losing them in the first place.
When you lose your keys The most important thing to do is stay calm. If you are unable to find your keys it's easy to panic. But if you start screaming at yourself, it will make it more difficult to locate them. If you've not found your keys in a reasonable amount of time, it could be time to contact a locksmith or head to the dealership. Regardless of what you do, make sure to inform your insurance provider about the incident, so they can assist if something happens to your car in the future.
Make sure you are aware of your hide spots
It is crucial to choose the location where passers-by aren't able to see your spare key. You'll be vulnerable to theft if you don't. Many people keep their extra keys in the form of a planter or flower pot, but this is not a good idea. If a burglar discovers your keys, they might also discover your wallet or other valuables.
A popular place to hide is behind the front door. However, this can be difficult to access in the event that you are locked out. You can purchase locks that fit on the door's interior and look like a normal lock, but these are usually quite expensive. A cheaper alternative is to hide the key in a door mat or even in the grass. Some people employ fake rocks with a hidden compartment within the rocks.
It is not uncommon to store the key in the car. However, this can be risky. This method is well-known among thieves, who may be able to access the gas cap that is on the outside. If you're worried about this, think about purchasing an magnetic key holder that is attached to the underside of your vehicle. It looks similar to the frame of a license plate, but is designed to hold the spare key in a hidden, hidden location.
You can also conceal the key in your garage, especially in the event that it is not connected. A key that is hidden into a corner on the side of your garage door will stay out of reach and inaccessible unless you have an access ladder.
Vinyl siding can also be an ideal place to hide, as there are often tiny gaps where you can slide the key. 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 out if you happen to bump it while searching for it.
If you have a lot of trees on your property, you may also try nailing your spare key to the top of one of the branches. This is a good choice for those who live in a rural area with a lot of trees because most people don't consider checking this location for your keys.
Try turning off the car
Up until recently, losing your car key was not a huge issue. You could contact an locksmith to help out, and it cost only $20 or so. Today, cars are becoming more and more technologically advanced which makes them 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. Without this, the car will not turn on. It's vital to have the correct key.
If you have an older traditional key, you may be able to locate it inside the lock, and then start the car. If this isn't working, it could be time to contact a locksmith or contact your car dealer to have a replacement key made.
Another option is to try starting the car using an extra key. A lot of new manual vehicles come with spare keys key, so this could be your best bet. This method is more risky and will depend on your car, but it might be successful.
This technique also requires technical expertise and a toolbox. This method involves removing an engine component and is not recommended for all. It's best to leave it to a professional to take care of this kind of work particularly since you'll be ignoring many of the safety features that are in the car.
A backup car key is always an excellent idea in the event that you lose your original. The cheapest alternative is to get traditional keys made, but you can also buy an electronic transponder or smart key. They're more expensive to replace and require a trip to the dealer for a new one that's connected electronically to your car.
Take a look back at your day
It's all too common It happens to everyone: You lose your car keys. It's the most frustrating thing you can do, because it can ruin your day. You'll be late to work, and your chores aren't going to be completed. Even worse, you could have to pay a fee to replace the key fob when you're renting cars. It doesn't have to be like this. Follow these easy tips to prevent losing your keys and ruining your day.
First foremost, don't be anxious. Take a deep breath to calm yourself and help you focus. It's important to write down where you've been so that you can go back and find out the reason why your keys disappeared.
If you are unable to remember where you put them, walk back through your day. If you've lost keys car your keys while running errands or shopping, return and review each place you stopped. Did you place them on the counter? You may have knocked them loose after you took something from your bag. Try to remember exactly the location you were when you saw them.
Take a look around. You might have tucked them away in a pocket of your jacket or in a bag you carried. Look in places that you wouldn't normally think to look, such as the pockets of clothes worn by others or under the couch cushion.
If you still can't find your car keys, consider getting help from someone. Ask your friends to see whether they've seen them, or better yet, call locksmith. You do not want to end up paying for a second key or worse, have your car stolen. A professional can help you return your keys quickly and efficiently. It's also an excellent idea to keep an extra car key, so make sure you keep it in a secure location.
