Lost Spare Car Key? Here's What to Do
Not long ago, losing your car keys was not a big deal. You would call your local locksmith, and they would make keys for you to replace.
Today, it's a lot more complicated. It's all dependent on the type of key you've got and whether you've lost your spare. Here are some tips to assist you in finding 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 are just coming home after an exhausting day at work and throw them on the couch. Whatever the reason, it can be frustrating and difficult to lose your spare car key.
Take a deep breath and don't panic. Remember that your keys aren't lost forever. You can find them using an extensive search! It's important to have an emergency plan by calling a professional car locksmith, just in case.
Once you've cooled down and regained control over your emotions, you are now able to begin the search for your keys. One of the best ways to retrace your steps is by remembering where you last remember seeing them. It's much easier than you think, especially when you close your eyes and imagine the exact location you last saw the person.
Begin by thinking about the places they could be. Include your car, home, and any other common places you've visited during the day. You can also ask your friends or family members to join in the hunt and provide you with more eyes to see with!
When you're looking inside your car, make sure to check the door handle of the driver's side and the center console for evidence of a spare key. Examine any pockets or bags that you may have carried around during the day. Make sure to check all the compartments inside your car. It's not uncommon for keys to be "lost" in the car.
Check Your Hideouts
Car keys are difficult to locate, no matter how careful or diligent you are. They're one of the most frequently misplaced items, and they could quickly turn into an absolute nightmare in the blink of absentmindedness. If you've lost your car keys, there are a few things you need to do before contacting a locksmith.
It's worth checking where you normally keep your keys before searching for them. Examine the key bowl or key holder on your table. You could also ask someone nearby, 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 spotted them while they were cleaning up.
It is possible to store spare keys in your car. If your car has a hood that can be opened from the outside, it is essential to make sure that the spare key is kept in a secure nook that isn't smashed when the hood is closed. There are a variety of mini-vaults and magnetic containers that can be put on your vehicle to keep your keys secure and easy to locate.
g28carkeys can also place the spare car key into the tailpipe of your vehicle but this isn't very discreet and can be difficult to access. You may also find that the tailpipe is covered in mud, snow or ice which makes it difficult to locate the key.
Behind the tires is another location where people keep their keys. This is a great place to hide your keys however, you must be aware that the tires of your car are visible regardless of what you wear.
You can leave your spare key with someone in your family or a trusted friend, especially if traveling and you don't want it to get lost. However, if you have a proximity key, you should be cautious when leaving it with strangers as some thieves could make use of signal relay and amplifier technology to hijack the signal from your key fob to unlock the car even when the key is miles away.
Check Inside Your Car
It's impossible to predict where you might lose something such as a key fob, and this is no different. It's therefore advisable to check everywhere. It is essential to return to the location where you last used it, then retrace your steps and get in touch with workers or owners at places you may have lost it.
If you suspect that you have left keys in your car, you should check. This includes checking the glove box (it's a common storage space for a spare car key), the area under the front seats, and that mysterious black hole inside cars that can swallow a small item like the key fob.
Take a look at any bags or purses you may have on you because they may contain a lost key. You will need to carefully go through all pockets and compartments of your backpack or purse. Check for zippered areas and remove items like sunglasses and makeup from your bag to examine the contents under.
If you've done all these steps and still cannot locate your car keys, you need to call locksmith. They'll be able to assist you replace your lost car keys and get you back on the road in no time.
You can avoid this situation by having an extra car key. But, you must add an Bluetooth tracker to your keys so that it's easier to keep track of them. These tiny devices can be attached directly to your keys and emit an unique signature. Then, you can connect them to your phone to track their whereabouts throughout the day.
Another option is to call your dealership and ask them to design a new car keys for you. As they already have the security information for your vehicle and can complete the process quickly. If you have a smart car, however, it may be more difficult as they'll need to connect the new key to your vehicle, which may take a bit longer. This is why it's so important to have a backup car key!
Contact a locksmith
If you are unable to locate your car keys in an unlikely event, it's imperative that you contact an emergency locksmith. This will not only assist you get back in your car but also ensure that no one else has access to it. If you don't report the loss of your car key immediately it could lead to problems later on later on - such as someone trying to impersonate you.
Most modern cars require the use of a key fob to unlock and operate the vehicle. It is essential to keep a spare key fob in case you lose it. This will save you from having to pay for the vehicle to be towed and then buy a new set.
A locksmith can make an entirely new key for your car without knowing the exact details of the security system. They can also disable the old key to ensure that it can't be used again. A locksmith can inform you which car key you require based on the information in your registration or title.
It is best to avoid the loss of your car keys by leaving it in a secure location, away from your lanyard or keychain. This will make it less likely that you will accidentally drop your keys or that they will slip out of your pocket.
You can also ward off the loss of an extra car key by jotting down your vehicle identification (VIN) number and keeping it in your wallet. It is a unique number that helps identify your vehicle, and it can be found on the driver's dashboard, door jamb, or the frame of your car.
A locksmith near you can assist you in getting back on the right track, whether you need to replace your car's spare key or reduce the likelihood that it could be lost. It's also cheaper than going to the dealer and you might be able have the spare key made on site.