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 stressful and costly. However, there are a few things you can do to avoid the worst case scenario.
For traditional keys, it is typically quite inexpensive for a locksmith to design a new one if you have proof of ownership of the vehicle (registration or title). However the modern day key fobs are an entirely different story.
1. Retract your steps
Car keys lost can be one of the most stressful situations particularly if you have no spare. It can mean that you're stuck at home unable to run errands or get to work. This can be a major issue, but there are ways to fix the problem. Follow these easy steps to get back on the road in no time.
The first thing you should do in the event that you lose your car keys is take a walk back. This can help you locate keys in just a few minutes, as you'll be able to think about the last place you remember having them and where they could have been misplaced. Examine any bags or pockets that you carry. Sometimes, a key can be hidden in plain sight. Also, make sure to check out the places you've been recently, such as bars or restaurants. You can ask the employee whether there's a lost-and-found bin when you frequent these establishments.
If you're still unable to find your car keys, you should contact family and friends to seek help. Set up a search group and spread out around your neighborhood or places you've been to recently. Making calls to family and friends can also help you stay calm, as they can remind you that losing your car keys is not an end in itself.
To get a new key for a modern vehicle you'll need to call the dealership or a local locksmith. If you have a traditional lock, you can usually get new keys from an auto shop but you'll need documentation about the car and the kind of key it requires.
Before you go through all this trouble, it's a good idea to create a spare car key and keep it somewhere secure and easily accessible. You won't have to worry about losing your car keys in the future. If you don't have a spare set, it's worth investing in an additional set.
2. Make sure you are aware of your hide spots
Some people prefer to put their keys in the back of their car. It's a convenient place to hide them and it's usually in a suitable height for shins. But, it's also a frequent spot where a thief might check if they suspect you lost your keys.
A pocket on your jacket or coat is a common place to store your keys. If you didn't place your keys in your pockets, they might be missing from your bag or purse during the day. Make sure you check the pockets of any clothes you were wearing, along with any bags or backpacks that you used. It's also a good idea to ask people you've seen the keys around like a friend or the staff member at the restaurant where you were last eating.
Other places to search for your keys include the bathroom, where you might have dropped keys on the floor while searching for something else. Look through any drawers, cabinets or counters you may have used to store your keys. Then, think about calling your local Lost and Found if you've gone through all these steps and are still not able to locate 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 secure your spare key.
A magnetic hide-a key is a great option, as it's small enough to fit into different areas of your car and will not let anyone know the fact that you have a spare. You can also cut off the top of a tennis ball to create a container for your keys.
You can also leave your spare keys with someone you trust who lives nearby. The person who checks your car, and you can be assured that you won't be locked out if you need to use the spare keys. You could even leave your keys with a neighbour while you're away on vacation, provided you don't mind them coming over to inspect the house.
3. Check the ignition of your car.
Losing your car keys can be among the most frustrating things you'll experience as a car owner. It's not just a hassle to not be able to get where you'd like to go, but it could also cost you time and money as you search for your keys. While there's no way to prevent losing your keys however, you can reduce the chance that it could happen.
If you have a standard car key, you can call a locksmith and have a brand new key made on the spot. If you are using a key more advanced, like transponder keys, or a fob, replacing it will be more difficult. This is due to the fact that these kinds of keys must be connected to the car's computer system. This means that in many cases, you'll have to take your vehicle to the dealer and show proof of ownership before you can get a new key.
It is essential to continue searching before you give up. Make sure to check all the usual hiding places, including your handbag or backpack if you were carrying them when you lost them. Also, make sure to examine the inside of your vehicle. Examine the floor mats as well as the black hole in your car (the space that is big enough to hold a lot of items, but not enough for you to stick your finger into). Also, make sure to check the console that is between the passenger and driver's seats. You may even consider giving your car a thorough cleaning as well to see if the keys got stuck in a place.
You could also try an Bluetooth key tracker which is a small device that is attached to your keys and emits a signal can be connected to an app on your phone. This will help you find your keys and get back on the road. Be aware that regardless of what you do, it's best to keep a spare car key to prevent having to deal with this issue in the future.
4. Take a look inside Your Car
Car keys are among the most common things to lose. They're small, difficult to spot and easy for children or pets to pick up as toys. Regardless of how careful you are losing your car keys is an unpleasant experience. Fortunately, there are a variety of ways you can solve this issue and get back on the road.
Retrace your steps. This is important because it narrows the search area and increases the chances of finding them. Examine your office, home, and any other places you might have been to during the day. Check every possible hiding spot that you can think of, such as bags, pockets, and any other small items that you might carry with you.
It's also a good idea to check the ignition of your car if you haven't done so al read y. If your car is equipped with keyless ignition or an electronic start button, the key fob may still be 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, think about contacting your locksmith or dealership to have a brand new key fob created for your car. This is a better option than attempting to use a fake key to unlock your car, since this could cause damage to the lock, or cause it to break in pieces.
It's not fun to lose your car keys, but you shouldn't be worried. Follow these easy steps to locate your keys and get back on the road. Consider attaching a Bluetooth tracker to your keys to prevent the possibility of losing them. These devices emit a radio signal that can be linked to an app on your smartphone to track keys that are lost.
It's been a tiring day and you're desperate to get home to change into your comfy sweatpants, have a pizza, and watch your favorite TV show. It's impossible to find the car keys, and ruin your perfect evening!