Lost Spare Car Key? Here's What to Do
It wasn't that long ago that losing your car keys was not an issue. You could contact your local locksmith and they would create an appropriate replacement key for you.
Nowadays, it's more complicated. It depends on the type of key you've got and whether you've lost your spare. Here are some tips to help you locate your car keys.
Retract Your Steps
We all lose things. Perhaps you're running an errand and forget to put your keys on the hook in the entryway, or perhaps you're returning home after a long day at the office and throw them on the couch. It's 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 are still able to find them with an extensive search! It's important to have a backup plan in place, such as calling a professional locksmith for your car, just in case.
Once you've cooled down and are able to control your emotions, it's time to start searching for your keys. One of the best ways to trace your steps is by thinking back on the last time you saw them. It's a lot more simple than you think, particularly if you can close your eyes and visualize the location where you last saw them.
Once you've thought about the last time you saw them, start by looking at the various locations they might be. This includes your car, your house and other places you've been to during the day. You could ask your family or acquaintances to help you find your way. This will help you see more!
When you're looking inside your car, make sure to check the door handle of the driver's side and the center console for signs of the spare key. Check any bags or pockets that you might have carried around during the daytime. Examine all compartments in your car. It's normal for keys to be "lost" in the car.
Check Your Hideouts
However careful you are, your car keys are always a little tricky to keep on top of. They're one of the most frequently lost objects, and they can quickly become an absolute nightmare in the blink of inattention. If you've lost your car keys, there are a few things you need to do before contacting locksmith.
It's important to check where you normally keep your keys before you start searching for them. Look over the key bowl or holder on your table. You may also ask someone nearby, such as an employee or a customer. They may have seen them in the midst of your shopping trip, or found them while cleaning up.
Some people hide their spare keys inside the car, and this could be a great option. If your car has an hood that can be opened externally, it's important to ensure that the spare key is placed in a safe spot that won't get crushed when the hood is closed. There are a variety of mini-vaults and magnetic containers that can be affixed to your vehicle and keep your keys secure and easy to locate.
You can also put a spare car key in the tailpipe of your car however this isn't extremely discreet and may be difficult to locate. It's also possible that the tailpipe will be covered in snow or mud, making it hard to locate the key inside.
Another spot where people often hide their keys is behind the tires. This is a great place to hide your keys however, you must be aware that the tires of your vehicle are visible regardless of the clothes you wear.
You can also 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. However, if lost key to car no spare own a proximity key, you should be careful about leaving it with strangers since certain thieves may make use of signal relay and amplifier technology to snoop on the signal from your key fob and unlock the car even if the key is miles away.
Check Inside Your Car
There's no telling how you'll lose something. This is especially true for the key fob, which is why it's essential to look for it in every possible spot. This includes going back to the first place you remember using it and retracing your steps and contacting employees or owners of the places you've visited, and possibly lost it at.
If you think that you have left keys in your car, you need to check. This means checking the glove box (it's a common location to store keys for a spare car) and the space under the front seats, and that mysterious black hole in cars which can swallow a tiny item like keys or a fob.
Examine any bags or purses you may have on you because they may contain a lost key. This will require you to search through all the compartments and pockets of your backpack or purse, feeling around for zippered areas, or removing items like makeup and sunglasses from your bag and looking underneath.
If you've tried all of these steps but you're still unable to find your car keys, you need to call a locksmith. They can help you replace lost car keys, and get you back on the road in the shortest amount of time.
You can prevent this from happening by having a spare car key. But you should also include an Bluetooth tracker to your keys so that you can keep track of the keys. These tiny devices attach directly to your keys, emitting an unique signature. You can then connect them to your phone to keep track of their whereabouts at all times.
Another option is to call your dealership and ask them to create a new car keys for you. Because they already have security information for your vehicle, they can do this quickly. It may be a bit more difficult if you have an advanced vehicle, as they'll have to connect the key to your car. This could take a while. It's essential to always have an extra car key.
Call a Locksmith
In the unlikely event that you cannot find your car keys, it's crucial to contact locksmiths as quickly as possible. Not only will this assist you get into your car, but it will also ensure that nobody else has access. If you don't report the theft of your car key immediately, it could lead you to further problems later on - such as someone trying to impersonate yourself.
The majority of modern vehicles require a key fob in order 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 tow and then buy a new set.
A locksmith will be able to create a replacement key for your vehicle without needing to know the exact details of the security system of your vehicle. They can also disable the previous key so that it cannot be used again. A locksmith can inform you which type of car key you require from the information in your registration or title.
To prevent your spare keys from getting lost, it is best to keep them in a safe place separated from your keychain. This will make it less likely that you will accidentally drop the keys or that they will escape from your pocket.
You can also avoid the loss of a spare car key by jotting down your vehicle identification (VIN) number and keeping it in your wallet. It is a unique number that allows you to identify your car and is located on the dashboard of the driver's side, door jamb, or frame of your vehicle.
If you're looking to replace a spare car key or just want to reduce the risk of losing it in the first place, a local locksmith is the best option for getting your life back on course. It's also less expensive than a trip to the dealership and you might be able have the spare key created on-site.