Lost Spare Car Key? Here's What to Do
Not long ago, losing your car keys wasn't a big deal. You would call your local locksmith and they would create keys for you to replace.
It's more complicated now. It depends on the type of key you have and whether you've lost your spare. Here are some tips to help you locate your car keys.
Retract your steps
Sometimes, we all lose things. You may be running a quick errand and forget to hang your keys in the entryway. Or, you may be returning home from a long workday and put them on the couch. Whatever the reason it can be very frustrating and stressful to lose your car key.
The first thing you need to do is to take a deep breath and try not to get stressed. You can still find your keys if you look long enough. It's also a good idea to have a backup plan in place by calling a professional car locksmith, just in case.
Once you've calmed yourself down and gained control over your emotions, it's time to start looking for your keys. One of the best ways to retrace your steps is simply thinking back on where you last remember seeing them. It's much more simple than you think, particularly if you can shut your eyes and imagine the exact location you last observed them.
Begin by imagining the places they could be. This includes your car, your house and any other common places you've been to during the day. You can also ask your friends or family members to join in the hunt and give you more eyes to view the world with!
When you're looking in your car, check the driver's side door handle and the center console for any evidence of the spare key. Look through any bags or pockets that you might have carried around with you throughout the day. It's not common for keys to become "lost" in the car, so make certain to check every compartment in your vehicle!
Check Your Hideouts
Car keys are difficult to locate, regardless of how diligent or diligent you are. They're one of the most commonly misplaced objects, and they can quickly turn into a nightmare in a second of inattention. If you've lost your car keys, there are some things to do prior to calling a locksmith.
Before you start searching for your lost keys, it's worth checking the places where you usually place them. If you have a key holder by the door or the key bowl is on a table, look at these locations first. You may also ask someone in the vicinity, such as an employee or a fellow customer. They might have noticed your keys during your shopping trip or may have found them when they were cleaning up.
It can be convenient to hide spare keys in your car. If the hood of your car can be opened from the outside, it is important to place the spare key in a secure place so that it will not be smashed when the hood closes. There are also a number of mini-vaults and magnetic boxes that can be affixed to your vehicle to keep your keys secure and easy to locate.
You can also put an extra key in the tailpipe of your car, however this method is typically difficult to use and not very discreet. You may also find that the tailpipe is covered with mud, snow or ice, making it difficult to locate the key.
Another place where people sometimes hide their keys is behind the tires. This is a great way to conceal your keys, but you should be aware that the tires of your vehicle are visible regardless of what you wear.
It is also possible to leave your spare car keys with a trusted family member, particularly when you're on the road and aren't willing to lose it. If you have a proximity car key do not leave it with strangers. Some thieves can employ signal relay technology and amplifiers to elude your key fob signal and unlock your car even though it is miles away.
Look Inside Your Car
It's difficult to pinpoint which place you might lose something, and a key fob is no different. Therefore, it's best to look everywhere. It is essential to return to the spot where you first used it, and retrace your steps and get in touch with owners or employees at the places you may have lost it.
If you suspect that you've lost keys in your car, you should check. Examine the glove box, which is a common spot to store keys for a spare car. Also check the area beneath the front seats as well as the mysterious black hole in the car that can take small items such as keys.
Examine any bags or purses that you might have, as they could contain keys that were lost. This will require you to search through all pockets and compartments in your backpack or purse, feeling around for zippered areas, and even taking items such as makeup and sunglasses from your bag in order to see underneath.
If you've tried all of these things and still can't locate your car keys, you need to contact locksmith. They'll be able to help you find your lost car keys and get you back on the road in a short time.
You can avoid this scenario by having a spare car key. But you should also include a Bluetooth tracker to your key so that it's easier to keep track of the keys. These tiny devices can be attached directly to your keys, and emit a unique signature. Then, you can connect them to your smartphone to track their position at all times.
You can also reach out to your dealer and ask them to design a new key for you. They'll probably be able to do this quickly, as they have your car's security information on file. It could be more difficult if you own an advanced vehicle, as they'll need to pair the key to your car. This could take a while. This is why it's so important to have a spare car key!
Contact a Locksmith
In the unlikely event that you are unable to locate your car keys, it's crucial to contact locksmith as soon as you can. 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 theft of your car key as soon as you can this could lead to problems later on in the future, for instance, someone trying to impersonate you.
Most modern cars require the use of a key fob to unlock and operate the vehicle. If you have lost your key fob it is essential to have a spare to avoid having to pay for the car to be transported to the dealer, and then having to pay for a new set of keys.
A locksmith can create an entirely new key for your car without knowing the exact details of its security system. They will also be able to disable the old key to ensure that no one else can use it again. Locksmiths can tell you what type of car key you need according to the information on your registration or title.
It is recommended to avoid the loss of your spare car keys by leaving it in a secure spot separate from your keychain or lanyard. This will decrease the chance that you'll lose your keys, or disappear from your pocket.
You can also ward off the loss of a spare car key by jotting down your vehicle identification (VIN) number and keeping it in your wallet. This unique code helps identify your vehicle and is visible on your dashboard frame, door jamb or door.
car key lost no spare in your neighborhood can help you get back on the right track, whether you need to replace your spare car key or reduce the likelihood that it will be lost. It is also less expensive than going through a dealership, and you may be able to get the spare key made on-site.