Lost Spare Car Key? Here's What to Do
It wasn't long ago that losing your car keys was not a big problem. lost car keys would call your local locksmith and they would create a replacement key for you.
Today, it's a lot more complicated. It depends on the type of key you have and whether you've lost your spare. Here are some suggestions to help you locate your car keys.
Retract your steps
Sometimes, we forget things. Maybe you're running an errand and forget to put your keys on the hook in the entryway, or you're returning home after an exhausting day at work and toss them onto the couch. It's frustrating to lose your spare key.
The first thing to do is take a deep breathe and try not to panic. You can still find your keys if you search for them with enough effort. It's also a good idea to have an emergency plan, such as calling a professional car locksmith in the event of a need.
After you've calmed down and regained control of your emotions, you are now able to begin searching for your keys. You can retrace the steps you took by imagining about the last time you observed them. It's easier than you think, especially when you close your eyes and visualize the exact location you last was with the person.
Begin by imagining where they could be. Include your car, home and any other typical areas you've visited throughout the daytime. You could ask your family or friends to assist you in your search. This will give you a fresh set of eyes!
Examine the handle on the driver's door and the center console of your vehicle to see if there is an unintentional spare. Examine any pockets or bags that you may have carried with you during the daytime. Make sure to check all the compartments inside your car. It's not uncommon for keys to become "lost" inside.
Check Your Hideouts
Your car keys can be difficult to locate no matter how careful or diligent you are. They're among the most frequently lost items, and they can quickly turn into a nightmare in a second of absentmindedness. There are some steps you can follow prior to calling a locksmith in case you've lost your spare car keys.
Before you begin searching for keys that have disappeared, it's worth checking the locations where you normally keep keys. If you have a key holder by the door or keys on a table, look at those places first. You can also ask someone nearby for help, such as an employee or a friend of yours. They may have spotted them in the midst of your shopping trip, or even found them when they were cleaning up.
It is possible to keep spare keys hidden in your car. However, if your car has an hood that can be opened externally, it's important to ensure that the spare key is placed in a safe spot which won't be crushed when the hood is closed. Mini-vaults and magnetic boxes can be affixed to your car and keep your keys safe and easily accessible.
You can also put a spare car key in the tailpipe of your vehicle but this isn't extremely discreet and may be difficult to access. You might also notice that the tailpipe is covered in snow, mud or ice, making it difficult to locate the key.
Behind the tires is another area where people store their keys. This can be a straightforward and effective method to keep your keys in a safe place, but it's important to remember that the tires of your car are visible regardless of what you're wearing. Therefore, this method isn't recommended when you're wearing 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, don't leave it with strangers. Some thieves can use signal relay technology and amplifiers to elude the key fob's signal and unlock your car, even if it's miles away.
Take a look inside Your Car
It's impossible to know the exact location where you could lose something and a key fob is no different. Therefore, replace lost car key to search everywhere. It's crucial to return to the spot where you first used it, and retrace your steps and get in touch with owners or employees at the places you may have lost it.
It's important to check your car for the keys if you think you may have put them in there. This means looking in the glove compartment (it's a common place to store keys to your car) as well as the area beneath the front seats, and that elusive black hole inside the car that could swallow a small object like the key fob.
Examine any bags or purses you may have on you for any bags or purses, as they could be containing a lost key. You will need to carefully search through all compartments and pockets of your purse or backpack. Look for areas with zippers and take items such as makeup and sunglasses from your bag in order to see what's under.
Contact a locksmith if you've tried these steps and still cannot find your car keys. They can assist you with replacing keys that are lost in your car, and get you on the road again in the shortest amount of time.
You can avoid this scenario by having a spare car key. However, you should add an Bluetooth tracker to your key to make it easier to keep on top of the keys. These tiny devices are attached to your keys and emit an unique signature, which allows you to connect them to an app on your smartphone and track where they are at all times.
Another option is to call your dealer and ask them to design a new car keys for you. They'll probably be able to complete the task quickly, since they have your car's security details in their database. It could be more challenging if you have an advanced vehicle, as they will need to pair the key to your car. This could take a bit of time. This is why it's important to have a backup car key!
Contact a Locksmith
In the event that you cannot find your car keys, it's important to call locksmiths as quickly as you can. This will not only assist you get back in your car but also ensure that nobody else has access to it. If you don't report the loss of your key fob immediately it could cause further issues later on such as someone trying to impersonate you.
Modern cars require a keyfob to unlock and operate them. It is crucial to have an extra key fob just in case you lose yours. This will save you from having to pay for the car to be towed and then buy a new set.
A locksmith can design a new key for you car without knowing the exact details of the security system. They can also disable the old key so that it cannot be used again. A locksmith can inform you which type of car key you require according to the information on your registration or title.
To avoid your keys that you don't have lost, it's best to store your keys in a safe location separate from your keychain. This will decrease the chance that you will drop your keys or be thrown out of your pocket.
You can also avoid the loss of the spare car key by writing down your vehicle identification (VIN) number and keeping it in your wallet. This unique code helps identify your car and can be found on your dashboard or door jamb, frame or.
Whether you need to replace a spare car key or reduce the risk of losing it in the first place an experienced locksmith in your area is the best option for getting your life back on course. It's also less expensive than going through a dealership, and you may be able to have the spare key made on-site.