Lost Spare Car Key? Here's What to Do
In the past the loss of your car keys wasn't an issue. You'd contact your local locksmith and they'd create a new key for you.
Nowadays, it's more complex. It's all dependent on the type of key you have, and whether you've lost your spare. Here are some tips to help you find your car keys.
Retract your Steps
Sometimes, we forget things. You could be on the run for a few minutes, and you forget to hang your keys in the entryway. Or you might be returning back from a long working day and want to throw them on the couch. It can be a hassle to lose your spare key.
Take a deep breath and don't be afraid. You'll still be able to find your keys if you look long enough. It is also important to have a backup plan such as calling an auto locksmith.
Once you've cooled down and are able to control your emotions, you can begin the search for your keys. One of the best ways to trace your steps is simply thinking back on the last time you saw them. It's easier than you think, especially if close your eyes and imagine where you last saw the person.
Start by thinking about where they might be. This includes your car, your house and any other common places that you might have visited during the day. You can also invite your family or friends members to join in the search to provide you with more eyes to see with!
Examine the handle on the driver's door and center console in your vehicle to see if there is an unintentional spare. Also, make sure to examine any pockets or bags that you've carried around during the day. Examine all compartments in your car. It's not uncommon for keys to be "lost" in the car.
Check Your Hideouts
No matter how careful you are the keys to your car can be a bit tricky to keep on top of. It's one of the most frequently lost items that can lose and can become a nightmare if aren't careful. There are a few steps you can follow prior to calling a locksmith in case you've misplaced your spare car keys.
It's important to check the place you typically keep your keys before looking for them. If you have a key holder by the door or a key bowl on a table, look at the areas first. You can also ask someone nearby for help, such as an employee or a friend of yours. They might have seen them in the midst of your shopping trip, or even found them when cleaning up.
It's a good idea to keep spare keys hidden in your car. If the hood of your car is able to be opened externally, it is essential to put the spare key in a safe area so that it won't be crushed when the hood closes. There are a variety of mini-vaults and magnetic containers that can be affixed to your car and keep your keys safe and easy to find.
You could also put a spare key in the tailpipe of your car, however, this is usually difficult to implement and not very discrete. It's also possible that the tailpipe will be covered in mud or snow which makes it difficult to locate the key inside.
Another spot where people often hide their keys is behind the tires. This is a simple and effective method of keeping your keys safe, however it's important to keep in mind that your car's tires are visible no matter what you're wearing. Therefore, this isn't the best option for those who wear shorts or skirts.
It's also possible to leave your spare car keys with an individual who is a trusted family member, particularly in case you're traveling and do not want to lose it in the process. If you have a proximity car key do not leave it with strangers. lost key to my car employ signal relay technology and amplifiers to hijack the key fob's signal and unlock your car even though it's miles away.
Check Inside Your Car
It's impossible to know the exact location where you could lose something such as a key fob, and this is no different. So, it's best to look everywhere. It is essential to return to the location where you first used it, and retrace your steps and contact workers or owners at places you might have lost it.
It's important to check your car for the keys in case you think you may have put them in there. This means looking in the glove compartment (it's a common place to store keys for a spare car) and the space under the front seats, and that elusive black hole inside the car that could swallow a small item such as a key fob.
It is also important to examine your backpacks and purses for any items you have with you that might be hiding a lost car key. This will require you to search through all the compartments and pockets of your backpack or purse, feeling around for zippered areas, and even taking items such as makeup and sunglasses from your bag in order to see underneath.
If you've tried all these steps but you're still unable to locate your car keys, it's time to call locksmith. They can help you replace keys that are lost in your car, and get you on the road in no time.
You can prevent this from happening by having a spare car key. But you should also include an Bluetooth tracker to your key to make it easier to keep track of the keys. These tiny devices attach to your keys and emit a distinctive signature, which allows you to connect them to an app on your phone and be aware of where they are at all times.
Another option is to contact your dealer and ask them to create an original car key for you. They'll likely be able make it quickly, as they have your car's security information on file. It may be a bit more difficult if you have an intelligent vehicle since they'll need to pair the key to your car. This can take some time. This is why it's important to have a spare car key!
Call for a locksmith
In the unlikely event that you can't locate your car keys, it's crucial to contact locksmiths as quickly as possible. Not only will this help you get into your car and get back inside, but it will ensure that no one else has access. If you do not notify the lost key fob immediately it could result in further issues later on such as someone trying to impersonate you.
Modern vehicles require a keyfob to open and operate them. If you lose your key fob, it is essential to have a spare prevent having for the car to be transported to the dealer, and then having to pay for a new set of keys.
A locksmith will be able to create a replacement key for your car without needing to know the specifics of the security system of your vehicle. They will also be able disable the key that was previously used, so that nobody can use it again. If you're unsure the type of car key you require, a locksmith can usually determine this based on the information on your registration or title.
To prevent your spare keys from getting lost, it is recommended to store them in a safe place away from your keychain. This will lessen the chances that you will drop your keys, or be thrown out of your pocket.
Another method to avoid the loss of your spare car key is to record your vehicle identification number (VIN) and keep it with you at all at all times. It is a unique code that helps identify your car and is located on the driver's side dashboard, door jamb, or the frame of your car.
A locksmith in your neighborhood can help you get back on the right track, whether you need to replace your car's spare key or reduce the risk of it being lost. It's also less expensive than going to the dealership, and you might be able have the spare key made on site.