Lost Spare Car Key? Here's What to Do
Not long ago the loss of your car keys was not a big deal. You could call your local locksmith and they would make a replacement key for you.
It's more complicated now. It's dependent on the kind 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
Sometimes, we all misplace things. Maybe you're running an errand and forget to put your keys on the hook in the entryway, or perhaps you're returning home after an exhausting day at work and throw them on the couch. replacing lost keys to lose your spare key.
The first thing to do is take a deep breath and try not to get stressed. You'll be able to locate your keys if you look for them with enough effort. It's also a good idea to have an emergency plan by calling a professional car locksmith in the event of a need.
Once you've calmed yourself down and regained control of your emotions, it's time to start looking for your keys. You can go back to the steps you took by imagining back to where you last seen them. It's much easier than you think, especially when you close your eyes and visualize where you last was with the person.
After you've considered the last time you've seen them, you can begin to look at each of the possible locations they might be. This includes your car, your home and any other common places that you might have visited during the day. You can ask your family or friends to assist you in your look for. This will give you a fresh set of eyes!
If you're in the car, check the driver's side door handle and the center console for any indications of the spare key. Also, make sure to check any bags or pockets you might have been carrying around during the day. Make sure to check all the compartments inside your car. It's not uncommon for keys to be "lost" inside.
Check Your Hideouts
No matter how vigilant you are, your car keys are always a little tricky to keep track of. It's one of the most common items to be misplaced, and it can quickly turn into a nightmare if you aren't careful. There are a few steps you could do prior to calling a locksmith in case you've lost your car keys.
Before you frantically search for your keys you should check the areas where you typically keep keys. Examine the key bowl or holder on your table. You can also ask someone in the vicinity, such as an employee or a customer. They might have noticed your keys in the chaos of your shopping trip, or have spotted them while they were cleaning up.
It can be convenient to hide spare keys in your car. However, if your car has an hood that can be open from the outside, it's crucial to make sure that your spare key is kept in a secure nook which won't be crushed when the hood is closed. There are also a number of mini-vaults and magnetic boxes that can be affixed to your vehicle to keep your keys safe and easy to find.
You can also place a spare key inside the car's tailpipe however this method is typically difficult to implement and not very discreet. It's also possible that your tailpipe could be covered in snow or mud which makes it difficult to find the key inside.
Behind the tires is a different area where people store their keys. This can be a straightforward and effective method of keeping your keys in a safe place, but it's important to keep in mind that the tires of your car are visible regardless of what you're wearing. Therefore, this method isn't recommended for those who wear shorts or skirts.
It is also possible to leave your spare car key with an individual who is a trusted family member, especially if you're traveling and do not want to lose it in the process. If you do have a proximity key, you should be careful about leaving it with strangers since certain thieves may use signal relay and amplifier technology to snoop on the signal from your key fob and unlock your car, even if the key is miles away.
Check Inside Your Car
There's no telling how you'll lose something, especially a key fob, so it's crucial to search every possible spot. It's important to go back to the place where you last used it, then retrace your steps and get in touch with workers or owners at places you may have lost it.
It's also worth checking your car for keys if you suspect you've put them in there. This means checking the glove box (it's an ideal place to store keys to your car), the area under the front seats, and the elusive black hole inside cars that can swallow a small item like the key fob.
Check any purses or bags that you carry around for any bags or purses, as they could be containing a lost key. You will need to carefully go through all compartments and pockets of your purse or backpack. Look for zippered areas and remove items like sunglasses and makeup from your bag in order to examine the contents underneath.
If you've done all these steps and still cannot find your car keys, you need to call a locksmith. They'll help you find your lost car keys and get you back on the road in no time.
You can prevent this from happening by having an extra car key. However, you should add a Bluetooth tracker to your key so that it's easier to keep track of them. These tiny devices are attached to your keys and emit a unique signature, allowing you to connect them to an application on your phone to be aware of where they are at all times.
You can also reach out to your dealer and ask them to make an entirely new key for you. They'll likely be able to make it quickly, as they have your car's security details in their database. If you have a smart car however, it might be more challenging as they'll have to pair the new key to your vehicle, which may take a bit longer. It's important to always have an extra car key.
Call an expert locksmith
If you are unable to locate your car keys in the unlikely scenario, it is essential to contact a locksmith right away. This will not only help you get back in your car but also ensure that nobody else has access to the key. If you don't notify the owner of your car keys immediately it could lead to further problems down the road - for instance, someone trying to impersonate you.
Modern cars require a keyfob to unlock and operate them. It is crucial to have an extra key fob in case you lose it. This will prevent you from having to pay for the vehicle to be towed and then purchase a new set.
A locksmith can create an entirely new key for your car without knowing the precise details of its security system. They'll also be able to disable the key that was previously used, so that nobody can use it again. A locksmith can tell 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 car keys by storing them in a safe place, separated from your keychain or lanyard. This will decrease the chance that you will drop your keys or they will fall out of 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. It is a unique code that helps identify your vehicle, and it can be found on the driver's side dashboard the door jamb or 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 reduce the risk of it being lost. It's also less expensive than going to the dealership, and you may be able to have the spare key created on-site.