How to Recover a Lost Car Key The loss of your car keys can be a very stressful experience. You should remain calm and try to remember that losing your car keys isn't a big deal. Modern key fobs are also smarter than the traditional keys that only opened doors and turned on the ignition. You should know what to do in the event you lose yours to avoid paying a costly replacement fee. Retract your steps The loss of a car key is a nightmare scenario for any driver. There are a few ways to retrieve your keys. You should first retrace all your steps. It may sound easy however it can be very effective in finding your keys that you've lost. It is possible that you dropped keys in a hurry and forgot about them. You can trace your steps to remember where you were the last time you were able to see them. It's also an excellent idea to look over any places you've been to recently, even if they aren't places you normally keep your keys. It's entirely possible that your keys got tossed out of a pocket or bag, and are hiding in a place you didn't expect. Trackers are another great method of locating your keys that have gone missing. The device is small, and it attaches to the keys. You can then use an app to find them. This is only possible when you have electronic components in your keys, for example a remote key fob. If you don't have a tracker or are unable to locate your keys, your next step is to contact an auto locksmith in your area. They can assist you with the creation of an original key and reprogram it for the anti-theft system in your vehicle. This service is costly and can cost hundreds of dollars. You may need to take your vehicle to a dealer in order to replace lost keys. It's a good idea to keep a spare set keys on hand, and to 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 stay calm. It's easy to get stressed when you can't find your keys, but it will be much harder to find them if you begin shouting at yourself. If you can't find your keys in an acceptable amount of time, it might be time to contact a locksmith or go to the dealership. Regardless of what you do, make sure to inform your insurance provider about the incident so that they can assist if something happens to your car in the future. Check Your Hide Spots If you are planning to place your spare key in a safe place, it's important to choose an area that isn't easily visible for passers-by. You'll become an easy target for thieves in the event that you don't. A plant pot or flower box is the typical place where many people keep their extra keys, but this could be a huge mistake. If a burglar finds your keys, they may also discover your wallet and other valuables. A popular hideaway is behind the front door. However, this can be difficult to gain access to if locked out. Locks that resemble normal locks and fit to the door's interior are available, however they can be expensive. An alternative that is less expensive is to hide the key under a door mat, or in the grass. Some people also use fake rocks that look ordinary but have a hidden compartment for the key. The key is often kept in the car, however this is risky. This technique is well-known to thieves, who might be able to open the gas cap on the outside. If you're concerned about this, consider getting a magnetic key holder that attaches to the underneath of your vehicle. It's similar to a license plate frame but is designed to keep the spare key in a concealed secret location. The garage is a good location to hide the key, especially if have a detached garage. If you don't have a ladder, keys hidden in a nook on the side of your garage will be out of view. Vinyl siding also makes for a great hiding spot, since there are sometimes slight splits that you can slide the key through. Tie a piece of fishing line to the key and then slide it into the split until only a small amount is visible. This will stop the key from slipping out if you accidentally bump it while looking for it. If you have a lot of trees on your property, you can also try nailing the spare key to the end of the branch. This is a great idea when you live in a rural area with a lot of trees as most people don't consider checking this location for your keys. Try turning the car on Not long ago when you lost your car keys was no big issue. You could contact an locksmith to help out, and the cost was usually around $20. But today, cars are getting more and more technologically advanced, which can make them more expensive to replace should you do lose one. A special computer chip is needed to start the engine in a new car. It communicates with the ECU. The car won't start without this chip. It is essential 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 vehicle. If this does not work, it might be time to call an locksmith or your auto dealership to have an alternative key made. Another option is starting the car with an extra key. This is a good option for many new manual cars, as they come with a spare key. This is a riskier option and will depend on your car, but it may be successful. lost car keys requires some technical know-how and tools. It involves removing parts of the engine and isn't recommended for all. It's better to let a professional take care of this type of job particularly since you'll bypass some of the safety features inside the car. A backup car key is always a good idea in case you misplace the original. The cheapest alternative is to have an old-fashioned key made, however you can also buy a transponder or smart key. These keys are more expensive and will require a visit to the dealer to get the new key. Review your day It's all too common: You lose your car keys. It's the most annoying thing you can do, because it can make your day miserable. You're going to be late to work and your errands aren't getting completed. You may even be required to replace the key fob in case you rent the vehicle. However, it doesn't have to be this way. You can stop the loss of your keys from ruining your day if follow these simple steps. First of all, don't panic. Take deep breaths to relax and help you focus. You can also note your location to return to find out where you left your keys. If you aren't able to remember where you put them down, start by walking through your day. If you've lost them while you were running errands, return to each stop and reflect on the things you were doing. Did you place them on a counter somewhere? Perhaps lost car keys were grabbing something from your bag and they got knocked loose. Make sure you remember exactly the location you observed them. Once you've completed your day, check everywhere else. You may have left them in a pocket of your jacket or a bag you carried. Check places you would not normally think to look for items, such as the pockets of clothing worn by others or under cushions on couches. If you can't locate your car keys, contact someone to help. Ask your friends whether they've seen them, or better yet contact a locksmith. The most important thing you don't want to do is end up paying for a replacement key, or worse, having your car stolen. A professional can help you get your keys back quickly and efficiently. You should also have an extra key. Keep it in a secure place.
lost car keys|lost car keys
