Lost Spare Car Key? Here's What to Do
It wasn't that long ago that losing your car keys wasn't a big issue. You'd call your local locksmith, and they'd create a new key for you.
It's a bit more complicated today. It's all dependent on the type of key you've got and if you've lost your spare. Here are some suggestions to assist you in finding your car keys.
Retract Your Steps
We all have things that go missing. You could be out for a quick errand, and you've forgotten to hang your keys in the entryway. Or, you may be returning home after a long day at work and want to throw them on the couch. It can be frustrating to lose your spare key.
Take a deep breath, and don't get stressed. You'll still be able to find your keys if you look long enough. It's also a good idea to have an emergency plan for emergencies, like calling a professional locksmith for your car, just in case.
Once you've gotten your head in order and regained control of your emotions now is the time to start searching for your keys. You can trace the steps you took, by thinking back to the last time you saw them. It's easier than you think, particularly if close your eyes and imagine where you last saw the person.
Begin by thinking about where they might be. Include car key lost replacement , car and any other typical places you've visited during the daytime. You could even ask your friends or family members to join the search and give you more eyes to view the world with!
When you're looking inside your car, make sure to check the handle on the driver's side of the door and the center console for indications of a spare key. Also, make sure to look through any bags or pockets you may have carried with you throughout the day. It's not common for keys to become "lost" in the car, so be certain to check the compartments of your car!
Check Your Hideouts
Your car keys can be difficult to locate, regardless of how diligent or diligent you are. They're one of the most frequently lost objects, and they can quickly turn into an absolute nightmare in the blink of naivete. If you've lost the car key that you had in your possession, there are some things to do prior to calling a locksmith.
It's worth checking the place you typically keep your keys prior to looking for them. If you have a key holder near the door or the key bowl is on a table, look at those places first. You could also ask someone else nearby, such as an employee or a customer. They might have noticed your keys in the chaos of your shopping spree or have spotted them while they were cleaning up.
It can be convenient to store spare keys in your car. However, if your vehicle has a hood that is opened externally, it's important to ensure that the spare key is placed in a secure nook that won't get crushed when the hood is closed. There are also a number of mini-vaults and magnetic containers that can be affixed to your vehicle and keep your keys safe and easy to find.
You can also put a spare car key in the tailpipe of your car but this isn't extremely discreet and may be difficult to locate. You might also notice that the tailpipe is covered with ice, snow or mud, making it difficult to locate the key.
Another place where people sometimes conceal their keys is behind the tires. This can be a straightforward and effective method to keep your keys safe, however it's important to remember that your car's tires are visible regardless of what you're wearing. Therefore, this isn't the best option if you're wearing shorts or skirts.
You can leave your spare key with someone in your family or a trusted friend, especially if you are traveling and do not want it to be lost. If you have a proximity car key, don't leave it with strangers. Some thieves can make use of signal relay technology and amplifiers to steal 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 isn't an exception. So, it's best to look everywhere. This means returning to the last location you used it and retracing your steps and contacting workers or owners of places you visited and may have lost it at.
It's important to check your car for the keys in case you think you've left them in there. Examine the glove box, which is a common place to keep the spare keys for your car. Also, look for the area under the front seats, and the mysterious black hole inside the car that can swallow small objects like keys.
Take a look at any bags or purses that you carry around, as they could contain keys that were lost. This requires you to carefully 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.
Contact a locksmith if you've tried everything and still cannot find your car keys. They'll help you find your lost car keys and get you back on the road in a short time.
You can avoid this situation by having an extra car key. But you should also add a Bluetooth tracker to your key so that you can keep on top of the keys. These tiny devices attach to your keys and emit an unique signature, allowing you to connect them to an app on your smartphone and see where they are at all times.
You can also call your dealer and ask them to create a new key for you. As they already have the security information for your vehicle, they can do this quickly. It might be more challenging if you have an intelligent vehicle since they will need to connect the key to your car. This can take some time. It is essential to have a spare car key.
Contact a Locksmith
In the unlikely event that you cannot find your car keys, it is essential to call a locksmith as soon as possible. This will not only help you gain entry into your vehicle, but it will also ensure that no one else has access. If you do not report the loss of your key fob immediately it could result in other issues down the line - like an impersonation attempt by someone else.
The majority of modern vehicles require the use of a key fob to unlock and operate the vehicle. If you have lost your key fob it is important to have a spare in order to prevent having to have the car towed to the dealer and then pay for a new set of keys.
A locksmith can create a new key for you car without knowing the precise specifics of the security system. They can also disable the old key to prevent it from being able to be used again. If you're unsure the type of key your car requires the locksmith can typically identify it from the information on your title or registration.
It is best to avoid the loss of your spare car keys by storing them in a secure spot separate from your lanyard or keychain. This will reduce the likelihood that you will drop your keys or fall out of your pocket.
You can also avoid the loss of a spare car key by writing down your vehicle identification (VIN) number and keeping it on your person. This unique code can help identify your vehicle and is visible on your dashboard, door jamb or frame.
Whether you need to replace a car key or lower the risk of losing it altogether, a local locksmith is the best option for getting your life back on the right track. It's also less expensive than a trip to the dealership, and you may be able to have the spare key created on-site.