Lost Spare Car Key? Here's What to Do
It wasn't too long ago that losing your car keys was not an problem. You would call your local locksmith and they would make a replacement key for you.
Nowadays, it's more complicated. It's all dependent on the type of key you've got and whether you've lost your spare. Here are some suggestions to help you locate your car keys.
Retract your Steps
Sometimes, we forget things. Maybe you're running a quick run and forget to put your keys on the hook in the entryway, or perhaps you are just coming home from a long day at the office and toss them onto the couch. Whatever the reason it can be a hassle and stressful to lose your spare car key.
The first thing to do is take a deep breath and try not to get stressed. You can still find your keys if you search hard enough. It's important to have an emergency plan, such as calling a professional car locksmith, just in case.
After you've calmed down and have regained control over your emotions now is the time to start looking for your keys. You can trace the steps you took, by thinking back to the last time you observed them. It's easier than you might think, particularly if can close your eyes and imagine the location where you last observed them.
After you've considered the last time you've seen them, begin looking at all the possible locations they might be. Include your car, home and any other typical areas you've visited throughout the day. You can also invite your family or friends members to join in the search and give you more eyes to look around with!
If similar resource site in the car, check the handle on the driver's side of the door and the center console for any signs of the spare key. Look through any bags or pockets that you've carried with you during the daytime. It's not unusual for keys to be "lost" in the car, so be sure to thoroughly look in every compartment in your vehicle!
Check Your Hideouts
No matter how careful you are in your vehicle, keys to your car are a bit difficult to keep track of. It's among the most commonly lost items to be misplaced and can turn into a nightmare if you aren't careful. If you've lost your spare car key There are some things to do prior to contacting locksmith.
Before you begin searching for your lost keys, it's worth checking the locations where you normally place keys. If you have a key holder near the door or keys on a table, check these places first. It's also a good idea to inquire with others in the area, for instance, a store worker or a customer. They may have spotted them in the chaos during your shopping trip, or found them when cleaning up.
It can be convenient to store spare keys in your car. If your vehicle's hood can be opened from the outside, it is important to place the spare key in a safe area so that it won't be smashed when the hood is closed. Mini-vaults and magnetic boxes may also be mounted to your car and keep your keys secure and easily accessible.
You can also put a spare car key in the tailpipe of your car but this isn't very discreet and could be difficult to access. You might also notice that the tailpipe is covered with mud, snow or ice making it difficult to locate the key.
Behind the tires is a different area where people store their keys. This is a good way to keep your keys hidden, but you should be aware that the tires of your car will be visible no matter what you wear.
It's also possible to leave your spare car key with an individual who is a trusted family member, particularly when you're on the road and do not want to lose it. If you have an auto key that is proximity do not leave it with strangers. Certain thieves may use signal relay technology and amplifiers to steal your key fob signal and unlock your car, even if it's miles away.
Check Inside Your Car
It's impossible to predict where you might lose something, and a key fob is no different. It's therefore advisable to search everywhere. This involves returning to the last place you've used it, retracing your steps, and contacting employees or owners of places you've been to and could have lost it at.
It's important to check your car for keys in case you think you may have hidden them. Check the glove compartment which is a popular spot to keep the spare keys for your car. Also check the area underneath the front seats as well as the mysterious black hole in the car, which could swallow small objects like key fobs.
Also, you should be sure to examine the backpacks or purses you have with you that might contain a missing car key. You'll need to look through all compartments and pockets of your purse or backpack. Feel around for zippered areas, and then remove items such as makeup and sunglasses from your bag in order to see what's under.
If you've done all these steps but you're still unable to locate your car keys, you need to contact a locksmith. They'll be able to help you find the lost car keys and get you back on the road in no time.
A spare car key is an excellent way to stay out of this stressful situation, but you should also consider adding a Bluetooth key tracker to your keys so that they're easier to keep in check. These tiny devices are attached to your keys, emitting an unique signature. Then, you can connect them to your smartphone to track their whereabouts at all times.
Another option is to call your dealership and ask them to make an original car key for you. They'll probably be able to complete the task quickly, since they have your car's security information in their database. If you own a smart vehicle however, it might be more difficult since they'll need to pair the new key with your vehicle, which can take a bit longer. It is essential to have an extra car key.
Call for a locksmith
If you are unable to find your car keys in an unlikely event, it is essential to contact an emergency locksmith. This will not only assist you get back in your car but make sure that no one else has access to the key. If you do not notify the lost key fob right away, it could lead to further issues later on - like someone trying to impersonate you.
Most modern cars require the use of a key fob to unlock and operate the vehicle. It is essential to keep an extra key fob in case you lose it. This will prevent you from having to pay for the car to be towed and then buy a replacement set.
A locksmith can create an entirely new key for your vehicle without knowing the exact details of its security system. They can also disable the previous key to prevent it from being able to be used again. A locksmith can inform you what type of car key you need based on the information in your registration or title.
It is recommended to avoid the loss of your spare car keys by leaving it in a secure location, away from your lanyard or keychain. This will reduce the likelihood that you will drop your keys or they will fall out of your pocket.
You can also ward off the loss of an extra car key by writing down your vehicle identification (VIN) number and keeping it with you. It is a unique number that allows you to identify your car and is located on the driver's side dashboard, door jamb, or the frame of your car.
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 choice to get your life back on the right track. It's also less expensive than going to the dealer and you might be able have the spare key created on-site.