Lost Spare Car Key? Here's What to Do
It wasn't long ago that losing your car keys weren't a big issue. You'd call your local locksmith, and they'd create a new key for you.
It's more complex today. It's dependent on the type of key you've got and whether you've lost your spare. Here are some tips to help you locate your car keys.
Retract Your Steps
Sometimes, we all lose things. Maybe you're running an errand and forget to put your keys on the hook in the entryway, or maybe you're returning home after an exhausting day at work and toss them onto the couch. Whatever the reason, it can be frustrating and difficult to lose your car key.
Take a deep breath and don't be afraid. Remember, your keys aren't lost forever. You are still able to find them with an extensive search! It's also a good idea to have an emergency plan, such as calling a professional locksmith for your car in the event of a need.
Once you've cooled down and are able to control your emotions, it's time to start searching for your keys. One of the best ways to retrace your steps is by simply remembering the last time you saw them. It's much easier than you think, particularly if close your eyes and imagine the exact location you last observed the person.
Begin by thinking about where they could be. This includes your car, your home and any other common places you've been to during the day. You can even invite your family or friends members to join in the hunt and provide you with more eyes to see with!
Check the door handle of the driver and center console in your vehicle for signs of an extra. Also, be sure to check any bags or pockets you might have been carrying during the day. Check all the compartments in your car. It's normal for keys to become "lost" in the car.
Check Your Hideouts
No matter how vigilant you are the keys to your car are a bit difficult to keep on top of. They're one of the most commonly misplaced items, and they can quickly turn into an issue in a moment of inattention. If you've lost your car keys There are a few things you need to do before contacting a locksmith.
It's worth checking the place you typically keep your keys prior to looking for them. If you have a key holder near the door or a key bowl on a table, look at these locations first. It's recommended to inquire with others who live nearby like a store employee or fellow customers. They may have spotted them in the chaos during your shopping trip, or even found them while cleaning up.
Some people hide their spare keys in their car, and this can be a convenient alternative. If the hood of your car can be opened externally it is essential to put the spare key in a secure place so that it will not be smashed when the hood is closed. There are a variety of mini-vaults and magnetic boxes that can be affixed to your vehicle and keep your keys safe and easy to find.
You could also put a spare key in the car's tailpipe, however, this is usually difficult to use and not very discreet. You may also find that the tailpipe is covered in ice, snow or mud, making it difficult to locate the key.
Behind the tires is another location where people keep their keys. This can be a straightforward and effective way to keep your keys hidden, but it's important to keep in mind that the tires of your car are visible regardless of what you're wearing, therefore this isn't the best option for those who wear shorts or skirts.
It is also possible to leave your spare car key with an individual who is a trusted family member, particularly if you're traveling and don't want to risk losing it. If you do have a proximity key, you should be careful about leaving it with strangers since some thieves could utilize signal relays and amplifier technology to hijack the signal from your key fob to unlock your car, even when the key is a long distance away.
Look Inside Your Car
There's no telling how you'll lose something. This is especially true for the key fob, which is why it's essential to look for it in every possible place. It is essential to return to the place where you last used it, then retrace your steps, and then contact the workers or owners at places you may have lost it.
If you think that you have left your keys in the car, it's worth checking. This includes looking in the glove compartment (it's an ideal location to store keys for a spare car) as well as the area beneath the front seats, and the elusive black hole inside cars that can swallow a small item such as a key fob.
Check any purses or bags that you might have because they may contain keys that were lost. You must carefully go through all compartments and pockets of your purse or backpack. Feel around for zippered areas and remove items like sunglasses and makeup from your bag to examine the contents underneath.
If you've tried all these steps but you're still unable to find your car keys, you need to contact a locksmith. They can help you replace lost keys to your car and get you on the road in no time.
A spare car key is an excellent way to avoid this stress, but you should also think about adding a Bluetooth key tracker to your keys, so that they are easier to keep in check. These tiny devices are attached to your keys and emit a unique signature, which allows you to connect them to an app on your phone and see where they are at all times.
You can also call your dealer and ask them to make a new key for you. They'll probably be able to do this quickly, as they have your car's security details on file. It may be a bit more difficult if you own an advanced vehicle, as they will need to connect the key to your car. This can take a bit of time. It's essential to always have a spare car key.
Contact for a locksmith
If you're unable locate your car keys in the unlikely event, it's essential to contact a locksmith immediately. Not only will this help you gain entry into your vehicle, but it will also ensure that no one else has access. If lost keys car don't notify the lost key fob right away it could result in more issues later on - like an impersonation attempt by someone else.
The majority of modern vehicles require the use of a key fob to unlock and operate the vehicle. It is crucial to have an extra key fob in case you lose it. This will prevent you from having to pay for the vehicle to be towed and then buy a replacement set.
A locksmith will be able to create a replacement key for your car without needing to know the specifics of the security system in your vehicle. They can also disable the old key to prevent it from being able to be used again. A locksmith can inform you what type of car key you require based on the information in your registration or title.
It is best to avoid the loss of your car keys by keeping them in a secure location, away from your keychain or lanyard. This will make it much less likely that you will accidentally drop your keys or that they will disappear from your pocket.
You can also prevent the loss of a spare car key by writing down your vehicle identification (VIN) number and keeping it on your person. It is a unique code that helps identify your vehicle and can be found on the driver's side dashboard the door jamb or frame of your vehicle.
A local locksmith can assist you in getting back on the right track, whether you need to replace your spare car key or reduce the likelihood that it could be lost. It's also less costly than going through the dealership, and you may be able to have the spare key made on-site.