7 Tips To Make The Most Of Your Lost Car Key
How to Recover a Lost Car Key
Losing your car keys can be a stressful and Lost car keys price stressful experience. But, it is important to keep your cool and keep in mind that losing your keys doesn't have to be a huge deal.
Modern key fobs are also smarter than traditional keys that only 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 high replacement cost.
Retract your Steps
A replacing lost car key car key is a nightmare scenario for any driver. Thankfully, there are several ways to retrieve your keys.
The first thing you need to do is retrace your steps. This simple technique can be extremely helpful in finding lost keys. You may have dropped keys in a hurry, and then forgotten about them. You can retrace your steps to recall where you were last time you observed them. It's also an excellent idea to look over any areas you have visited recently even if they're not the usual places to keep your keys. It's quite possible that your keys fell out of a pocket or bag, and are hiding in a location you would not think of.
Trackers are another excellent method of locating your keys that are lost. This device is small, and it attaches to the keys. Then you can make use of an app to locate them. This is only possible in the event that you have electronic components inside your keys, such as a remote key fob.
Contacting a locksmith in your area is the next step if you don't have a tracker device, or if you cannot locate your keys. They'll be able to assist you in creating a brand new key and reprogram it to the immobilizer system of your vehicle. This service is costly and can cost hundreds of dollars.
Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, you could need to be towed to the dealer to get your keys replaced. It's best to have a spare key available and take preventative measures to stop losing them in the first place.
When you lose your keys the most important thing to do is remain calm. If you are unable to locate your keys, it's easy to panic. But if you start screaming at yourself, it will make it even harder to locate them. If you're unable to locate your keys within a reasonable time frame then it's probably the right time to call a locksmith or visit the dealership. Whatever you do, make sure to inform your insurance company about the incident, so they can assist if something happens to your car in the future.
Check Your Hiding Spots
It's important that you choose an area where people aren't able to see your spare key. Otherwise, you'll be an easy target for thieves. A plant pot or a flower box is the standard location in which people store their keys, but this could be a huge mistake. If a burglar finds your keys, they could also discover your wallet and other valuables.
A popular hideaway is behind the front door. However, it can be difficult to access when locked out. Locks that resemble normal locks and attach to the inside of your door are available, but they can be quite expensive. You can conceal the key in the grass or under a mat. Some people also use fake rocks that look like normal but have a hidden compartment for the key.
It is not unusual to keep the key in the car. However, this can be risky. This trick is well-known to thieves, who may be able open the gas cap on the outside. If you are worried about this, you should purchase an electronic key holder that you can connect to the underside of your vehicle. It looks like an actual license plate, but it's designed to hide the spare key.
You can also conceal the key in your garage, particularly in the event that it is not connected. A key that is tucked in a recess on the side of your garage door will stay out of sight and reach unless you have an extension ladder.
Vinyl siding can also be a good hiding place because there are usually small splits where you can slide the key. Connect a piece of fishing line to the key, and then 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 nail the spare key at the end of a tree branch if you have many trees on your property. This is a great idea for those who live in a rural area with plenty of tree coverage as most people don't think to check this place to find your keys.
Try turning the car on
In the past the loss of your car keys was not a big deal. A locksmith was available to help and the cost was typically about $20. Today, cars are becoming more and more advanced in terms of technology and are more expensive to replace.
A specific computer chip is needed to turn on an engine in a new vehicle. It communicates with the ECU. The car won't start without this chip. This is why it's crucial to ensure you have the proper key for your vehicle.
If you have an older model traditional key, you may be able find it in the lock, and then start the vehicle. If this doesn't work, you may need to contact a locksmith to create a new key or call your car dealership.
Another option is starting the car using an extra key. A lot of new manual vehicles come with spare keys, so this may be your best option. This is a little more risky and it will depend on the specific vehicle you drive however, it is a possibility.
This process also requires technical know-how and an arsenal of tools. It also involves removing a part of the engine and isn't advisable for everyone. This type of work is best left to a professional especially since you'll be ignoring many safety features in the car.
It's always recommended to have a backup car key in case you lose one. You can purchase an old-fashioned key, but the smart key or transponder is also available. They're more expensive to replace and require a trip to the dealership for a new key that's been electronically paired with your vehicle.
Walk Back Through Your Day
Everyone has had this experience: you lose your car keys. It's one of the most frustrating things you could do because it can completely ruin your day. You're going be late for work, and your chores won't get done. Even worse, you could be required to pay to replace the key fob if you're renting a car. But, it doesn't need to be this way. You can avoid losing your keys and ruining your day if adhere to these easy tips.
First first, don't get stressed. Relaxing will aid in calming down and clear your mind. You can also write down your location so you can go back to find out where you left your keys.
If you're unable to remember the exact location you left them Begin by retracing your day. If you've Lost car keys price your keys while doing out for errands or shopping, return and review each stop. Did you put them on a counter? Perhaps you were grabbing something out of your bag and they were lost. Try to recall exactly the location you were when you saw them.
Once you've completed your day, make sure you look everywhere else. You may have put them in the pocket inside the jacket you were wearing or inside bags you brought with you. Make sure to search in places you wouldn't typically think of, like pockets on other people's clothing or underneath cushions on your sofa.
If you are unable to find your car keys, you can call someone for assistance. Ask your friends if they have seen them, or even better call a locksmith. You do not want to end up paying for a new key or, even more importantly, have your car stolen. An expert can help get your keys quickly and efficiently. It is also recommended to have an extra key. Keep it in a safe location.