How to Recover a Lost Car Key
Losing your car key can be a very stressful experience. Be calm and try to keep in mind that losing your car keys is not an issue.
Modern key fobs are smarter than the traditional keys, which only opened doors and then turned on the ignition. You need to know what you should do if you lose your key to avoid paying a costly replacement fee.
Retract Your Steps
The loss of a car key could be a nightmare for anyone who drives. There are several ways to recover your keys.
The first thing you need to do is trace your steps. It may sound easy but it could be very effective in finding your keys that you've lost. It is possible that you dropped them down in a rush and then forgot about them. The process of retracing your steps can 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 in a place that you didn't think to.
Another way to locate keys that are lost is using a tracker. This device is small and can be attached to your keys. Then, you can use an application to locate them. This is only possible in the event that you have electronic components in your keys, such as remote key fobs.
Contacting a local locksmith is the next step if you don't have a tracker device, or can't find your keys. They can help you make an original key and then reprogram it to the anti-theft system in your vehicle. This can be costly and cost up to hundreds of dollars.
You might need to take your vehicle to a dealer to get keys replaced. It is best to have a spare key on hand and make sure you take preventative measures to avoid losing them in the first place.
When you lose your keys, the most important thing is to remain calm. When you can't find your keys it's easy to panic. However, if you begin screaming at yourself, you'll make it even harder to locate them. If you can't find your keys within an acceptable amount of time then it's probably time to call an expert locksmith or visit the dealership. Whatever you do, be sure to inform your insurance company about the incident so that they can assist in the event of damage to your car in the future.
Make sure you are aware of your hide spots
It is crucial to choose a place where passersby won't be aware of your spare key. If you don't, you're creating an easy target for thieves. A plant pot or a flower box is the typical place in which people store their spare keys, however this can be a big mistake. If a burglar gets the keys, they could also find valuables like your wallet.
A popular hiding spot is behind the front door. However, this could be difficult to access in the event that you are locked out. You can buy special locks that attach to the inside of your door and look similar to a regular lock, but they tend to be quite expensive. You can hide the key under a mat. Some people also use fake rocks that look normal, but conceal a compartment for the key.
It is not unusual to keep the key in the car. However, this could be risky. Thieves are aware of this tactic and may be able to open the gas cap from the outside. If you're concerned about this, think about purchasing a magnetic key holder that is attached to the underside of your vehicle. It looks similar to a license plate frame but is designed to keep the spare key in a discreet secret location.
The garage is a good place to hide your key, especially if have a detached one. If you do not have a ladder, a key hidden in a corner on the side of your garage is out of view.
Vinyl siding can also be an ideal hiding spot because there are sometimes tiny splits that you can slip the key through. Make sure you tie a clear fishing line to the key and then slide it into the wall until only small amounts of it are visible. This will prevent the key from falling out if you accidentally bump it while looking for it.
You can also nail the spare key at the top of the tree's branch if you have a lot of trees on your property. If you live in an area with many trees, this is a great option. Most people won't even consider looking to find your keys.
Try turning the car on
In the past the loss of your car keys was not a big deal. You could call a locksmith to help out and it was usually just $20 or so. However, today automobiles are becoming more and more technologically advanced, which can make them more expensive to replace should you do lose one.
A special computer chip is required to start the engine in a brand new car. It communicates with the ECU. The car will not start without this chip. This is why it's important to make sure you have the correct key for your vehicle.
You might be able to start your car with an older, traditional style key. If this does not work, it might be time to call a locksmith or contact your car dealer to have an alternative key made.
Another option is to try starting the car using a spare key. This is the best option for the majority of new manual vehicles, since they come with a spare key. This is a riskier option and will depend on your car, but it may work.
This method also requires some technical knowledge and tools. It also involves removing a part of the engine and isn't advisable for anyone. It's better to let a professional take care of this kind of work, especially since you'll be bypassing some of the safety features in the vehicle.
A backup car key is always an ideal option in the event you lose your original. You can purchase an old-fashioned key, but the smart key or transponder is also available. These keys are more expensive and will require a visit to the dealer in order to purchase an updated one.
Look back over your day
It's been seen by everyone: You lose your car keys. It's one of the most frustrating things you can do because it immediately ruins your day. You'll be late for work and your errands aren't getting completed. Even worse, you could have to pay a fee to replace the key fob when you're renting cars. But, it doesn't need to be this way. You can stop the loss of your keys from damaging your day if you follow these simple tips.
First of lost car keys replacement cost uk , don't panic. Take a deep breath to relax and help you think clearly. It's important to write down the places you've been to so you can revisit the place and determine the reason why your keys disappeared.
If you are unable to remember where they were, walk back through your day. If you lost your keys while running errands or shopping, go back and look over each stop. Did you set them down on a counter somewhere? Perhaps you were taking something out of your bag and they got accidentally tossed around. Try to remember exactly where you were when you saw them.
Check everywhere else. You may have left them inside a jacket pocket or a bag that you carried around. Check places you would not normally think of looking for items, such as the pockets of clothing worn by others or under a couch cushion.
If you're unable to find your car keys, contact someone for help. Ask your friends if they've seen them or, better yet contact an expert locksmith for assistance. You do not want to end up paying for a new key, or worse, having your car stolen. A professional can help you locate your keys quickly and efficiently. It's also a good idea for you to have an extra car key so be sure to keep it in a safe location.