How to Recover a Lost Car Key
The loss of your car keys can be a stressful experience. But you should try to keep calm and remember that losing your keys doesn't have to be a huge deal.
Instead of traditional keys that opened doors and turned the ignition, modern key fobs also come with sophisticated technology. It is important to 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 a nightmare scenario for any driver. There are several ways to recover your keys.
The first thing you should do is retrace your steps. It might sound simple but it could be extremely effective in locating your keys that you've
lost car key how to replace. You might have lost keys in a hurry, and then forgotten about them. You can retrace your steps to recall where you were the last time you were able to see them. You should also look for locations you've been to recently, even if you do not normally keep your keys in a safe place. It's possible that your keys have fallen out of a bag or pocket and are hidden somewhere you wouldn't think of.
Another great way to find your lost keys is by 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 when you have electronic components within your keys, like remote key fobs.
If you don't have a tracker or you're unable to find your keys, your next step is to call an auto locksmith in your area. They can help you make a new key, and then reprogram it to your vehicle's anti-theft system. However this service is usually expensive and can cost a few hundred dollars.
Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, you might have to get towed to a dealership to get replacement keys. It's a good idea keep a spare set of keys in your possession, and to take preventative measures to ensure that you don't lose your keys in the first place.
When you lose your keys, the most important thing to do is stay calm. When you can't locate your keys it's easy to get panicked. If you begin screaming at yourself, you'll make it much harder to locate them. If you're unable to locate your keys in a reasonable time frame, it might be the right time to call an expert locksmith or visit the dealership. Whatever you do, make sure to inform your insurance provider about the incident, so they can assist if something happens to your car in the future.
Make sure you are aware of your hiding spots
If you are planning to place your spare key in a safe place, it's important to choose an area that isn't easily visible for people passing by. If you don't, you're creating 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 find your wallet and other valuables.
A popular hideaway is behind the front door. However, this could be difficult to gain access to if locked out. Special locks that resemble normal locks and attach to the inside your door are available, however they can be quite expensive. An alternative that is less expensive is to hide the key under a door mat or even in the grass. Some people also use fake rocks that look like normal but have a hidden compartment for the key.
The key is often kept in the car, however this is a risky option. Thieves are aware of this trick and could be able to open the gas cap from outside. If you're concerned about this, consider getting an magnetic key holder that attaches to the underneath of your vehicle. It looks similar to an old license plate frame, but is designed to keep the spare key in a hidden and
lost my car keys what do i do hidden place.
Your garage is another good hiding place for the key, particularly if you have a detached garage. If you do not have a ladder, the key that is hidden in a corner along the side of your garage will be out of sight.
Vinyl siding is also a good hiding place since there are often tiny gaps where you can slide the key. Just make sure to tie a piece of fishing line to the key and slide it into the siding until just a tiny amount is visible. This will stop the key from sliding out in case you accidentally hit it while searching for it.
You can also place the spare key at the base of an erect tree branch if have a lot of trees on your property. If you reside in an area that has lots of trees it is a good option. Most people won't even think to look here for your keys.
Try turning the car on
Not too long ago the loss of your car keys wasn't a big issue. Locksmiths could be called to help, and the price was usually around $20. Nowadays, cars are more and more technologically advanced and are more expensive to
replace a lost car key.
To start the engine in a modern automobile, there is a special computer chip that communicates with the vehicle's ECU. Without this, the car won't start. This is why it's crucial to make sure you have the correct key for your vehicle.
If you have an older traditional key, you might be able find it in the lock, and then begin the car. If this doesn't work, you may have to call a locksmith to create a new key or contact your car dealership.