How to Recover a Lost Car Key
Losing your car keys can be a stressful experience. You should remain calm and keep in mind that losing your car keys isn't a big deal.
In contrast to traditional keys that simply opened doors and switched the ignition modern keys have sophisticated technology. It's crucial to know what to do in the event that you lose your key so that you don't have to pay a high cost for a replacement.
Retract Your Steps
Lost car keys can be a major headache for anyone who drives. There are several options to recover your keys.
It is best to first retrace your steps. It may sound simple, but it can be extremely effective in locating your lost keys. It's possible that you put them in a flurry and then forgot about them. Retracing your steps will help you remember where you were when you last saw them. You should also look for places you've visited recently, even if you do not normally keep your keys in there. It's possible that your keys have fallen out of a bag or pocket and are buried somewhere you wouldn't expect.
Another way to locate keys that are lost is using the tracker. 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 your keys have electronic components, such as remote key fobs.
Contacting a local locksmith is the next step in case you don't have a tracking device, or if you cannot locate your keys. They will be able to assist you in creating a new key and reprogram it to the immobilizer system of your vehicle. This service can be expensive and can cost several hundred dollars.
You may need to take your vehicle to a dealer to retrieve keys that were lost. It's a good idea keep a spare set keys in your car, and to take preventative measures to ensure you don't lose your 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're unable to find your keys it's easy to get panicked. But if you start screaming at yourself, it will make it even more difficult to find them. If you can't find your keys within an acceptable amount of time it could be the right the right time to call an expert locksmith or visit the dealership. Whatever you decide to do, make sure you inform your insurance company that you're insured so they can help if something happens to your vehicle in the future.
Make sure you are aware of your hide spots
If you are planning to place your spare key in a safe place it is important to pick the location that's not obvious for people passing by. You'll become a target for thieves in the event that you don't. Many people store their spare keys in a flower pot or planter, but this is not a good idea. If a burglar finds the keys, they could also find valuables like your wallet.
A popular place to hide is behind the front door. However, this could be difficult to gain access to if locked out. Special locks that resemble normal locks and fit to the inside of your door are available, however they can be costly. It is possible to hide the key in the grass or under a mat. Some people make fake rocks that have a compartment in the rocks.
The key is also often kept in the car, however this is an unwise choice. Thieves are aware of this tactic, and they may also be able to open the gas cap from outside. If you're worried about this, you should consider purchasing an magnetic key holder that can be 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 secret location.
The garage is a good location to hide the key, especially if you have a detached garage. If you don't have a ladder, a key hidden in a corner in the side of your garage will be out of view.
Vinyl siding is also an excellent hiding place, because there are often slight gaps that you can slide the key into. Just make sure to tie a piece of fishing line to the key, and then slide it into the wall until only a tiny amount is visible. This will stop the key from falling out in case you accidentally hit it while searching for it.
If you have lots of trees on your property, you can also try nailing the spare key to the bottom of the branch. If you reside in an area that has lots of trees this is a great option. Most people won't even think to look here for keys.
Try turning the car on
Until recently the loss of your car keys was not a big deal. You could reach a locksmith to help out, and the cost was usually around $20. However, today automobiles are becoming more and more technologically advanced, which could make them more expensive to replace should you lose one.
In order to start the engine in a modern automobile there is a specific computer chip that communicates with the vehicle's ECU. The car won't start without this chip. It's vital to have the correct key.
If you have an older style traditional key, you may be able to locate it inside the lock and begin the car. If this does not work, you may have to contact a locksmith to make a new key or call your car dealership.
Another option is starting the car with a spare key. A lot of new manual vehicles come with a spare key, so this could be your best option. This is a little riskier and depends on the particular vehicle you are driving, but it can work.
This method requires some technical expertise and a toolbox. It involves removing a part of the engine and isn't advisable for all. This kind of work is best left to a professional especially since you'll be ignoring many safety features of the vehicle.
It's always recommended to have a backup car key in case you lose one. You can buy an old-fashioned key, but the smart key or transponder is also available. These are more expensive to replace and will require an excursion to the dealer for a new key that's connected electronically to your vehicle.
Review your day
It's all too common The car keys. It's the most frustrating thing you can do, as it can cause you to lose your day. You're going to be late to work and your errands aren't getting completed. www.g28carkeys.co.uk may even have to pay to replace the key fob in case you rent a vehicle. But, it doesn't need to be this way. You can stop the loss of your keys from damaging your day if you adhere to these easy tips.
Don't panic first. Relaxing will allow you to relax and clear your mind. You can also record your location so that you can go back to find out where you left your keys.
If you cannot remember where you placed them take a walk throughout your day. If you've lost your keys while running errands or shopping, return and look over each stop. Did you put them on a counter? You may have knocked them loose while grabbing something from your bag. Try to remember exactly where you last saw them.
You should also look elsewhere. You may have put them in a pocket inside the jacket you were wearing or in the bag you carried with you. Check places you would not typically think about, such as the pockets of clothes worn by others or under a couch cushion.
If you're still unable to locate your car keys, you might consider asking for help from someone. Ask your friends to see whether they've seen them, or better yet contact an locksmith. The last thing you want to do is end up having to pay for a replacement key or even worse, having your vehicle stolen. An expert can help get your keys quickly and efficiently. It is also recommended to have a spare key. Keep it in a secure place.