Lost Spare Car Key? Here's What to Do
In the past losing your car keys wasn't an issue. You'd call your local locksmith and they'd create a new key for you.
It's a bit more complicated now. It's dependent on the type of key you've got and the possibility of losing your spare. Here are some tips to help you find your car keys.
Retract Your Steps
We all have things that go missing. Maybe you're running a quick errand and forget to put your keys on the hook in the entryway, or maybe you're just returning home from an exhausting day at work and toss them onto the couch. Whatever the case it can be a hassle and stressful to lose your spare car key.
Take a deep breath, and don't be afraid. You'll be able to locate your keys if you look long enough. It's important to have an emergency plan for emergencies, like calling a professional car locksmith in the event of a need.
After you've calmed down and regained control of your emotions now is the time to start looking for your keys. One of the most effective ways to retrace your steps is by thinking back on the last time you saw them. It's much easier than you think, particularly if close your eyes and imagine where you last saw the person.
Once you've thought about the last time you saw them, start by looking at each of the possible locations they might be. This includes your car, the house and other places that you might have visited throughout the day. You can ask your family or friends to assist you in your search. This will help you see more!
Check the driver's door handle and the center console of your vehicle for indications of an extra. Examine any pockets or bags that you've carried around during the day. Examine all compartments in your car. It's common for keys to become "lost" inside.
Check Your Hideouts
No matter how vigilant you are, your car keys are a bit difficult to keep track of. They're among the most frequently lost objects, and they can quickly become a nightmare in a second of inattention. If you've lost your spare car key There are a few things to do before contacting a locksmith.
It is worth examining the place you typically keep your keys prior to searching for them. Examine the key bowl or holder on your table. You could also ask someone else nearby for help, such as an employee or a customer. They may have seen them in the midst of your shopping trip, or found them when cleaning up.
It is possible to keep spare keys hidden in your car. If the hood of your car can be opened externally it is important to place the spare key in a safe place so that it will not be crushed when the hood is closed. There are also a number of mini-vaults and magnetic containers that can be mounted on your car and keep your keys safe and easy to find.
You can also place a spare car key in the tailpipe of your vehicle but this isn't very discreet and can be difficult to locate. It's also possible that your tailpipe will be covered in snow or mud, making it hard to locate the key within.
Another place where people sometimes put their keys behind the tires. replacing lost car keys is a simple and effective method to keep your keys hidden, but it's important to remember that your car's tires are visible regardless of what you're wearing, therefore this method isn't ideal if you're wearing shorts or skirts.
It's also possible to leave your spare car keys with a trusted friend or family member, particularly when you're on the road and aren't willing to risk losing it in the process. However, if you own a proximity key, be careful about 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 the car even when the key is miles away.
Take a look inside Your Car
It's impossible to predict which place you might lose something and a key fob is no different. Therefore, it's best to search everywhere. It's crucial to return to the place where you last used it, then retrace your steps and contact workers or owners at places you might have lost it.
It's also worth checking your car for the keys in case you think you've left them in there. This includes looking in the glove compartment (it's a common location to store keys to your car) as well as the area beneath the front seats, and that mysterious black hole in cars that can swallow a small object like a key fob.
Also, you should be sure to examine any purses or backpacks that you carry with you, as they might contain a missing car key. You will need to carefully look through all compartments and pockets of your purse or backpack. Look for zippered areas and remove items such as makeup and sunglasses from your bag to examine the contents beneath.
Contact a locksmith if tried these steps but are 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 no time.
A spare car key is a great way to avoid this stressful situation But you should consider adding a Bluetooth key tracker to your keys so you can keep in check. These tiny devices attach directly to your keys, emitting an unique signature. It is then possible to connect them to your phone to track their location at all times.
Another option is to call your dealer and ask them to make an original car key for you. They'll probably be able to make it quickly, as they have your car's security information in their database. It could be more difficult if you have a smart vehicle as they'll need to connect the key to your car. This could take some time. This is why it's important to have a spare car key!
Contact a locksmith
If you're unable find your car keys in an unlikely scenario, it is vital that you call a locksmith immediately. This will not only assist you to get back into your car but also ensure that nobody else has access to it. If you do not report the loss of your key fob as soon as you can it could cause further issues later on - like someone trying to impersonate you.
Most modern cars require an electronic key fob to unlock and operate the vehicle. If you have lost your key fob it is important to have a spare to avoid having to for the car to be taken to the dealer and then pay for a new set of keys.
A locksmith will be able to create a replacement key for your car without having to know the exact details of the security system of your vehicle. They can also disable the old key to ensure that it can't be used again. If you are unsure of what kind of key your vehicle requires, a locksmith will usually tell you from the information on your title or registration.
To avoid your spare keys from being lost, it is recommended to keep your keys in a safe location separate from your keychain. This will reduce the likelihood that you will drop your keys or be thrown out of your pocket.
You can also ward off the loss of the spare car key by jotting down your vehicle identification (VIN) number and keeping it on your person. This unique code helps identify your car and is usually found on your dashboard frame, door jamb or door.
If you're looking to replace your car's spare key or simply want to minimize the chance of losing it altogether an experienced locksmith in your area is the best option for getting your life back on course. It's also less expensive than going to the dealership, and you may be able to have the spare key created on-site.