Lost Spare Car Key? Here's What to Do
It wasn't long ago that losing your car keys weren't an issue. You could contact your local locksmith, and they would make a replacement key for you.
Today, it's a lot more complicated. It's dependent on the kind of key you've got and whether you've lost your spare. Here are a few tips to help you locate your car keys.
Retract your steps
Sometimes, we all misplace things. Perhaps you're running an run and forget to put your keys on the hook in the entryway, or perhaps you're returning home after a long day at the office and throw them on the couch. Whatever the reason it can be a hassle and difficult to lose your spare car key.
Take a deep breath, and don't be afraid. Remember that your keys aren't lost forever - you can still find them with an extensive search! Also, you should have a backup plan for instance, calling an auto locksmith.
Once replace lost car key calmed yourself down and regained control of your emotions, it's time to start searching for your keys. You can go back to the steps you took by thinking back to the last time you seen them. It's simpler than you think, especially if you can shut your eyes and visualize the exact location you last was able to see them.
Once you've thought about the last time you've seen them, begin looking at the various places they could be. Include your home, car, and any other common places you've visited during the day. You can also invite your family or friends members to join the hunt, which will give you more eyes to look around with!
When you're looking inside your car, check the handle on the driver's side of the door and the center console for any signs of a spare key. Check any bags or pockets that you may have carried around with you throughout the day. Make sure to check all the compartments inside your car. It's common for keys to be "lost" within.
Check Your Hideouts
However careful you are, your car keys can be a bit tricky to keep in the loop. They're one of the most frequently misplaced items, and they can quickly become a nightmare in a second of naivete. There are a few steps you can take before calling a locksmith if you've lost your keys to your car.
It is worth examining the place you typically keep your keys before you start searching for them. Examine the key bowl or holder on your table. It's an excellent idea to inquire with others in the area for help, like a store employee or a fellow customer. They may have seen your keys in the chaos of your shopping trip or may have spotted them while they were cleaning up.
Some people hide their spare keys in the car, and this could be a convenient alternative. However, if your vehicle has a hood that can be open from the outside, it's essential to make sure that the spare key is placed in a secure nook which won't be crushed when the hood is closed. Mini-vaults and magnetic boxes can also be mounted to your car and keep your keys secure and easily accessible.
You can also place a spare key inside the car's tailpipe however this method is typically difficult to use and is not very discrete. It is also possible that the tailpipe is covered with mud, snow or ice making it difficult to locate the key.
Another location where people may conceal their keys is behind the tires. This is a simple and effective method to keep your keys safe, however it's important to keep in mind that the tires of your car are visible regardless of what you're wearing, therefore this method isn't ideal for those who wear shorts or skirts.
It's also possible to leave your spare car key with an individual who is a trusted family member, especially in case you're traveling and aren't willing to lose it. If you have an auto key that is proximity do not leave it with strangers. Certain thieves may employ signal relay technology and amplifiers to hijack the key fob's signal to unlock your car even if it's miles away.
Look Inside Your Car
It's impossible to know the exact location where you could lose something and a key fob isn't an exception. So, it's best to check everywhere. It's crucial to return to the location where you last used it, retrace your steps and contact owners or workers at the place where you may have lost it.
If you believe that you've left keys in the car, it's worth checking. This involves looking in the glove compartment (it's an ideal storage space for keys for a spare car), the area under the front seats, and that mysterious black hole inside cars which can swallow a tiny object like keys or a fob.
It is also important to examine any purses or backpacks you carry around that might contain a missing car key. You must carefully go through all compartments and pockets of your backpack or purse. Look for areas with zippers and take items such as makeup and sunglasses from your bag to examine the contents beneath.
Call a locksmith if you've tried all of these steps and still cannot find your car keys. They'll help you replace your lost car keys and get you back on the road in no time.
A spare car key can be the ideal solution to avoid this stressful situation, but you should also consider adding a Bluetooth key tracker to your keys so you can keep an eye on. These tiny devices can be attached directly to your keys, and emit an unique signature. You can then connect them to your smartphone to track their whereabouts at all times.
You can also contact your dealer and ask them to design an entirely new key for you. They'll likely be able complete the task quickly, since they have your car's security information in their database. If you own a sophisticated car, however, it may 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 so important to have a backup car key!
Call a Locksmith
If you're unable locate your car keys in the unlikely event, it is imperative that you contact a locksmith right away. Not only will this help you get into your car however, it will also ensure that nobody else has access. If you do not report the loss of your key fob as soon as you can, it could lead to further issues later on such as an impersonation attempt by someone else.
Modern vehicles require a keyfob in order to unlock and operate them. If you have lost your key fob it is crucial to have a spare in order to prevent having for the vehicle to be transported 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 specifications of the security system in your vehicle. They can also disable the previous key so that it cannot be used again. Locksmiths can tell you which car key you need from the information in your registration or title.
To avoid your spare keys from getting lost, it is best to keep your keys in a safe location away from your keychain. This will lessen the chances that you'll drop your keys, or fall out of your pocket.
Another method to avoid the loss of your spare car key is to write down your vehicle identification number (VIN) and keep it with you at all at all times. This unique code helps identify your car and can be found on your dashboard frame, door jamb or door.
Whether you need to replace a car key or just want to reduce the risk of losing it altogether A locksmith in your neighborhood is the best option for getting your life back on the right track. It's also less expensive than going to the dealer and you might be able have the spare key made on site.