Lost Spare Car Key? Here's What to Do
Not long ago the loss of your car keys wasn't a big deal. You would call your local locksmith, and they would make keys for you to replace.
It's a bit more complicated today. It depends on what kind of key you have and if you've lost your spare. Here are some suggestions to help you locate your car keys.
Retract Your Steps
We all have things that go missing. Maybe you're running a quick run and forget to put your keys on the hook in the entryway, or maybe you are just coming home after a long day at work and throw them on the couch. Whatever the reason it can be a hassle and difficult to lose your car key.
Take a deep breath and don't be afraid. You'll be able to locate your keys if search hard enough. It is also important to have a back-up plan, for instance, calling an auto locksmith.
Once you've calmed yourself down and regained control of your emotions, it's time to start searching for your keys. You can retrace the steps you took by imagining about the last time you observed them. It's much easier than you think, particularly when you put your eyes closed and think about the exact location you last observed the person.
Once you've thought about the last time you saw them, begin looking at the various places they could be. This includes your car, your house, and other common areas you've visited throughout the day. You could even ask your friends or family members to join in the hunt and give you more eyes to see with!
Check the door handle of the driver and center console in your vehicle to see if there is a spare. Also, be sure to look through any bags or pockets that you've carried around during the day. Check all the compartments in your car. It's normal for keys to get "lost" inside.
Check Your Hideouts
No matter how vigilant you are in your vehicle, keys to your car are always a little tricky to keep track of. They're one of the most frequently misplaced objects, and they can quickly turn into an issue in a moment of inattention. There are some steps you can do prior to calling a locksmith if you've misplaced your spare keys to your car.
Before you start searching for your lost keys, it's worth checking the places where you usually place them. Check the key bowl or key holder on your table. It's also a good idea to inquire with others in the area for help, like a store employee or a fellow customers. They may have seen them in the midst of your shopping trip, or found them when cleaning up.
It's a good idea to keep spare keys hidden in your car. However, if your vehicle has an hood that can be opened from the outside, it is essential to make sure that the spare key is in a secure nook that isn't smashed when the hood is closed. Mini-vaults and magnetic boxes may be affixed to your vehicle, keeping your keys safe and easily accessible.
You can also place a spare car key in the tailpipe of your vehicle however this isn't very discreet and can be difficult to use. It is also possible that the tailpipe will be covered in mud or snow and it will be difficult to find the key inside.
Behind the tires is a different location where people keep their keys. This is a great way to conceal your keys however, you must be aware that the tires of your vehicle are visible regardless of the clothes you wear.
You can also leave your spare key with an individual from your family or a trusted friend, especially if you are you are traveling and do not want it to be lost. However, if you own a proximity key, be cautious when leaving it with strangers since certain thieves may use signal relay and amplifier technology to snoop on the signal from your key fob and unlock your car even if the key is miles away.
Take a look inside Your Car
It's difficult to pinpoint where you might lose something such as a key fob, and this is no different. It's therefore advisable to look everywhere. This includes returning to the last place you remember using it and retracing your steps and contacting employees or owners of the places you've been to and could have lost it at.
If you believe that you have left keys in the car, you need to check. This means looking in the glove compartment (it's the most common storage space for keys for a spare car), the area under the front seats, and that elusive black hole inside cars that could swallow a small object like the key fob.
You should also make sure to check the backpacks or purses you carry around that might be hiding a lost car key . This will require carefully searching through all the compartments and pockets of your purse or backpack and scouting for zippered compartments, and removing items like makeup or sunglasses from your bag to look underneath.
Call a locksmith if you've tried these steps and are still unable to locate your car keys. They'll be able to assist you replace your lost car keys and get you back on the road in a short time.
A spare car key can be the ideal solution to avoid this stressful situation But you should consider adding a Bluetooth key tracker to your keys so that they are easier to keep an eye on. These tiny devices attach directly to your keys, and emit an unique signature. You can then connect them to your phone to keep track of their whereabouts at all times.
Another option is to call your dealership and ask them to design a new car keys for you. Because they already have security information for your vehicle they'll be able to do this quickly. It could be more challenging if you have an intelligent vehicle since they will need to pair the key with your car. This could take a while. This is why it's so important to have a backup car key!
Contact for a locksmith
If you are unable to locate your car keys in the unlikely scenario, it is imperative that you contact a locksmith immediately. Not only will this assist you to get into your car however, it will also ensure that nobody else has access. If you don't report the loss of your key fob immediately it could result in further issues later on for instance, an impersonation attempt by someone else.
Modern vehicles require a keyfob to open and operate them. It is crucial to have an extra key fob just in case you lose it. This will keep you from having to pay for the vehicle to be tow and then buy a new set.
A locksmith can create a new key for your car without knowing the precise details of the security system. They can also be able to disable the original key and ensure that nobody can use it again. A locksmith can tell you what type of car key you need based on the information in your registration or title.
It is recommended to avoid the loss of your spare car keys by keeping them in a secure location, away from your keychain or lanyard. This will reduce the likelihood that you'll lose your keys, or disappear from your pocket.
You can also ward off the loss of a spare car key by writing down your vehicle identification (VIN) number and keeping it with you. It is a unique code that helps identify your car and can be found on the dashboard of the driver's side or door jamb frame of your vehicle.
A locksmith near you 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 cheaper than going to the dealership, and you might be able have the spare key made on-site.