Lost Spare Car Key? Here's What to Do
It wasn't too long ago that losing your car keys was not a big issue. You'd contact your local locksmith, and they'd make a new key for you.
It's more complicated now. It depends on the type of key you have, and whether you've lost your spare. Here are some suggestions to help you locate your car keys.
Retract your Steps
We all get things lost. You could be running a quick errand and forget to hang your keys in the entryway. Or you might be coming back from a long working day and put them on the couch. Whatever the reason, it can be frustrating and difficult to lose your spare car key.
The first thing you need to do is to take a deep breath and try not to get stressed. You'll still be able to find your keys if search hard enough. Also, you should have a backup plan, like calling an auto locksmith.
Now that you've calmed down and are able to control your emotions, you are now able to begin searching for your keys. You can go back to the steps you took by thinking back to where you last observed them. It's much more simple than you think, especially if you can close your eyes and visualize the location where you last saw them.
Start by imagining where they could be. Include your home, car, and any other common places you've visited during the day. You could ask your family or friends to assist you in your search. This will give you a fresh set of eyes!
If you're in the car, make sure to check the door handle of the driver's side and the center console for any evidence of an extra key. Look through any bags or pockets that you might have carried around with you throughout the day. It's not unusual for keys to be "lost" in the car, so make certain to check the compartments of your car!
Check Your Hideouts
No matter how vigilant you are in your vehicle, keys to your car are a bit difficult to keep track of. It's one of the most commonly lost items to lose and can become a nightmare if aren't vigilant. There are some steps you can do prior to calling a locksmith if you've lost your spare keys to your car.
Before you frantically search for keys that have disappeared you should check the areas where you typically place them. Look over the key bowl or holder on your table. It's also a good idea to ask other people in the area for help, like a store employee or a customer. They might have spotted your keys in the chaos of your shopping spree or have found them when they were cleaning up.
Some people hide their spare keys in their car, and this may be a great option. However, if your vehicle has an hood that can be opened from the outside, it is important to ensure that the spare key is placed in a secure spot that isn't smashed when the hood is closed. There are a variety of mini-vaults and magnetic boxes that can be affixed to your car and keep your keys safe and easy to find.
You can also place the spare car key into the tailpipe of your car however this isn't very discreet and can be difficult to use. It's also possible that your tailpipe will be covered with snow or mud, making it hard to locate the key inside.
Another place where people sometimes put their keys behind the tires. This is a great way to keep your keys hidden however, you must be aware that the tires of your vehicle are visible regardless of what you wear.
It's also possible to leave your spare car key with a trusted friend or family member, especially when you're on the road and don't want to risk losing it in the process. If you have an auto key that is proximity be sure to keep it safe from strangers. keys lost use 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 way to predict when you'll lose something. This is especially true for keys, so it's important to check every possible spot. This includes returning to the last place you've used it, retracing your steps, and contacting workers or the owners of places you've visited, and possibly lost it at.
It's important to check your car for the keys if you think you may have left them in there. Check the glove box which is a popular spot to keep keys for a spare car. Also, check the area underneath the front seats, and the mysterious black hole inside the car, which could swallow small objects like keys.
It is also important that you check any purses or backpacks you have with you that might contain a missing car key. This will require carefully searching through all the compartments and pockets in your purse or backpack and scouting for zippered compartments, and removing items like makeup and sunglasses from your bag in order to see underneath.
Contact a locksmith if tried everything and are still unable to locate your car keys. They can help you replace lost keys to your car and get you back on the road in the shortest amount of time.
You can avoid this scenario by having a spare car key. However, you should add an Bluetooth tracker to your keys so that it's easier to keep on top of them. These tiny devices attach to your keys and emit a distinctive signature, allowing you to connect them to an app on your phone and be aware of where they are at all times.
You can also call your dealer and ask them to design your new key. They'll likely be able do this quickly, as they have your car's security information in their database. If you own a smart vehicle, however, it may be more difficult since they'll need to connect the new key with your vehicle, which may take a bit longer. This is why it's so important to have a spare car key!
Contact an expert locksmith
If you're unable find your car keys in the unlikely scenario, it is imperative that you contact an emergency locksmith. This will not only help you get back in your car but also ensure that nobody else has access to it. If you don't notify the owner of your car key as soon as you can, it could lead you to further problems down the road - for instance, someone trying to impersonate yourself.
The majority of modern vehicles require the use of a key fob to unlock and operate the vehicle. If you have lost your key fob, it is important to have a spare in order to avoid having to for the car to be towed to the dealer and then pay for a new set of keys.
A locksmith can create a replacement key for your car without needing to know the exact details of your car's security system. They'll also be able disable the original key to ensure that nobody can use it again. Locksmiths can tell you which car key you require based on the information in your registration or title.
To keep your spare keys from getting lost, it is recommended to store them in a safe place separate from your keychain. This will make it much less likely that you'll accidentally drop the keys, or that they disappear from your pocket.
You can also prevent the loss of a spare car key by jotting 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 frame of your vehicle.
A locksmith near you can help you get back on the right track, whether you need to replace your spare car key or decrease the chance that it will be lost. It's also less expensive than a trip to the dealer and you might be able have the spare key created on-site.