Lost Spare Car Key? Here's What to Do
Not long ago losing your car keys wasn't an issue. You would call your local locksmith and they would create an appropriate replacement key for you.
It's more complex today. It depends on the type of key you've got and whether you lost your spare. Here are some suggestions to help you locate your car keys.
Retract Your Steps
We all get things lost. Maybe you're running a quick run and forget to put your keys on the hook in the entryway, or maybe you're just returning home from a long day at the office and toss them onto the couch. Whatever the reason it can be very 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 exhaustive search! It's also a good idea to have a backup plan in place for emergencies, like calling a professional car locksmith in case of emergency.
Once you've cooled down and regained control of your emotions, it's time to start searching for your keys. One of the best ways to trace your steps is by recalling the last time you saw them. It's much simpler than you think, particularly if can shut your eyes and imagine the location where you last observed them.
Start by imagining where they could be. Include your car, home and any other popular areas you have visited during the daytime. You could ask your family or friends to assist you in your look for. This will help you see more!
Check the door handle of the driver and center console in your vehicle to see if there is a spare. Look through any bags or pockets that you might have carried with you during the daytime. It's not unusual for keys to be "lost" in the car, so be certain to check the compartments of your car!
Check the full details are difficult to locate regardless of how meticulous or diligent you are. It's among the most common items to lose, and it can quickly become a nightmare if you are not careful. If you've lost your spare car key, there are a few things you need to do prior to calling a locksmith.
It's worth checking the place you typically keep your keys before you start looking for them. If you have a keyholder near the door or keys on a table, look at those areas first. You could also ask someone in the vicinity, such as an employee or a friend of yours. They might have spotted your keys in the chaos of your shopping trip or may have found them when they were cleaning up.
It can be convenient to store spare keys in your car. If lost vehicle keys is able to be opened externally, it is important to place the spare key in a secure nook so that it won't be crushed when the hood closes. Magnetic boxes and mini-vaults can be affixed to your car and keep your keys secure and easily accessible.
You could also put a spare key in the car's tailpipe, however, this is usually difficult to use and not very discreet. It is also possible that the tailpipe is covered with snow, mud or ice making it difficult to locate the key.
Behind the tires is a different place people hide their keys. This can be a simple and effective method of keeping your keys hidden, but it's important to remember that the tires of your car are visible no matter what you're wearing, so this method isn't ideal when you're wearing shorts or skirts.
It is also possible to leave your spare car keys with a trusted family member, particularly when you're on the road and aren't willing to risk losing it. If you have an auto key that is proximity be sure to keep it safe from strangers. Some thieves use signal relay technology and amplifiers to elude the key fob's signal to unlock your car even if it's miles away.
Check Inside Your Car
It's impossible to predict where you might lose something and a key fob is no exception. So, it's best to look everywhere. This involves returning to the last place you remember using it and retracing your steps and reaching out to workers or the owners of places you visited and may have lost it at.
If you believe that you have left your keys in the car, it's worth checking. Examine the glove box which is a popular spot to keep keys for a spare car. Also, check the area underneath the front seats, and the mysterious black hole in the car that could take small items such as keys.
Check any purses or bags that you carry around, as they could contain a lost key. This will require you to search through all the pockets and compartments in your purse or backpack and looking for zippered areas, and even taking items such as makeup and sunglasses from your bag and looking under.
Call a locksmith if you've tried everything and are still unable to locate your car keys. They can help you replace lost car keys, and get you back on the road in short time.
You can avoid this scenario by having an extra car key. However, you should include an Bluetooth tracker to your key to make it easier to keep track of them. These tiny devices are attached to your keys, and emit a unique signature. It is then possible to connect them to your smartphone to keep track of their whereabouts at all times.
You can also call your dealer and ask them to design an entirely new key for you. They'll likely be able to complete the task quickly, since they have your car's security information on file. If you own a sophisticated car however, it might be more difficult since they'll have to pair the new key to your vehicle, which can take a little longer. It's important to always have a spare car key.
Contact an expert locksmith
If you're unable to locate your car keys in the unlikely scenario, it is vital that you call a locksmith right away. Not only will this assist you gain entry into your vehicle and get back inside, but it will ensure that no one else has access. If you don't report the loss of your key fob immediately it could cause more issues later on for instance, someone trying to impersonate you.
Modern vehicles require a keyfob to unlock and operate them. It is important to keep a spare key fob in case you lose it. This will prevent you from having to pay for the car to be towed and then purchase a new set.
A locksmith can design a new key for your car without knowing the exact details of its security system. They can also disable the old key to prevent it from being able to be used again. Locksmiths can tell you what type of car key you require from the information in your registration or title.
To keep your keys that you don't have lost, it is best to keep them in a safe place separate from your keychain. This will make it less likely that you'll accidentally drop the keys, or that they will escape from your pocket.
Another method to avoid loss of your spare car key is to record your vehicle identification number (VIN) and keep it with you at all time. This unique code helps identify your car and can be found on your dashboard or door jamb, frame or.
If you're looking to replace a car key or simply want to reduce the risk of losing it altogether an experienced locksmith in your area is the best choice to get your life back on track. It is also less expensive than going through a dealership, and you may be able to get the spare key made on-site.