How to Recover a Lost Car Key
The loss of your car keys can be a very stressful experience. However, you must keep your cool and remember that losing your keys doesn't have to be a huge deal.
Instead of traditional keys that opened doors and switched the ignition, modern key fobs also feature advanced technology. It's important to be aware of what to do if you lose your key to ensure that you don't need to pay a costly fee for replacement.
Retract your steps
Lost car keys can be a nightmare for any driver. Thankfully, there are several options to recover your keys.
It is best to first retrace your steps. This simple method can be very helpful in locating keys that have been lost. You may have dropped keys in a hurry, and forgotten about them. It's helpful to trace your steps back so that you remember where you were when you last saw them. It's also an excellent idea to look over any places you've been to recently, even if they aren't the usual places to store your keys. It's possible that your keys have fallen out of a purse or bag and are in a place you would not think of.
Another way to locate your lost keys is by using a tracker. This device is small, and it can be attached to keys. Then, you can utilize an app to locate them. This is only possible if your keys have an electronic component, such as a remote key fob.
If you don't have a tracker or are unable to locate your keys, your next step is to contact a local automotive locksmith. They can assist you in creating a new key and reprogram it to your vehicle's immobilizer system. However, this service is typically expensive and could cost a few hundred dollars.
You might need to take your vehicle to a dealership to retrieve keys that were lost. It's a good idea to keep a spare set of keys in your possession and take preventative measures to ensure you don't lose your keys in the first instance.
When you lose your keys The most important thing is to remain 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 even more difficult to find them. If you're unable to locate your keys in a reasonable time frame it could be the right time to contact a locksmith or go to the dealership. Whatever you decide to do, be sure to inform your insurance company so they can assist if something happens to your vehicle in the future.
Make sure you are aware of your hide spots
It is crucial to choose the location where passers-by won't be aware of your spare key. Otherwise, you're making yourself an easy target for thieves. Many people store their extra keys in plants or in a flower pot, but this is a mistake. If a burglar discovers your keys, they might also discover your wallet and other valuables.
Another favorite place to hide is behind the door, however this can be tricky to gain access to if you're locked out. Special locks that resemble regular locks and are attached to the inside your door are available, but they can be costly. A cheaper alternative is to put the key in the door mat or in the grass. Some people employ fake rocks with a compartment hidden within the rocks.
It is not unusual to keep the key in the car. However, this could be dangerous. This technique is well-known to thieves, who may be able open the gas cap on the outside. If you're concerned about this, consider getting an magnetic key holder that is attached to the underneath of your vehicle. It looks like the license plate but is designed to hide the spare key.
Your garage is another good place to hide your key, especially if have a detached one. If you do not have a ladder, keys hidden in a corner on the side of your garage will be out of sight.
Vinyl siding can also be a great hiding spot, because there are often slight splits that you can slip the key through. Just make sure to tie a piece of clear fishing line to the key and then slide it into the siding until just a tiny amount is visible. This will stop the key from slipping out in case you accidentally hit it while looking for it.
If you have a lot of trees on your property, you could also try nailing the spare key to the bottom of one of the branches. This is a great idea when you live in a rural area with a lot of trees, since most people won't think of checking this area for keys.
Try Turning the Car On
In the past, losing your car key was not a major issue. You could call a locksmith to help out and it was usually only $20 or so. Today, however automobiles are becoming increasingly technologically advanced, which could make them more expensive to replace should you break one.
In order 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.
You may be able start your car using an older style traditional key. If this doesn't work, it may be time to contact a locksmith or call your car dealer to have a new key made.
You could also try to start the car with an extra key. Many new manual vehicles come with spare keys key, and this is the best option. This option is more risky and will depend on your car, but it might work.
This process also requires technical know-how and an arsenal of tools. It also involves disassembling an engine component and isn't recommended for anyone. This kind of work should be left to a professional, especially since you'll be ignoring many safety features in the car.
It's always a good idea to have a backup car key in the event that you lose one. You can buy a traditional key, but the smart key or transponder is also available. These are more expensive to replace and will require a trip to the dealership for a new one that's connected electronically to your car.
Walk Back Through Your Day
Everyone has experienced this when you lose your car keys. It's the most frustrating thing you can do because it can make your day miserable. You're going to be late for work and your errands aren't getting done. Even no title , you could be required to pay to replace the key fob in case you're renting a car. It doesn't need to be like this. Follow these simple tips to prevent the loss of your keys from ruining your day.
First of all, don't panic. Breathing deeply can help you calm down and think clearly. You can also record your location so that you can go back to find out where you left your keys.
If you're unable to remember where you placed them, walk back throughout your day. If you lost them when you were out running errands to each stop and reflect on the things you were doing. Did you place them on a counter? Maybe you were picking something from your bag and they got knocked loose. Make sure you remember exactly where you observed them.
Check everywhere else. You might have left them in the pocket of the jacket you wore or inside the bag you carried with you. Check places you would not normally think of looking for them, like the pockets of clothes worn by other people or under the couch cushion.
If you can't locate your car keys, call someone for help. Ask your friends if they have seen keys, or better yet, call locksmith. The last thing you want to do is paying for a replacement key, or worse, having your vehicle stolen. An expert can assist you to return your keys quickly and efficiently. It is also recommended to have a spare key. Keep it in a safe place.