Lost Car Keys - Tips For Getting Back on the Road If You Have No Spare
Losing your car keys could be a costly and stressful experience. There are some steps you can do to avoid the worst-case scenario.
For traditional keys, it's usually relatively cheap for a locksmith to create the new key if they have proof of ownership of the vehicle (registration or title). However modern key fobs are a different story.
1. Retract your Steps
It can be a traumatic experience to lose your car keys, especially when there's no spare. You could be in your home and unable to complete the necessary errands or get to work. This could be a huge issue however there are a few ways to address the issue. If you follow these easy steps, you can get back on the road in no time.
The first thing to do if you lose your car keys is to retrace your steps. This can help you locate keys in just a few minutes, since you'll be able to remember the last location you've thought of carrying them and where they could have been misplaced. Also, you should check your bags or pockets that you might have. The key may be buried right in the front of you. Also, check places you have been recently such as bars or restaurants. If you frequent these establishments frequently, you could ask an employee to see whether they have lost and found bins.
If you're unable to locate your car keys, you should contact family and friends for help. Create a search party and spread the search out across your neighborhood, or at any place you've visited recently. Calling friends and family can also help you remain at peace, as they'll remind you that losing your car keys isn't the end of the world.
To get new keys for a modern vehicle, you'll need to contact the dealership or a local locksmith. If you have a traditional key you can usually get an alternative one from an auto shop, but you'll need a record of the vehicle and the type of key it takes.
It's a good idea make an extra car key before you go through this process. Make sure to keep it somewhere secure easily accessible. You won't need to worry about losing car keys in the future. If you don't have an extra set, you should invest in a set.
2. Make sure you are aware of your hiding spots
Some people prefer to hide their keys in the back of their car's seat. It's a great location to store your keys and they're usually at a convenient height. It's also a place that a thief might check when they suspect that you've lost your keys.
Another popular hiding place is in the pocket of your coat or jacket. If you didn't place your keys in your pocket, they may have escaped from your bag or purse during your outing. Make sure you check the pockets of the clothes you wore and also any backpacks or bags you carried. You could also ask a family member, or the manager of the restaurant where you dined to verify if they have seen your keys.
You can also look in the bathroom, where you might have dropped them while looking for something else. Also, look through the drawers, cabinets or countertops you might have used to store your keys. Finally, consider calling your local Lost and Found if you've completed all of these steps and are still not able to locate your keys.
It's a harrowing feeling to have your keys stolen particularly in the event that you don't have a spare. You'll need to find creative ways to safeguard your spare key.
Magnetic hide-a-keys are an excellent solution as they can be placed in a variety of places within your vehicle and won't reveal that you have an extra. You can also cut a slit in the top of the tennis ball to create an inconspicuous container to store your keys in.
You can also leave the spare keys with a trusted friend who lives near by. The person who checks your car, and you can be assured that you will not be locked out if you require the extra keys. You can leave your keys with a neighbour when you go on vacation, as long as you don't mind your neighbours observing your home.
3. Check the ignition of your car.
It can be a hassle to lose your car keys. It's not just frustrating to not be able to get where you want to go, but it can also cost you time and money while you search for the keys. While there is no way to avoid losing your keys but you can take steps to reduce the chance of it happening. occur.
If you have an old-fashioned car key, locksmiths can make a new one in a flash. However, if you own a more advanced key, like fob or transponder it will be a little more difficult to replace. This is because these kinds of keys must be matched with your car's computer system. This means that in most cases, you'll have to tow the car to the dealership, and provide proof of ownership before you are able to get a new key.
Before you decide to quit, it's essential to keep looking. Examine all of your usual hiding places such as your handbag or backpack in the event that you carried them when you lost them. Also, make replacing lost car keys to thoroughly search the inside of your car. Check under the seat mats and the black hole in your car (the space that is big enough to hold a lot of things, but not big enough for you to stick your finger into). Also, look at the console that is between the passenger and driver's seat. You might also need to give your car a thorough cleaning in order to determine if the keys got stuck in the car.
You could also try the Bluetooth key tracker which is a small device that is attached to your keys and emits a signal that you can connect to an app on your phone. This will tell you where your keys are, so you can find them and get back on the road. Remember that regardless of what you do, it's always best to have a spare car keys to avoid having to face this issue in the future.
4. Look Inside Your Car
The most common thing to lose is car keys. They are small, hard-to-see and easily snatched by children or pets as toys. Losing your car keys can be a nightmare regardless of how vigilant you are. Fortunately, there are a variety of options to solve this problem and get back on the road.
The first thing you should do is retrace the steps you took. This is crucial as it will narrow down your search area and increase the chances of locating the person. Check everywhere you've been, including your home, office and any other places you went to during the day. Be sure to check every possible hiding place you could imagine, such as bags, pockets and any other small object you may have with you.
If you haven't already it's a good idea for you to check the ignition on your car. If your car is equipped with keyless ignition or an electronic start button the key fob could still be in the vehicle. The key fob emits a sound if the ignition is turned on.
If you cannot find your keys, call your locksmith or dealer to get the new key fob to your vehicle. This is a far better option than trying to use a fake key to unlock your car, because this could damage the lock, or cause it to break in pieces.
It's not enjoyable to lose your car keys, but there's no reason to be in a panic. Follow these steps to locate your keys and get back on the road. Consider attaching a Bluetooth tracker to your keys to avoid the possibility of losing them. These devices emit a signal you can connect to an app on your phone to track your keys that have been lost.
You've had a long and hard day and are looking forward to relaxing at home and put on your sweatpants, enjoy some pizza and watch the newest episode of your favorite show. It's impossible to find the car keys and ruin your perfect evening!