Lost Spare Car Key? Here's What to Do
It wasn't long ago that losing your car keys was not a big problem. You could call your local locksmith, and they would make keys for you to replace.
Nowadays, it's more complicated. It depends on the type of key you have and whether you lost your spare. Here are some suggestions to assist you in finding 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 perhaps you're returning home from a long day at the office and throw them on the couch. It can be frustrating to lose your spare key.
The first thing to do is to take a deep breath and try not to panic. You can still find your keys if you look hard enough. Also, you should have a backup plan, like calling an auto locksmith.
Now that you've calmed down and are able to control your emotions, you can start searching for your keys. You can go back to the steps you took, by thinking back to where you last saw them. It's much more simple than you think, especially if you can shut your eyes and visualize the spot where you last observed them.
Begin by imagining the places they could be. This includes your car, your home, and other common areas that you may have visited throughout the day. You can also ask your friends or family members to join in the hunt, which will provide you with more eyes to view the world with!
If you're in the car, make sure to check the driver's side door handle and the center console for any evidence of an extra key. Also, make sure you examine any pockets or bags you might have been carrying during the day. Check all the compartments in your car. It's not uncommon for keys to become "lost" within.
Check Your Hideouts
No matter how vigilant you are in your vehicle, keys to your car can be a bit tricky to keep track of. They're among the most commonly misplaced objects, and they can quickly turn into a nightmare in a second of inattention. There are a few steps you can do prior to calling a locksmith if you've lost your car keys.
It's worth checking where you normally keep your keys prior to looking for them. Check the key bowl or holder on your table. You could also ask someone else nearby, such as an employee or a fellow customer. They may have seen them in the chaos during your shopping trip, or spotted them when cleaning up.
It can be convenient to hide spare keys in your car. If the hood of your car can be opened externally it is crucial to place the spare key in a secure area so that it won't be smashed when the hood closes. Mini-vaults and magnetic boxes may be affixed to your car and keep your keys secure and easily accessible.
You can also place an extra 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 with snow, mud or ice, making it difficult to locate the key.
Another location where people may put their keys behind the tires. This can be a simple and effective way to keep your keys in a safe place, but it's important to keep in mind that your car's tires are visible no matter what you're wearing. Therefore, this method isn't recommended for those who wear shorts or skirts.
It is also possible to leave your spare car keys with a trusted family member, especially if you're traveling and do not want to risk losing it in the process. However, if you have an proximity key, be cautious when leaving it with strangers because certain thieves may utilize signal relays and amplifier technology to hijack the signal from your key fob and unlock your car even when the key is miles away.
Take a look inside Your Car
It's difficult to pinpoint which place you might lose something and a key fob isn't an exception. Therefore, it's best to search everywhere. It's crucial to return to the place where you first used it, and retrace your steps and contact owners or workers at the place where you may have lost it.
If you think that you have left keys in your car, it's worth checking. Examine the glove box as it is a popular location to keep keys for a spare car. Also, look for the area underneath the front seats, and the mysterious black hole in the car that could swallow small items like keys.
It is also important to examine the backpacks or purses you have with you that might be hiding a lost car key. You will need to carefully go through all pockets and compartments of your backpack or purse. Check for zippered areas, and then remove items like sunglasses and makeup from your bag in order to examine the contents underneath.
Contact a locksmith if tried everything and still cannot find your car keys. They can help you replace lost car keys, and get you on the road again in short time.
You can avoid this scenario by having a spare car key. But, you must add a Bluetooth tracker to your keys to make it easier to keep the track of the keys. These tiny devices are attached to your keys, emitting a unique signature. You can then connect them to your smartphone to track their position at all times.
Another option is to contact your dealer and ask them to make an original car key for you. They'll likely be able to do this quickly, as they have your car's security information on file. If you own a sophisticated vehicle however, it could be more challenging as they'll have to pair the new key with your vehicle, which can take a bit longer. This is why it's important to have a backup car key!
Contact a locksmith
If you are unable to locate your car keys in the unlikely scenario, it is imperative that you contact a locksmith immediately. This will not only help you to get back into your car but also ensure that no one else has access to it. If you don't report the theft of your car keys immediately it could lead to other problems in the future, such as an individual trying to impersonate you.
Modern vehicles require a keyfob in order to unlock and operate them. If you have lost your key fob, it is essential to have a spare avoid having to for the vehicle to be taken to the dealer and then paying for a new set of keys.
A locksmith will be able to create a replacement key for your car without having to know the specifics of your car's security system. They can also disable the old key to prevent it from being able to be used again. Locksmiths can tell you which type of car key you require from the information in your registration or title.
To prevent your keys that you don't have lost, it is recommended to keep them in a secure place away from your keychain. i lost the keys to my car will lessen the chances that you'll lose your keys, or disappear from your pocket.
Another way to prevent the loss of your spare car key is to write down your vehicle identification number (VIN) and keep it in your wallet at all times. It is a unique code that allows you to identify your car, and it can be found on the driver's side dashboard, door jamb, or frame of your vehicle.
Whether you need to replace a car key or just want to reduce the risk of losing it in the first place an experienced locksmith in your area is the best option to get 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.