Lost Spare Car Key? Here's What to Do
It wasn't long ago that losing your car keys weren't a big problem. You could call your local locksmith, and they would make a replacement key for you.
Nowadays, it's more complex. It's dependent on the kind 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. You may be out for a quick errand, and you've forgotten to hang your keys in the entryway. Or you might be returning home from a long workday and throw them on the couch. It can be frustrating to lose your spare key.
The first thing to do is to take a deep breath and try not to panic. Keep in mind that your keys won't be lost forever. You can find them using some thorough searching! It's important to have an emergency plan, such as calling a professional car locksmith, just in case.
After you've calmed down and gained control over your emotions It's time to begin searching for your keys. One of the best ways to trace your steps is by simply thinking back on where you last remember seeing them. It's easier than you think, especially if close your eyes and imagine the exact location you last was with the person.
After you've considered the last time you saw them, you can begin to look at all the possible places they could be. Include your home, car and any other popular areas you've visited throughout the daytime. You can also ask your friends or family members to join in the hunt to provide you with more eyes to see with!
Check the driver's door handle and the center console of your vehicle to see if there is an extra. Check any bags or pockets that you may have carried around with you throughout the daytime. It's not unusual for keys to be "lost" in the car, so be certain to check all of your vehicle's compartments!
Check Your Hideouts
Your car keys can be difficult to find regardless of how diligent or diligent you are. They're one of the most frequently lost items, and they can quickly become an absolute nightmare in the blink of absentmindedness. If you've lost your car keys, there are some things to do before contacting locksmith.
It is worth examining where you normally keep your keys prior to searching for them. Examine the key bowl or key holder on your table. You could also ask someone nearby for help, such as an employee or a customer. They might have seen them in the chaos during your shopping trip, or even found them when they were cleaning up.
Many people store their spare keys in their car, and this may be a convenient alternative. If the hood of your car can be opened from the outside, it is essential to put the spare key in a secure nook so that it won't be smashed when the hood is closed. Mini-vaults and magnetic boxes may also be mounted to your vehicle to keep your keys safe and easily accessible.
You can also put keys that are spare inside the car's tailpipe however, this is usually difficult to use and not very discrete. It's also possible that the tailpipe will be covered in mud or snow and it will be difficult to locate the key inside.
Behind the tires is a different location where people keep their keys. This is a good way to conceal your keys, but you should be aware that the tires of your vehicle are visible regardless of what you wear.
You can leave your spare key with a family member or trusted friend, particularly if you are you are traveling and don't want to risk getting lost. If you have an auto key that is proximity do not leave it with strangers. Certain thieves may make use of signal relay technology and amplifiers to hijack the key fob's signal and unlock your car even though it's miles away.
Look Inside Your Car
There's no telling how you'll lose something, especially keys, so it's important to check every possible spot. This involves going back to the last place you've used it, retracing your steps, and contacting workers or owners of the places you've been to and could have lost it at.
If you think that you've lost keys in your car, you need to check. Check the glove box as it is a popular spot to store a spare key for your car. Also, check the area beneath the front seats and the mysterious black hole in the car that could swallow small items like keys.
Examine any bags or purses you may have on you because they may contain keys that were lost. You must carefully search through all compartments and pockets of your backpack or purse. Check for zippered areas, and then remove items like sunglasses and makeup from your bag to check under.
Contact a locksmith if tried everything but are unable to locate your car keys. They can assist you in replacing lost keys to your car and get you back on the road in no time.
You can prevent this from happening by having an extra car key. But you should also add an Bluetooth tracker to your keys so that you can keep track of them. These tiny devices are attached to your keys and emit a unique signature. Then, you can 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. They'll probably be able to do this quickly, as they have your car's security information on file. If you have a smart vehicle however, it could be more challenging as they'll have to pair the new key to your vehicle, which may take a bit longer. This is why it's important to have a spare car key!
replace lost car keys for a locksmith
If you are unable to locate your car keys, it's essential to call locksmiths as quickly as possible. This will not only help you get back into your vehicle but make sure that no one else has access to it. If you do not notify the lost key fob immediately it could cause further issues later on for instance, an impersonation attempt by someone else.
Modern cars require a keyfob to open and operate them. It is crucial to have an extra key fob just in case you lose yours. This will save you from having to pay for the vehicle to be tow and then buy a new set.
A locksmith can create an entirely new key for your car without knowing the exact details of the security system. They will also be able to deactivate the key that was previously used, so that no one else can use it again. A locksmith can tell you what type of car key you require from the information in your registration or title.
It is best to avoid the loss of your spare car keys by storing them in a secure location, away from your lanyard or keychain. This will reduce the likelihood that you'll drop your keys or fall out of your pocket.
You can also avoid the loss of an extra car key by writing down your vehicle identification (VIN) number and keeping it with you. This is a unique code that helps identify your vehicle and is located on the driver's side dashboard or door jamb the frame of your car.
If you're looking to replace a car key or simply want to minimize the chance 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 going to the dealership, and you may be able to have the spare key made on site.