Lost Spare Car Key? Here's What to Do
It wasn't too 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.
Nowadays, it's more complex. It's all dependent on the type of key you have and whether you lost your spare. Here are some tips to assist you in finding your car keys.
Retract your steps
We all get things lost. Maybe you're running an task and forget to place your keys on the hook in the entryway, or you're returning home after an exhausting day at work and toss them onto the couch. Whatever the case it can be a hassle and stressful to lose your spare car key.
Take a deep breath and don't get stressed. Keep in mind that your keys won't be lost forever - you can still find them with an exhaustive search! It's also a good idea to have a backup plan in place, such as calling a professional locksmith for your car in case of emergency.
After you've calmed down and regained control over your emotions, you can begin the search for your keys. You can trace the steps you took by thinking back to where you last observed them. It's easier than you think, especially when you close your eyes and visualize where you last observed the person.
Begin by imagining where they might be. This includes your car, your house, and other common areas that you may have been to during the day. You could ask your family or friends to assist you in your look for. This will help you see more!
Check the driver's door handle and center console in your vehicle for indications of an extra. Examine any pockets or bags that you might have carried around with you throughout the day. It's not unusual for keys to be "lost" in the car, so be sure to look thoroughly in every compartment in your vehicle!
Check Your Hideouts
Car keys are difficult to locate regardless of how diligent or diligent you are. They're among the most commonly misplaced items, and they could quickly become a nightmare in a second of inattention. There are some steps you can follow prior to calling a locksmith if you've lost your car keys.
Before you start searching for your lost keys you should check the places where you usually keep them. If you have a key holder by the door or a key bowl on a table, look at these places first. It's an excellent idea to ask others who are in the vicinity for help, like a store employee or fellow customers. They may have spotted them in the chaos during your shopping trip, or spotted them while cleaning up.
Many people store their spare keys in the car, and this may be a great alternative. If your vehicle's hood is able to be opened externally, it is important 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 can be attached to your car, keeping your keys secure and easily accessible.
You can also put keys that are spare in the car's tailpipe, however, this is usually difficult to use and is not very discrete. It is also possible that the tailpipe will be covered with mud or snow and it will be difficult to locate the key within.
Another place where people sometimes conceal their keys is behind the tires. This is a simple and effective method to keep your keys hidden, but it's important to remember that the tires of your car are visible no matter what you're wearing. Therefore, this method isn't recommended for those who wear shorts or skirts.
You can leave your spare key with someone in your family or a trusted friend, particularly if you are you're traveling and don't want it to get lost. If you do have an proximity key, be cautious when leaving it with strangers because some thieves can make use of signal relay and amplifier technology to snoop on the signal from your key fob and unlock your car even if the key is miles away.
Look Inside Your Car
It's impossible to predict which place you might lose something, and a key fob is no exception. So, it's best to search everywhere. This means going back to the first place you remember using it then retracing your steps and contacting workers or owners of the places you've visited, and possibly lost it at.
It's also worth checking your car for keys if you suspect you've left them in there. This means checking the glove box (it's the most common storage space for a spare car key), the area under the front seats, and that elusive black hole inside cars which can swallow a tiny object like keys or a fob.
Examine any bags or purses that you carry around because they may contain keys that were lost. You'll need to search through all compartments and pockets of your backpack or purse. Feel around for zippered areas, and then remove items like makeup and sunglasses from your bag to examine the contents underneath.
Call a locksmith if you've tried all of these steps but are unable to locate your car keys. They'll be able to assist you find the lost car keys and get you back on the road in no time.
A spare car key is the ideal solution to avoid this stress, but you should also think about adding a Bluetooth key tracker to your keys, so that they are easier to keep in check. These tiny devices are attached to your keys, emitting a unique signature. You can then connect them to your smartphone to track their whereabouts throughout the day.
You can also reach out to your dealer and ask them to design a new key for you. Because they already have security information for your vehicle and can complete the process quickly. It might be more difficult if you have an intelligent vehicle since they'll have to connect the key to your car. This could take a bit of time. It's essential to always have a spare car key.
Contact a Locksmith
If you are unable to locate your car keys in an unlikely scenario, it is vital that you call a locksmith right away. This will not only assist you get back in your car but also ensure that no one else has access to the key. If you don't notify the owner of your car key as soon as you can it could lead to problems later on later on - such as an individual trying to impersonate you.
Modern cars require a keyfob to unlock and operate them. If lost keys of car have lost your key fob it is important to have a spare in order to avoid having to pay for the vehicle to be taken to the dealer and then having to pay for a new set of keys.
A locksmith will be able to create a replacement key for your car without needing to know the exact details of your car's security system. They can also disable the old key to prevent it from being able to be used again. If you're unsure what type of car key you require, a locksmith will usually identify it from the information on your title or registration.
It is best to avoid the loss of your car keys by keeping them in a secure spot separate from your keychain or lanyard. This will lessen the chances that you'll lose your keys or fall out of your pocket.
Another method to avoid loss of your spare car key is to note down your vehicle identification number (VIN) and keep it with you at all times. This unique code can help identify your vehicle and is usually found on your dashboard, door jamb or frame.
A locksmith near you can help you get back on the right track, whether you need to replace your car's spare key or decrease the chance that it will be lost. It's also less expensive than going to the dealership, and you might even be able to get the spare key made on-site.