Lost Spare Car Key? Here's What to Do
Not long ago, losing your car keys wasn't a big deal. You could call your local locksmith, and they would make a replacement key for you.
It's a bit more complicated now. It's dependent on the kind of key you have, and whether you've lost your spare. Here are a few tips to help you find your car keys.
Retract your steps
Sometimes, we all lose things. Perhaps you're running an task and forget to place your keys on the hook in the entryway, or maybe you're just returning home after a long day at the office and toss them onto the couch. It can be frustrating to lose your spare key.
The first thing you need to do is take a deep breath and try not to be anxious. Remember, your keys aren't lost forever - you can still find them with some thorough searching! It is also important to have a backup plan, like calling an auto locksmith.
Once you've cooled down and are able to control your emotions, it's time to begin searching for your keys. One of the best ways to retrace your steps is by remembering the last time you were able to see them. It's easier than you think, particularly if put your eyes closed and think about where you last saw the person.
Once you've thought about the last time you've seen them, start by looking at all the possible locations they might be. This includes your car, the house and any other common places that you may have been to during the day. You can ask your family or friends to assist you in your look for. This will help you see more!
When you're looking inside your car, make sure to check the handle on the driver's side of the door and the center console for any evidence of a spare key. Also, make sure you look through any bags or pockets that you've carried around during the day. Check all the compartments in your car. It's not uncommon for keys to become "lost" in the car.
Check Your Hideouts
Your car keys can be difficult to find regardless of how meticulous or diligent you are. It's among the most frequently lost items that can be lost, and it can quickly turn into a nightmare if you are not careful. If you've lost the car key that you had in your possession, there are some things to do before contacting a locksmith.
It's worth checking the place you typically keep your keys before looking for them. Examine the key bowl or key holder on your table. You could also ask someone nearby, such as an employee or a customer. They might have noticed your keys during your shopping trip or may have found them when they were cleaning up.
Many people store their spare keys in the car, and this may be a great option. However, if your vehicle has a hood that is opened from the outside, it is essential to make sure that the spare key is placed in a secure nook which won't be crushed when the hood is closed. Mini-vaults and magnetic boxes can be attached to your vehicle and keep your keys secure and easily accessible.
You can also put the spare car key into the tailpipe of your vehicle but this isn't extremely discreet and may be difficult to access. It is also possible that the tailpipe is covered in snow, mud or ice, making it difficult to locate the key.
Another spot where people often put their keys behind the tires. This can be a simple and effective method to keep your keys hidden, but it's important to keep in mind that the tires of your car are visible regardless of what you're wearing, so this isn't the best option if you're wearing shorts or skirts.
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 the proximity car key be sure to keep it safe from strangers. Some thieves employ signal relay technology and amplifiers to steal the key fob's signal and unlock your car, even if it's miles away.
Take a look inside Your Car
There's no telling how you'll lose something, particularly keys, so it's crucial to search every possible place. This includes going back to the last place you've used it then retracing your steps and reaching out to workers or owners of the places you've visited, and possibly lost it.
It's also worth checking your car for the keys if you think you've put them in there. This involves looking in the glove compartment (it's an ideal storage space for keys to your car) as well as the area beneath the front seats, and the elusive black hole inside cars that can swallow a small object like the key fob.
You should also make sure that you check the backpacks or purses you have with you that might be hiding a lost car key. You will need to carefully search through all pockets and compartments of your purse or backpack. Look for lost key in car with zippers and take items like makeup and sunglasses from your bag to check under.
Call a locksmith if you've tried 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 a short time.
A spare car key is a great way to avoid this stressful situation, but you should also consider adding a Bluetooth key tracker to your keys so that they're easier to keep an eye on. These tiny devices are attached to your keys and emit a unique signature, so you can connect them to an application on your phone to be aware of where they are at every moment of the day.
You can also reach out to your dealer and ask them to design your new key. Because they already have security information for your vehicle, they can do this quickly. If you own a smart vehicle, however, it may be more challenging as they'll need 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!
Call a Locksmith
If you can't locate your car keys, it's crucial to contact locksmiths as quickly as possible. This will not only help 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 keys immediately, it could lead you to further problems down the road - like someone trying to impersonate you.
Modern vehicles require a keyfob to unlock and operate them. It is essential to keep an extra key fob in case you lose it. This will keep you from having to pay for the vehicle to be towed and then purchase a new set.
A locksmith can make a new key for you car without knowing the precise details of the security system. They can also disable the old key to prevent it from being able to be used again. If you are unsure of what kind of key your vehicle requires, a locksmith will usually identify it from the information on 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.
Another way to prevent the loss of your spare car key is to write down your vehicle identification number (VIN) and keep it in your wallet at all at all times. This is a unique code that helps identify your car, and it is located on the driver's side dashboard the door jamb or the frame of your car.
A locksmith in your neighborhood can assist you in getting back on course, whether you want to replace your car's spare key or reduce the risk of it being lost. It's also less expensive than going to the dealer and you might be able have the spare key made on-site.