15 Startling Facts About Lost Car Key That You Never Knew
How to Recover a Lost Car Key
The loss of your car key could be a very stressful experience. You should remain calm and try to keep in mind that losing your car keys isn't a big deal.
Modern key fobs are smarter than traditional keys that only opened doors and switched on the ignition. You should know what to do in the event that you lose your keys to avoid paying a costly replacement fee.
Retract your Steps
Lost car keys are an absolute nightmare for any driver. There are several options to recover your keys.
The first thing you need to do is to retrace your steps. This simple technique can be very useful in locating keys that have been lost. It is possible that you dropped keys 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 recommended to go through any places you've visited 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 in a place you wouldn't think of.
Trackers are another great method to locate lost keys. This device is small and attaches to your keys. You can then use an app to find them. This is only possible in the event that you have electronic components in your keys, like a remote key fob.
If you don't have a tracker or aren't able to locate your keys, the next course of action is to call an auto locksmith in your area. They can help you make an original key and reprogram it to work with your vehicle's anti-theft system. However the process is generally expensive and can cost a few hundred dollars.
You may need to have your vehicle towed to a dealer in order to replace lost keys. It is a good idea to keep a spare set keys in your car and take preventative measures to ensure that you don't lose your keys in the first instance.
If you've lost your keys the most important thing is to remain calm. If you're unable to locate your keys, it's easy to panic. If you begin screaming at yourself, it will make it more difficult to find them. If you can't find your keys in an acceptable timeframe 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 they can help if anything happens to your vehicle in the future.
Make sure you are aware of your hide spots
When you keep your spare keys hidden, it's important to choose the location that's not obvious for people passing by. You'll be a target for thieves if you don't. Many people store their spare keys in plants or in a flower pot This is a mistake. If a burglar finds your keys, they could also find your wallet and other valuables.
try what she says to hide is behind the front door. However, this could be difficult to gain access to if locked out. You can purchase locks that are attached to the door's interior and look similar to a regular lock, but they tend to be quite expensive. You can hide the key in grass or under a mat. Some people make fake rocks with a compartment hidden in them.
It is not unusual to store keys in the car. However, this could be risky. This technique is well-known to thieves, who may be able open the gas cap that is on the outside. If you're concerned about this, you should consider purchasing a magnetic key holder that is attached to the underneath of your vehicle. It looks like an actual license plate, but it's designed to conceal the spare key.
You can also hide the key in your garage, particularly if it is detached. If you don't have a ladder, the key that is placed in a small space on the side of your garage is out of sight.
Vinyl siding can also be an ideal hiding spot since there are sometimes slight splits that you can slip the key into. Just make sure to tie a clear fishing line to the key and slide it in until only a tiny amount is visible. This will stop the key from sliding when you accidentally hit it while searching for it.
If you have lots of trees on your property, you could also try nailing the spare key to the bottom of the branch. If you reside in an area that has lots of trees it is a good option. Many people don't consider looking for keys.
Try turning off the car.
Up until recently, losing your car key was not a huge issue. A locksmith could be called to help and the cost was usually about $20. Today, cars are becoming more and more advanced in terms of technology and are more expensive to replace.
A specific computer chip is required to start an engine in a new vehicle. It communicates with the ECU. Without this, the car won't turn on. This is why it's important to ensure you have the right key for your car.
If you have an older model traditional key, you might be able find it in the lock and still start the vehicle. If this doesn't work, you may have to call a locksmith to create a new key or contact your car dealership.
You can also start the car using an extra key. A lot of new manual vehicles have spare keys key, and this is the best option. This is a riskier option and will be dependent on your vehicle, but it could be successful.
This process also requires technical expertise and an arsenal of tools. It involves removing parts of the engine and isn't recommended for everyone. This type of work is best done by a professional, especially because you'll be bypassing many safety features in the car.
A backup car key is always an excellent idea in the event that you misplace the original. The most affordable alternative is to get an old-fashioned key made, but you can also get a transponder or smart key. These keys are more expensive and require a trip to the dealer to get the new key.
Walk Back Through Your Day
It's happened to everyone The car keys. It's the most annoying thing you can do, as it can cause you to lose your day. You'll be late for work, and your chores aren't going to be completed. You might be required to replace your key fob when you rent vehicles. It's not necessary to be like this. You can avoid losing your keys from damaging your day if you follow these simple steps.
Do not be afraid to start panicking. Take a deep breath to calm yourself and allow you to think clearly. You can also note your location so you can revisit to find where you left your keys.
If you can't remember where you put them down begin by retracing your day. If you've lost them while you were out running errands, return to each stop and think about what you were doing. Did you place them on a counter somewhere? You may have tossed them loose after you took something from your bag. Try to recall exactly the location you observed them.
After you've gone back through your day, make sure you look everywhere else. You might have left them in a pocket in the jacket you wore or inside bags you brought with you. Be sure to check places you would never think of, like pockets on other people's clothes or under a sofa cushion.
If you can't find your car keys, call someone for help. Ask your friends whether they've seen them, or even better call a locksmith. The last thing you want to do is paying for a replacement key or even more traumatically, having your car stolen. An expert can help get your keys quickly and efficiently. It is also recommended to have a spare key. Keep it in a safe place.