Comprehensive List Of Lost Car Key Dos And Don'ts

How to Recover a Lost Car Key The loss of your car key could be an incredibly stressful situation. Be calm and try to keep in mind that losing your car keys isn't an issue. Unlike traditional keys that just opened doors and turned the ignition keys of today feature advanced technology. You need to know what you should do in the event that you lose yours to avoid paying a high replacement cost. Retract your Steps Lost car keys are a nightmare scenario for any driver. There are several options to recover your keys. You should first retrace all your steps. This simple trick can be very helpful in finding lost keys. You might have dropped them in a hurry and forgot about them. It's helpful to trace your steps back so that you remember where you were when you last saw them. It's also an excellent idea to look over any places you've been to recently even if they're not places you normally keep your keys. It's possible that your keys fell out of a bag or pocket and are buried somewhere that you didn't think to. Another great way to find your keys that you have lost is by using the tracker. The device is small and attached to your keys. Then you can use an app to find them. This is only possible if you have electronic components inside your keys, for example remote key fobs. If lost key what to do do not have a tracking device or are unable to locate your keys, the next course of action should be to contact an auto locksmith in your area. They'll be able to assist you in creating a new key and reprogram the key for your vehicle's immobilizer system. This service is costly and could cost you a few hundred bucks. You may need to have your car towed to a dealership to get keys replaced. It is best to have a spare key on hand and take preventative measures to stop losing keys in the first place. If you've lost your keys the most important thing is to remain calm. It's easy to get anxious when you are unable to locate your keys, but it'll be a lot more difficult to locate them if you start shouting at yourself. If you've not found your keys within a reasonable amount of time, it may be time to contact a locksmith or go to the dealership. No matter what you decide to do, be sure you inform your insurance company so that they will be able to assist in the event of damage to your vehicle in the future. Check Your Hiding Spots When you keep your spare keys hidden, it's important to choose an area that isn't easily visible for passers-by. Otherwise, you'll be an easy target for thieves. Many people store their extra keys in plants or in a flower pot however this is not a good idea. If a burglar gets your keys, they might also discover your wallet or other valuables. Another common hiding spot is behind the door, but this can be tricky to gain access to in the event that you're locked out. Special locks that look like regular locks and are attached to the door's interior are available, however they can be expensive. It is possible to hide the key under a mat. Some people use fake rocks with a hidden compartment within them. The key is also often kept in the car however this is risky. Thieves are aware of this trick and could be able to open the gas cap by removing it from the outside. If you are worried about this, purchase an magnetic key holder to connect to the underside of your vehicle. It's similar to the frame of a license plate, but is designed to hold the spare key in a discreet and hidden place. 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 nook in the side of your garage door will remain out of sight and reach unless you have an extension ladder. Vinyl siding is also a great hiding spot, because there are sometimes tiny splits that you can slide the key through. Be sure to secure a piece of clear fishing line to the key, and then slide it into the siding until just small amounts of it are visible. This will prevent the key from falling out in case you accidentally hit it while looking for it. You can also place the spare key at the base of the tree's branch if you have many trees on your property. This is a great idea if you reside in a rural area with plenty of trees, since most people won't consider checking this location for your keys. Try turning the car on Up until recently, losing your car key was not a big deal. A locksmith could be called to assist and the cost was usually about $20. However, today automobiles are becoming more and more technologically advanced, which could make them more expensive to replace should you do 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. Without this, the car will not turn on. This is why it's important to ensure that you have the right key for your car. You may be able start your car using an older, traditional style key. If this doesn't work, you may have to speak with a locksmith in order to create a new key or contact your dealership for assistance. You can also try to start the car with an extra key. This is a good option for a lot of new manual vehicles, since they come with a spare key. This method is more risky and will depend on the car, but it may work. This technique also requires technical expertise and an arsenal of tools. This method involves removing an engine component and is not recommended for everyone. It's best to leave it to a professional to take care of this kind of work as you'll be ignoring many of the safety features in the car. A backup car key is always an ideal option in the event you lose your original. You can get a traditional key, however a transponder or smart key is also available. These are more expensive to replace and requires an excursion to the dealer for a new key that's connected electronically to your vehicle. Walk Back Through Your Day Everyone has experienced this when you lose your car keys. It's one of the most annoying things you could do because it can completely ruin your day. You're going to be late to work and your chores aren't getting completed. Worse yet, you may be required to pay to replace the key fob when you're renting a car. But, it doesn't have to be this way. Follow these simple tips to avoid the loss of your keys from ruining your day. Do not panic first. Breathing deeply can allow you to relax and focus your thoughts. You can also write down your location to revisit to find where you left your keys. If you aren't able to remember where you put them down, start by retracing your day. If you've lost them while you were running errands to every stop and consider the things you were doing. Did you put them on the counter? You may have tossed them loose when you grabbed something from your bag. Make sure you remember exactly where you last was when you last saw them. Once you've walked back through your day, make sure you look everywhere else. You might have tucked them away in a jacket pocket or a bag you carried around. You should look in places you wouldn't normally think to look for items, such as the pockets of clothes worn by others, or under cushions on couches. If you're still unable to locate your car keys, you might consider getting help from someone. Ask your friends if they've ever seen keys or, even better seek out an expert locksmith for assistance. You don't want to be paying for an extra key or worse, have your car stolen. An expert can help you get your keys back fast and efficiently. It is also recommended to have an extra key. Keep it in a secure place.