Lost Car Keys - Tips For Getting Back on the Road If You Have No Spare
Losing the keys to your car's keys can be a stressful and costly experience. There are some steps you can do to prevent the worst case scenario.
For traditional keys, it is typically quite inexpensive for a locksmith to make the new key if they have proof that you own the vehicle (registration or title). Key fobs for modern vehicles however are different.
1. Retract Your Steps
It can be a traumatic experience to lose your car keys, particularly in the event that there's no spare. You may find yourself in your home and unable to complete errands, or get to work. This can be a major inconvenience, but there are several options to solve the issue. By following these simple steps, you can get back on the road in no time.
The first thing to do if you lose your car keys is to take a walk back. This will help you locate the keys quickly, as you can recall the last location where you had them and where you could have misplaced keys. Check any pockets or bags that you might be carrying. A key can sometimes be buried right in front of you. Also, look for places you have been recently such as bars or restaurants. If you visit these venues often, you may want to ask a staff member to determine whether they have a lost and found bin.
If you're still having trouble finding your car keys, get help from friends and family. Organise a search team and spread the team around your neighborhood or places you've been to recently. Contacting family and friends can also help you remain at peace, as they'll remind you that losing your car keys aren't an end in itself.
To obtain a new key for a modern vehicle you'll have to contact the dealership or a local locksmith. If you have an older key, you can request the replacement at a local auto shop. You'll need to provide documents about your vehicle and the type of key it is using.
It's a good idea to make an extra car key before you go through this hassle. Keep it somewhere safe easily accessible. So, you don't have to worry about losing your car keys again in the future. If you don't have an extra set, you should invest in an additional set.
2. Make sure you are aware of your hiding spots
Some people prefer to keep their keys at the back of their car's seat. It's a great spot to store your keys and they are usually at an appropriate height. It's also where criminals will look if they suspect that you've lost your keys.
A pocket on your jacket or coat is another common hiding place. If you didn't keep your keys in your pocket, they could be missing from your bag or purse during your outing. Check the pockets on the clothes you wore along with the backpacks or bags you carried. You may also ask a family member, or the clerk at the restaurant you ate at last time to check if they have seen your keys.
Other places to search for your keys include the bathroom, where you might have thrown them on the floor while trying to find something else. Look through any drawers, cabinets or countertops you may have used to keep your keys. Also, you should consider calling your local Lost and Found if you've completed all of these steps and still can't find your keys.
The loss of your keys could be among the most unpleasant feelings, especially when you don't have spare keys. You'll need to find creative ways to safeguard your spare key.
A magnetic hide-a-key is a great option, as it's small enough to fit into various areas of your vehicle and will not reveal that you have spare keys. You can also cut off the top of a ball of tennis to create a container for your keys.
You can also leave the spare keys with someone you trust who lives near by. This person can check your car for you, and you'll have peace of mind knowing that you won't get locked out when you require keys that aren't in your possession. You can also leave your keys with a neighbour when you go on vacation, if you're okay with them coming over to check on your home.
3. Check Your Car's Ignition
It can be frustrating to lose the keys to your car. It's not just a hassle to not be able to get where you'd like to go, but it can also cost you time and money as you search for your keys. While there is no way to prevent losing your keys but you can reduce the chance that it could happen.
If you have an old-fashioned car key, locksmiths can make an entirely new key in a flash. However, if you have an advanced key, like fob or transponder keys it's a bit more difficult to replace. This is because these kinds of keys must be connected to the car's computer system. This means that in most cases you will need to take your vehicle to the dealer and then show proof of ownership before you can obtain a new key.
Before you decide to give up, it's vital that you keep searching. Check all your usual hiding spots, such as your backpack or bag if you were carrying them when you lost them. Also, make sure you thoroughly check the inside of your vehicle. Look under the seat mats as well as the black hole inside your car (the space big enough to accommodate a wide range of things, but not big enough to put your finger into). Also, make sure to check the console between the passenger and driver's seats. You might want to clean your car to determine whether keys are stuck.
You can also utilize the Bluetooth key tracker. It's a tiny device that is attached to your keys which emits a signal, which you can transmit to an app on your smartphone. This will tell you where your keys are, so you can locate them and return to the road. Remember that regardless of what car key lost replacement do, it's always best to have a spare car key to avoid having to deal with this problem in the future.
4. Look Inside Your Car
Car keys are among the most frequent things to lose. They're small, hard to find and easy for children or pets to take as toys. Regardless of how careful you are, losing your car keys is an unpleasant experience. There are many solutions to this problem.
The first step is retrace the steps you took. This is important as it narrows down the search area and increases the chances of finding them. You should check your office, home and any other places you might have been to during the daytime. Find every possible hiding spot that you could imagine, such as pockets, bags, and any other small object you might have in your bag.
If you've not already done so it's an excellent idea to check the ignition on your vehicle. If your car has keyless ignition or an electronic start button the key fob could remain in the vehicle. If the ignition is on, the key fob emits a sound you can hear if it's near.
If you are unable to locate the keys, you can contact your locksmith or dealer to obtain a new key fob for your vehicle. This is a much better option than attempting to use an unauthorized key to unlock the car, as this could damage the lock, or cause it to break in pieces.
It's not enjoyable to lose your car keys, but don't be worried. If you follow these steps, you'll be able find your car keys and get back on the road in no time. Consider attaching a Bluetooth tracker to your keys to avoid the possibility of losing them. These devices emit a signal that you can connect to an app on your smartphone to track the keys you've lost.
You've had a long and difficult day and are now ready to relax at home and change into your comfy sweatpants, eat pizza and watch the newest episode of your favorite show. But you're unable to locate your car keys, and your dream night is cancelled!