Why Lost Car Key Might Be Your Next Big Obsession
How to Recover a Lost Car Key
The loss of your car key could be a very stressful experience. It is important to remain calm and try to keep in mind that losing your car keys is not an issue.
In contrast to traditional keys that simply opened doors and switched the ignition modern keys come with smart technology. It's crucial to know what to do in the event that you lose your key to ensure that you don't need to shell out a large amount to replace it.
Retract your Steps
The loss of a car key can be a major headache for anyone who drives. There are fortunately, a variety of options to recover your keys.
The first thing you should do is retrace your steps. It may sound simple, but it can be very effective in finding your lost keys. You might have lost keys in a hurry, and forgotten about them. You can go back to remember where you were the last time you observed them. Also, you should check any places you've been recently, even if you do not normally keep your keys in a safe place. It's possible that your keys have fallen out of a pocket or bag and are buried somewhere that you didn't think of.
Trackers are a great method of locating your lost keys. This device is small and can be attached to your keys. You can then use an app to find them. This is only possible if the keys have an electronic component, like a remote key fob.
Contacting a local locksmith is the next step if you don't own a tracking device, or are unable to locate your keys. They can assist you in creating a new key, and reprogram it for your vehicle's anti-theft system. However this service is usually expensive and can cost you a few hundred dollars.
Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, you could be required to take a towed vehicle to the dealer to get replacement keys. It is best to have a spare key available and take preventative measures to avoid losing keys in the first place.
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. But if you start screaming at yourself, it will make it harder to locate them. If you can't find your keys within an acceptable amount of time, it might be time to call a locksmith or visit the dealership. Regardless of what you do, make sure to inform your insurance provider about the incident so they can assist in the event of damage to your vehicle in the future.
Check Your Hiding Spots
It's crucial to pick a place where passersby won't be aware of your spare key. You'll make yourself vulnerable to theft if you don't. A plant pot or flower box is the usual place in which people store their keys, but this can be a big mistake. If a burglar gets the keys, he may also discover valuables such as your wallet.
A popular hiding spot is behind the front door. However, this can be difficult to gain access to in the event that you are locked out. You can purchase locks that are attached to the inside of your door and appear like a standard lock, but they are typically quite costly. A less expensive option is to hide the key under a door mat, or in the grass. Some people also make fake rocks that appear ordinary but have a hidden compartment for the key.
The key is often kept in the car, however, this can be risky. Thieves are aware of this technique, and they may also be able to access the gas cap by removing it from the outside. If you're concerned about this, think about purchasing an magnetic key holder that attaches to the underside of your vehicle. It resembles a license plate but is designed to conceal the spare key.
Garages are another great hiding place for the key, especially if have a detached one. A key that is tucked in a nook in the side of the garage door will remain out of sight and reach unless you have an extension ladder.
Vinyl siding can also be an excellent hiding spot, as there are often small gaps that you can slide the key. Attach a fishing line to the key, and slide it into the split until only the smallest amount of it is visible. This will stop the key from sliding when you accidentally bump into it while searching for it.
You can also place the spare key to the end of an erect tree branch if have a lot of trees on your property. This is a great idea when you reside in a rural area with plenty of tree coverage because most people don't consider checking this location for keys.
Try Turning the Car On
In the past the loss of your car key was not a huge issue. A locksmith was available to help, and the price was typically about $20. However, today automobiles are becoming more and more technologically advanced, which can make them more expensive to replace should you break one.
A special computer chip is required to start the engine in a new vehicle. It communicates with the ECU. Without this, the car won't turn on. This is why it's important to make sure you have the right key for your car.
If you have an older style traditional key, you may be able to find it in the lock, and then start your car. If this does not work, it might be time to contact an locksmith or your auto dealership to have a replacement key made.
Another option is starting the car using a spare key. This is a good option for the majority of new manual cars, as they come with a spare key. This option is more risky and will depend on your car, but it may work.
This method requires a bit of technical expertise and tools. It also involves disassembling a part of the engine and isn't advisable for all. It's best to leave it to a professional to take care of this kind of work as you'll be ignoring many of the safety features in the car.
A backup car key is always an ideal option in the event you lose the original. You can buy a traditional key, however the smart key or transponder is also available. These keys are more expensive and will require a visit to the dealer in order to purchase the new key.
Review your day
It's all too common It happens to everyone: You lose your car keys. It's among the most frustrating things you could do because it instantly ruins your day. You're going be late for work, and your errands aren't going to be completed. Even worse, you could be required to pay to replace the key fob in case you're renting the car. But, it doesn't need to be this way. Follow these simple tips to avoid the loss of your keys from ruining your day.
Do not be afraid to start panicking. Relax and take deep breaths to relax and help you think clearly. It's important to write down the places you've been to so you can go back and determine what happened to your keys.
If you are unable to remember where you put them take a walk to your day. If you lost your keys while running around or shopping, return and look over each visit. Did you put them down on some counter? Maybe Recommended Browsing were picking something out of your bag when they were accidentally tossed around. Try to remember exactly where you were when you saw them.
After you've gone back through your day, make sure you look everywhere else. You might have left them in a pocket inside the jacket you were wearing or inside the bag you carried with you. Check places you would not typically think about, such as the pockets of clothes worn by other people or under a couch cushion.
If you're unable to locate your car keys, call someone to help. Ask your friends if they've ever seen them, or better yet contact an expert locksmith for assistance. The most important thing you don't want to do is end up paying for a replacement key or even more traumatically, having your car stolen. A professional can help you locate your keys quickly and efficiently. It's also a good idea for you to have an extra car key so be sure to keep it in a secure place.