8 Tips To Improve Your Lost Car Key Game
How to Recover a Lost Car Key
Losing your car key can be a very stressful experience. But you should try to remain calm and keep in mind that losing your keys does not need to be a big deal.
Modern key fobs are also more sophisticated than traditional keys that only opened doors and then turned on the ignition. You should know what to do in the event that you lose your keys to avoid paying a large replacement fee.
Retract Your Steps
A lost car key is an unimaginable scenario for any driver. There are several options to get your keys back.
The first thing you need to do is retrace your steps. This simple trick can be extremely helpful in locating keys lost. You might have dropped keys in a hurry, and forgot about them. You can go back to remember where you were last time you observed them. Also, you should check any locations you've been to recently even if you do not normally keep your keys in a safe place. It's entirely possible that your keys got tossed out of a pocket or bag and are buried in a place you didn't expect.
Another way to locate your lost keys is by using a tracker. The device is small and attaches to your keys. You can then use an application to locate the keys. This is only possible if your keys are equipped with an electronic component, such as a remote key fob.
If you do not have a tracking device or are unable to locate your keys, the next step is to call a local automotive locksmith. They can help you make an original key and then reprogram it to your vehicle's anti-theft system. However the process is generally expensive and could cost a few hundred dollars.
You might need to have your car towed to a dealer in order to retrieve keys that were lost. It is a good idea to keep a spare set of keys in your possession and take preventative steps to ensure you don't lose your keys in the first place.
The most important thing to remember when you lose your car keys is to remain calm. If you're unable to find your keys, it's easy to panic. If you begin screaming at yourself, you'll make it more difficult to find them. If you've not found your keys within an acceptable amount of time, it could be time to contact a locksmith or head to the dealership. No matter what you decide to do, make sure to tell your insurance company so they can assist if something happens to your vehicle in the future.
Be aware of your hiding spots
If you want to keep your spare keys hidden, it's important to choose an area that isn't easily visible to passers-by. If you don't, you're creating an easy target for thieves. A flower pot or plant box is the typical place where people store their extra keys, but this could be a huge mistake. If a burglar gets your keys, they may also find your wallet and other valuables.
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 look like regular locks and are attached to the door's interior are available, however they can be expensive. A cheaper alternative is to hide the key beneath the door mat or in the grass. Some people also make fake rocks that appear like normal but have a hidden compartment for the key.
It is not unusual to store the key in the car. However, this could be dangerous. This trick is well-known to thieves, who may be able to open the gas cap on the outside. If you are worried about this, get an magnetic key holder to be able to attach to the underside of your vehicle. It resembles an actual license plate, but it's designed to conceal the spare key.
You can also conceal the key in your garage, particularly when it's not attached. A key that is hidden in a recess on the side of your garage door will remain out of sight and reach unless you have an access ladder.
Vinyl siding can also be a great hiding spot, because there are often slight splits that you can slip the key through. Attach a 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 sliding in case you accidentally bump into it while looking for it.
You can also nail the spare key to the top of the tree's branch if you have many trees on your property. If you live in an area with lots of trees, this is a great alternative. Many people don't consider looking for your keys.
Try turning the car on
Up until recently the loss of your car keys was not a big deal. A locksmith could be called to assist and the cost was typically around $20. Today, however, cars are getting more and more technologically advanced, which can make them more expensive to replace if you break one.
A specific computer chip is required to turn on an engine in a new car. It communicates with the ECU. The car will not start without this chip. It is essential to have the correct key.
It is possible to start your car using an older style traditional key. If this does not work, you may need to speak with a locksmith in order to create a new one or call your car dealership.
Another option is to try beginning the car using an extra key. A lot of new manual vehicles come with a spare key, so this could be your best bet. This is a bit riskier and will depend on the particular vehicle you are driving, but it can work.
This method requires a bit of technical knowledge and an arsenal of tools. This method involves removing the engine and is not recommended for anyone. It's best to have a professional handle the task of this type of work particularly since you'll be bypassing a lot of the safety features inside the vehicle.
It's always recommended to have a backup car key in the event that you lose one. The cheapest alternative is to have traditional keys made, however you can also buy an electronic transponder or smart key. They are more expensive to replace and will require a trip to the dealership for a new key that's connected electronically to your vehicle.
Walk Back Through Your Day
Everyone has had this experience when you lose your car keys. It's one of the most annoying things you can do since it instantly ruins your day. You'll be late for work and your errands aren't being completed. You may even need to pay to replace your key fob when you rent vehicles. But, it doesn't need to be this way. Follow these simple steps to avoid the loss of your keys from ruining your day.
First of all, don't panic. Take a deep breath to calm yourself and help you think clearly. You can also note your location so that you can go back to find out where you left your keys.
If you aren't able to remember the exact location you left them Begin by walking back through your day. If you've lost your keys while running out for errands or shopping, go back and look over each visit. Did you put them on a counter? You might have knocked them loose when you grabbed something from your bag. Try to remember exactly where you last observed them.
After you've gone back through your day, check everywhere else. You may have put them in a pocket inside the jacket you were wearing or in the bag you carried with you. Check lost keys for car no spare would not normally think of looking for them, like the pockets of clothing worn by others or under the couch cushion.
If you still can't find your car keys, think about getting help from someone. Ask your friends if they've seen keys or, even better contact a professional locksmith for assistance. You do not want to end up paying for an extra key, or worse, having 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 location.