Why Lost Car Key Is Everywhere This Year
How to Recover a Lost Car Key
The loss of your car key could be an incredibly stressful situation. It is important to remain calm and remember that losing your car keys aren't a big deal.
Modern key fobs are also smarter than the traditional keys, which opened doors and then turned on the ignition. You need to know what you should do in the event that you lose your keys to avoid paying a large replacement cost.
Retract Your Steps
Lost car keys can be a nightmare for anyone who drives. There are fortunately, a variety of ways to retrieve your keys.
It is best to first retrace your steps. It may sound simple, but it can be extremely effective in locating the keys you lost. It's possible that you put keys in a hurry and then forgot 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 recommended to go through any areas you have been to recently, even if they aren't places where you typically keep your keys. It's possible that your keys have fallen out of a purse or bag and are hidden somewhere that you didn't think of.
Another method to locate keys that are lost is using the tracker. lost car key replacement is small and attached to your keys. Then, you can use an app to find them. This is only possible if your keys are equipped with electronic components, such as remote key fobs.
Contacting a locksmith in your area is the next step in case you don't own a tracking device, or are unable to locate your keys. They'll be able to assist you in creating a brand new key and reprogram the key to the immobilizer system of your vehicle. This can be costly and could cost you several hundred dollars.
Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, you may be required to take a towed vehicle to a dealership to get your keys replaced. It is a good idea to keep a spare set keys in your car and take preventative measures to avoid losing your keys in the first instance.
The most important thing to keep in mind when you lose your car keys is to remain calm. If you are unable to find your keys, it's easy to panic. If you begin screaming at yourself, it will make it much harder to locate them. If you haven't found your keys in an acceptable amount of time, it could be time to contact a locksmith or go to the dealership. Whatever you do, make sure to inform your insurance company about the incident, so they can help if anything happens to your vehicle in the future.
Make sure you are aware of your hide spots
It's important that you choose the location where passers-by will not be in a position to see your spare key. Otherwise, you're making yourself an easy target for thieves. A plant pot or flower box is the standard location where people store their extra keys, but this is a major mistake. If a burglar gets the keys, he may also find valuables, such as your wallet.
A popular place to hide is behind the front door. However, this could be difficult to access when locked out. You can buy special locks that are attached to the door's inside and look like a normal lock, but these tend to be quite expensive. You can hide the key in the grass or under a mat. Some people make fake rocks with a compartment hidden inside them.
The key is also often stored in the car, however this is an unwise choice. This technique is well-known to thieves, who might be able to open the gas cap on the outside. If you're worried about this, consider getting an electronic key holder that attaches to the underneath of your vehicle. It looks like a license plate but is designed to conceal the spare key.
Garages are another great place to hide your key, especially if you have a detached one. A key that is hidden into a corner on the side of your garage door will remain out of reach and inaccessible unless you have a ladder.
Vinyl siding is also a great hiding spot, because there are sometimes tiny gaps that you can slide the key into. Be sure to secure a clear fishing line to the key and then slide it in until only small amounts of it are visible. This will stop the key from sliding out if you accidentally bump it while searching for it.
You can also nail the spare key at the base 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 option. Many people don't consider looking to find your keys.
Try turning off the car.
Until recently the loss of your car key was not a huge issue. You could call a locksmith to help out, and the cost was usually only $20 or so. However, today, cars are getting more and more technologically advanced, which can make them more expensive to replace if you break one.
In order to start the engine in a modern automobile there is a computer chip that communicates with the vehicle's ECU. The car won't start without this chip. It is essential to have the correct key.
You may be able start your car with an older, traditional style key. If this does not work, it might be time to call a locksmith or contact your auto dealership to have an alternative key made.
You can also start the car using an extra key. This is the best option for a lot of new manual vehicles, since they have spare keys. This is a riskier option and will depend on your vehicle, but it could work.
This process also requires technical know-how and an arsenal of tools. It also involves removing parts of the engine and isn't suitable for all. This type of work should be left to a professional, especially because you'll be bypassing many safety features of the vehicle.
A backup car key is always an excellent idea in the event that you misplace the original. The most affordable alternative is to get an old-fashioned key made, but you can also get a transponder or smart key. These keys are more expensive and require a trip to the dealer to purchase the new key.
Walk Back Through Your Day
Everyone has experienced this You lose your car keys. It's one of the most stressful things you can do because it can ruin your day. You're going to be late for work and your chores aren't getting done. You may even be required to replace the key fob in case you rent a vehicle. But, it doesn't have to be this way. Follow these simple steps to prevent losing your keys ruining your day.
Do not panic first. Taking deep breaths will allow you to relax and think clearly. It's an excellent idea to note where you've been so you can revisit the place and figure out the reason why your keys disappeared.
If you can't remember where you put them, start by walking back through your day. If you've lost your keys while running errands or shopping, return and review each visit. Did you place them on a counter? You may have knocked them loose when you grabbed something from your bag. Make sure you remember exactly where you last observed them.
After you've gone back through your day, look everywhere else. You may have put them in a pocket inside the jacket you wore or inside bags you brought with you. Be sure to look in places you'd never think of, such as pockets in other people's clothing or beneath cushions on your sofa.
If you're still unable to locate your car keys, consider getting help from someone. Ask your friends to see whether they've seen them, or even better, call a locksmith. You don't want to be paying for a second key or worse, have your vehicle stolen. An expert can assist you to get your keys back quickly and efficiently. You should also have a spare key. Keep it in a safe place.
