Why Lost Car Key Could Be More Dangerous Than You Realized
How to Recover a Lost Car Key
Losing your car keys could be a stressful and stressful experience. But you should try to keep your cool and be aware that losing your keys don't have to be a huge issue.
Instead of traditional keys that opened doors and switched the ignition, modern key fobs also feature advanced technology. It is important to know what to do in the event that you lose your key to avoid paying a high replacement fee.
Retract your steps
The loss of a car key is a nightmare scenario for any driver. There are several options to get your keys back.
The first thing you should do is retrace your steps. This simple technique can be very useful in locating keys that have been lost. It's possible that you tossed keys in a hurry and then forgot about them. You can go back to recall 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 there. It's entirely possible that your keys fell out of a pocket or bag, and are hiding somewhere you wouldn't think of.
Trackers are another excellent method to locate lost keys. It is small and it is attached to the keys. Then, you can use an app to find them. This is only possible in the event that you have electronic components within your keys, like a remote key fob.
Contacting a locksmith near you is the next step in case you don't have a tracking device, or are unable to locate your keys. They can assist you in creating a brand new key and reprogram it for your vehicle's immobilizer system. However the process is generally expensive and can cost a few hundred dollars.
Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, you could need to be towed to the dealership in order to get your keys replaced. It's best to have an extra key in your possession and make sure you take preventative measures to avoid losing them in the first place.
If you lose your keys the most important thing to do is stay calm. It's easy to get anxious when you are unable to locate your keys, but it will be much harder to find them if you start yelling at yourself. If you can't find your keys in an acceptable amount of time, it might be time to call a locksmith or visit the dealership. Whatever you do, be sure to inform your insurance company about the incident, so they can assist if something happens to your vehicle in the future.
Make sure you are aware of your hide spots
If you are planning to hide your spare key it is important to pick a spot that isn't obvious for passers-by. Otherwise, you'll be an easy target for thieves. Many people store their extra keys in the form of a planter or flower pot however this is not a good idea. If a burglar discovers the keys, they could also discover valuables such as your wallet.
lost keys for my car to hide 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 door's interior and look similar to a regular lock, however they are usually quite expensive. You can hide the key in 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 store the key in the car. However, this could be risky. This trick is well-known to thieves, who may be able to open the gas cap that is on the outside. If you're worried about this, you should consider purchasing an electronic key holder that can be attached to the underneath of your vehicle. It looks like a license plate but is designed to conceal the spare key.
You can also put 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 reach and inaccessible unless you have a ladder.
Vinyl siding can also be an ideal hiding spot because there are sometimes tiny splits that you can slip the key through. Tie a piece of fishing line to the key and slide it into the split until a small amount is visible. This will stop the key from sliding if you accidentally run into it while looking for it.
If you have a lot of trees on your property, you can also try nailing your spare key to the bottom of the branch. If you live in an area with a lot of trees this is a great option. Most people won't even consider looking for keys.
Try Turning the Car On
Not too long ago, losing your car keys wasn't a big deal. You could contact an locksmith to help out, and it cost just $20 or so. However, today, cars are getting increasingly technologically advanced, which can make them more expensive to replace should you break one.
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. It is essential to have the correct key.
It is possible to start your car using an older style traditional key. If this doesn't work, it may be time to contact an locksmith or your car dealer to have a replacement key made.
You could also try to start the car with an extra key. This is a good option for a lot of new cars that are manual, as they come with a spare key. This is a bit riskier and it will depend on the specific vehicle you drive but it could work.
This technique also requires technical know-how and an arsenal of tools. It involves removing an engine component and isn't recommended for everyone. It's better to leave it to a professional to take care of this kind of work particularly since you'll bypass a lot of the safety features inside the vehicle.
It's always a good idea to have a spare car key in case you lose one. You can get an old-fashioned key, but a smart key or transponder is also available. These keys are more expensive and require a visit to the dealer to purchase an updated one.
Take a look back at your day
It's been seen by everyone It happens to everyone: You lose your car keys. It's among the most frustrating things you could do because it can completely ruin your day. You're going to be late for work and your chores aren't being completed. You may even need to pay to replace your key fob when renting a vehicle. However, it doesn't have to be this way. Follow these simple tips to prevent losing your keys and ruining your day.
First foremost, don't be anxious. Take deep breaths to relax and help you focus. You can also record your location so that you can return to find out where you left your keys.
If you cannot remember where you put them go back to 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 the counter? You may have knocked them loose while grabbing something from your bag. Try to recall exactly the location you observed them.
Check everywhere else. You might have left them in a pocket inside the jacket you were wearing or inside bags you brought with you. Look in places that you wouldn't typically think about for them, like the pockets of clothing worn by other people or under the couch cushion.
If you're still unable to locate your car keys, you might consider getting help from someone. Ask your friends to see if they have seen them, or better yet, call a locksmith. You don't want to be paying for a new key or, even more importantly, have your vehicle stolen. An expert can assist you to get your keys back quickly and efficiently. It's also an excellent idea to have an extra car key so make sure you keep it in a secure place.
