10 Healthy Lost Car Key Habits
How to Recover a Lost Car Key
Losing your car keys can be a stressful event. You should remain calm and try to remember that losing your car keys aren't a big deal.
Key fobs that are modern are more sophisticated than traditional keys, which only opened doors and then turned on the ignition. You need to know what you should do if you lose your keys to avoid paying a costly replacement cost.
Retract your steps
Lost car keys are a nightmare scenario for any driver. Fortunately, there are many ways you can recover your keys.
It is recommended to retrace your steps. It may sound easy however it can be very effective in finding your lost keys. It's possible that you tossed them in a flurry and then forgot about them. You can go back to recall where you were the last time you were able to see them. You should also check any places you've been recently even if you don't usually keep your keys there. It's entirely possible that your keys got tossed out of a bag or pocket and are hidden in a location you would not expect.
Another method to locate keys that are lost is using a tracker. This device is small and attached to your keys. Then you can make use of an app to locate them. replacing lost car key is only possible in the event that you have electronic components within your keys, such as remote key fobs.
Contacting a locksmith near you is the next step in case you don't have a tracker device, or can't find your keys. They can assist you with the creation of an entirely new key and reprogram it for your vehicle's anti-theft system. This service is costly and could cost you several hundred dollars.
Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, you could have to get towed to the dealership in order to get your keys replaced. It's a good idea to keep a spare set keys on hand and take preventative steps to ensure you don't lose your keys in the first instance.
When you lose your keys the most important thing to do is remain calm. If you're unable to find your keys it's easy to get panicked. However, if you begin screaming at yourself, you'll make it even more difficult to locate them. If you've not found your keys within some time, it may be time to contact an expert locksmith or visit the dealership. Regardless of what you do, make sure to inform your insurance company about the incident so that they can assist if something happens to your vehicle in the future.
Be aware of your hiding spots
It's crucial to pick the location where passers-by aren't in a position to see your spare key. Otherwise, you'll be an easy target for thieves. A plant pot or flower box is the usual place where people store their spare keys, however this can be a big mistake. If a burglar finds keys, he could also discover valuables such as your wallet.
Another favorite place to hide is behind the door, but this can be tricky to access in the event that you're locked out. Special locks that resemble regular locks and are attached to the inside your door are available, however they can be quite expensive. It is possible to hide the key in the grass or under a mat. Some people employ fake rocks with a hidden compartment within them.
It is not unusual to store keys in the car. However, this could be risky. This trick is well-known to thieves, who may be able to access the gas cap on the outside. If you are worried about this, purchase a magnetic key holder to attach to the underside your vehicle. It looks like the license plate but is designed to hide the spare key.
You can also conceal the key in your garage, especially when it's not attached. If you don't have a ladder the key that is hidden in a corner in the side of your garage will be hidden from sight.
Vinyl siding can also be an excellent hiding place, since there are sometimes slight splits that you can slip the key through. Attach a fishing line to the key, and then slide it into the split until a small amount is visible. This will stop the key from sliding when you happen to hit it while searching for it.
You can also place the spare key to the end of an erect tree branch if have a lot of trees on your property. If you live in an area with many trees, this is a great alternative. Many people don't think about looking here to find your keys.
Try Turning the Car On
Not too long ago when you lost your car keys wasn't a big deal. You could contact a locksmith to help out, and it cost just $20 or so. But today, cars are getting more and more technologically advanced, which can make them more expensive to replace if you do lose one.
A special computer chip is needed to start the engine in a brand 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 traditional style key. If this does not work, you may have to call a locksmith to create a new one or call your car dealership.
You can also try to start the car using 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 riskier option and will be dependent on your car, but it might work.
This method requires a bit of technical knowledge and tools. It also involves disassembling an engine component and isn't suitable for all. It's better to let a professional take care of this type of job particularly since you'll be ignoring some of the safety features that are in the vehicle.
A spare car key is always an ideal option in the event you lose the original. You can purchase a traditional key, however the smart key or transponder is also available. They're more expensive to replace and requires a trip to the dealership for a new key that's connected electronically to your car.
Walk Back Through Your Day
Everybody has experienced this when you lose your car keys. It's the most frustrating thing you can do, as it can ruin your day. You'll be late for work, and your errands 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 prevent the loss of your keys from ruining your day if follow these simple tips.
Do not be afraid to start panicking. Take a deep breath to relax and help you think clearly. It's an excellent idea to record where you've been so you can revisit the place and find out the reason why your keys disappeared.
If you cannot remember where you placed them, walk back throughout your day. If you lost your keys while doing errands or shopping, go back and go through each visit. Did you place them on a counter? You may have tossed them loose when you grabbed something from your bag. Make sure you remember exactly where you last observed them.
Once you've walked back through your day, look everywhere else. You may have put them in the pocket of the jacket you were wearing or inside the bag you carried with you. Make sure to search in places you'd never think of, like the pockets of other people's clothes or under a sofa cushion.
If you can't locate your car keys, contact someone for help. Ask your friends if they have seen them, or better yet, call a locksmith. The last thing you want to do is end up paying for a replacement key, or worse, having your car stolen. An expert can help get your keys quickly and efficiently. It's also a good idea for you to keep an extra car key so be sure to keep it in a safe location.