Lost Spare Car Key? Here's What to Do
In the past, losing your car keys was not a big deal. You could contact your local locksmith, and they would make keys for you to replace.
Nowadays, it's more complex. It's dependent on the kind of key you've got and whether you lost your spare. Here are some suggestions to help you locate your car keys.
Retract your Steps
We all get things lost. 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 a long day at work and toss them onto the couch. Whatever the reason it can be very frustrating and difficult to lose your car key.
The first thing you have to do is take a deep breath and try not to be anxious. You'll still be able to find your keys if you look hard enough. You should also have a backup plan for instance, calling an auto locksmith.
Once you've calmed yourself down and gained control over your emotions, it's time to start looking for your keys. You can retrace the steps you took by imagining back to where you last saw them. It's more simple than you think, especially if you can shut your eyes and visualize the spot where you last was able to see them.
Once you've thought about the last time you saw them, begin looking at the various locations they might be. This includes your car, your house and any other common places that you may have been to during the day. You could ask your family or acquaintances to help you look for. This will give you a fresh set of eyes!
When you're looking in your car, make sure to check the handle on the driver's side of the door and the center console for any evidence of an extra key. Check any bags or pockets that you've carried around during the day. It's not unusual for keys to be "lost" in the car, so make sure to look thoroughly in every compartment in your vehicle!
Check Your Hideouts
No matter how vigilant you are in your vehicle, keys to your car are a bit difficult to keep on top of. They're among the most frequently misplaced items, and they could quickly become an issue in a moment of absentmindedness. There are a few steps you can follow prior to calling a locksmith in case you've misplaced your spare car keys.
Before you frantically search for your keys, it's worth checking the places where you usually place them. Examine the key bowl or holder on your table. It's also a good idea to ask others in the area for instance, a store worker or a fellow customer. They might have noticed your keys in the chaos of your shopping trip or may have spotted them while they were cleaning up.
It is possible to hide spare keys in your car. If replacing lost car keys can be opened from the outside, it is crucial to place the spare key in a secure area so that it won't be crushed when the hood closes. Magnetic boxes and mini-vaults can also be mounted to your car to keep your keys safe and easily accessible.
You can also place a spare car key in the tailpipe of your vehicle but this isn't very discreet and could be difficult to use. It is also possible that the tailpipe will be covered with snow or mud which makes it difficult to find the key inside.
Behind the tires is another area where people store their keys. This is a great place to hide your keys however, you must be aware that the tires of your car will be visible no matter the clothes you wear.
It's also possible to leave your spare car keys with an individual who is a trusted family member, particularly if you're traveling and don't want to lose it. If you have an auto key that is proximity do not leave it with strangers. Some thieves can employ signal relay technology and amplifiers to steal your key fob 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 the key fob, which is why it's essential to look for it in every possible place. This means going back to the first place you remember using it and retracing your steps and reaching out to workers or owners of the places you've visited, and possibly lost it.
It's important to check your car for keys if you think you may have left them in there. This involves looking in the glove compartment (it's a common place to store keys for a spare car), the area under the front seats, and that mysterious black hole inside cars that could swallow a small item such as keys or a fob.
You should also make sure to check the backpacks or purses that you carry with you, as they could be hiding a lost car key. You must carefully look through all compartments and pockets of your purse or backpack. Look for areas with zippers and take items like makeup and sunglasses from your bag to check underneath.
Contact a locksmith if tried everything and still cannot find your car keys. They'll help you find the lost car keys and get you back on the road in a short time.
You can avoid this scenario by having an extra car key. However, you should add a Bluetooth tracker to your key so that you can keep on top of the keys. These tiny devices attach directly to your keys and emit a unique signature. You can then connect them to your smartphone to track their location throughout the day.
Another option is to contact your dealer and ask them to make a new car key for you. They'll probably be able to make it quickly, as they have your car's security information on file. It may be a bit more challenging if you have a smart vehicle as they'll need to connect the key to your car. This can take a bit of time. It's essential to always have an extra car key.
Call a locksmith
In the unlikely event that you cannot find your car keys, it's crucial to contact locksmiths as quickly as possible. This will not only help you to get back into your car but also ensure that nobody else has access to it. If you don't report the theft of your car key immediately this could lead to other problems later on - like an individual trying to impersonate you.
Most modern cars require a key fob in order to unlock and operate the vehicle. If you lose your key fob, it is important to have a spare avoid having to for the car to be taken to the dealer and then having to pay for a new set of keys.
A locksmith can make a new key for your vehicle without needing to know the specifics of your car's security system. They can also be able disable the key that was previously used to ensure that nobody can use it again. Locksmiths can tell you which car key you need according to the information on your registration or title.
It is best to prevent the loss of your car keys by leaving it in a safe place, separated from your keychain or lanyard. This will make it much less likely that you'll accidentally drop the keys, or that they slip out of your pocket.
Another way to prevent the loss of your spare car key is to note down your vehicle identification number (VIN) and keep it in your wallet at all time. This unique code can help identify your vehicle and is usually found on your dashboard, door jamb or frame.
A locksmith near you can assist you in getting back on course, whether you want to replace your car's spare key or decrease the chance that it will be lost. It's also cheaper than going to the dealership, and you might even be able to get the spare key made on-site.