Lost Spare Car Key? Here's What to Do
It wasn't that long ago that losing your car keys wasn't a big problem. You would call your local locksmith and they would create an appropriate replacement key for you.
the advantage , it's a lot more complicated. It's all dependent on the kind of key you have and if you've lost your spare. Here are some tips to help you find your car keys.
Retract your steps
We all lose things. Maybe you're running a quick task and forget to place your keys on the hook in the entryway, or you are just coming home after an exhausting day at work and toss them onto the couch. Whatever the reason, it can be frustrating and stressful to lose your spare car key.
The first thing to do is take a deep breath and try not to be anxious. You'll be able to locate your keys if you look long enough. It's also a good idea to have an emergency plan by calling a professional car locksmith in the event of a need.
Now that you've calmed down and regained control over your emotions, you can begin the search for your keys. You can go back to the steps you took, by thinking back to the last time you saw them. It's easier than you think, particularly if close your eyes and imagine where you last saw the person.
Start by imagining where they might be. This includes your car, your home and any other common places you've visited throughout the day. You could even invite your family or friends members to join the search and provide you with more eyes to view the world with!
When you're looking inside your car, make sure to check the handle on the driver's side of the door and the center console for any indications of an extra key. Also, make sure you look through any bags or pockets that you've carried with you throughout the day. It's not unusual for keys to be "lost" in the car, so be certain to check the compartments of your car!
Check Your Hideouts
Your car keys can be difficult to find regardless of how meticulous or diligent you are. They're among the most commonly misplaced items, and they can quickly become an issue in a moment of naivete. There are a few steps you can do prior to calling a locksmith in case you've misplaced your spare car keys.
It's important to check where you usually keep your keys before searching for them. If you have a key holder by the door or keys on a table, make sure you check those places first. It's an excellent idea to ask other people in the area for help, like a store employee or a customer. They may have seen your keys during your shopping trip, or have spotted them while they were cleaning up.
Some people hide their spare keys in the car, and this may be a great alternative. If your car has an hood that can be open from the outside, it's essential to make sure that the spare key is in a secure nook that isn't smashed when the hood is closed. Magnetic boxes and mini-vaults can also be mounted to your car, keeping your keys secure and easily accessible.
You can also place a spare key in the tailpipe of your car, however this method is typically difficult to use and is not very discreet. You might also notice that the tailpipe is covered in mud, snow or ice making it difficult to locate the key.
Behind the tires is another place people hide their keys. This can be a straightforward and effective method to keep your keys safe, however it's important to remember that your car's tires are visible no matter what you're wearing, therefore this method isn't recommended when you're wearing shorts or skirts.
You can also leave your spare key with someone in your family or a trusted friend, particularly if you are you're traveling and do not want it to be lost. However, if you have a proximity key, be careful about leaving it with strangers as some thieves can make use of signal relay and amplifier technology to steal the signal from your key fob to unlock your car, even when the key is a long distance away.
Check Inside Your Car
It's impossible to know which place you might lose something and a key fob isn't an exception. So, it's best to search everywhere. This includes going back to the last place you've used it, retracing your steps, and contacting workers or owners of the places you visited and may have lost it at.
If you suspect that you have left keys in your car, you need to check. Check the glove compartment which is a popular place to store keys for a spare car. Also, check the area under the front seats as well as the mysterious black hole inside the car that can swallow small items like keys.
It is also important to check your backpacks and purses for any items you have with you that might be hiding a lost car key. This requires you to carefully search through all compartments and pockets of your purse or backpack and scouting for zippered areas, or removing items like makeup or sunglasses from your bag in order to see under.
Contact a locksmith if you've tried these steps but are unable to locate your car keys. They'll help you find your lost car keys and get you back on the road in a short time.
You can avoid this scenario by having a spare car key. But, you must add a Bluetooth tracker to your key to make it easier to keep on top of the keys. These tiny devices are attached to your keys, emitting a unique signature. Then, you can connect them to your phone to keep track of their location at all times.
You can also reach out to your dealer and ask them to create a new key for you. They'll likely be able complete the task quickly, since they have your car's security information in their database. If you have a smart vehicle, however, it may be more challenging as they'll have to pair the new key to your vehicle, which can take a bit longer. This is why it's important to have a backup car key!
Call for a locksmith
In the event that you cannot find your car keys, it is important to call a locksmith as soon as possible. This will not only assist you get back in your car but also ensure that no one else has access to it. If you don't immediately report the loss of your key fob immediately it could cause further issues later on such as an impersonation attempt by someone else.
Most modern cars require an electronic key fob to unlock and operate the vehicle. If you have lost your key fob, it is crucial to have a spare avoid having to pay for the vehicle to be transported to the dealer, and then having to pay for a new set of keys.
A locksmith can design an entirely new key for your car without knowing the exact details of the security system. They can also disable the previous key so that it cannot be used again. Locksmiths can tell you what type of car key you require based on the information in your registration or title.
To keep your spare keys from being lost, it is best to store your keys in a safe location separate from your keychain. This will make it less likely that you'll accidentally drop the keys, or that they disappear from your pocket.
You can also avoid the loss of an extra car key by jotting down your vehicle identification (VIN) number and keeping it in your wallet. This is a unique code that allows you to identify your car and can be found on the driver's dashboard the door jamb or the frame of your car.
A locksmith near you can help you get back on track, whether you need to replace your spare car key or reduce the likelihood that it will be lost. It's also less expensive than a trip to the dealership, and you might be able have the spare key made on-site.