Lost Car Keys - Tips For Getting Back on the Road If You Have No Spare
The loss of keys to your car could be stressful and expensive. There are some things you can avoid to prevent the most traumatic.
For traditional keys, it's typically quite inexpensive for a locksmith to design 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 difficult experience to lose your car keys, particularly when there's no spare. It could mean you're at home, not able to complete your errands or go to work. While this could be a major hassle, it's important to remember that there are a variety of options to deal with the situation. If you follow these easy steps, you'll be back on the road in the shortest amount of time.
The first thing you should do if you lose your car keys is take a walk back. This can help you locate them in just a few minutes, because you'll be able to recall the last location you've thought of carrying them and where they could have been misplaced. Examine any bags or pockets that you may be carrying. A key can sometimes be hidden in the front of you. Also, look for places you have been recently such as bars or restaurants. If you frequent these places often, you can ask a staff member to determine whether they have an abandoned and found bin.
If you're still unable to locate your car keys, seek assistance from your family and friends. Create a search team and spread the team around your neighborhood or any places you've been to recently. You can also stay calm by calling your family and friends. They can remind you that you're not alone if you lose your car keys.
To get an alternative key for a car of the future you'll need to call the dealership or a local locksmith. If you have a traditional key you can typically get new keys from an auto shop, however, you'll need documentation regarding the vehicle and the type of key it requires.
Before you go through all of this hassle it's a good idea create a spare car keys and keep it in a safe place and easily accessible. You won't have to worry about losing your car keys in the future. If you don't already have a spare set, it's a good idea to invest in a set of car key FOBs.
2. Check Your Hiding Spots
Some people prefer to put their keys in the back of their car. It's a convenient location to store them, and it's usually situated at an appropriate shin height. It's also a spot that thieves can check in case they suspect you have lost your keys.
Another common hiding spot is in the pocket of your jacket or coat. If you didn't put your keys in your pockets, they could have fallen out of your purse or bag during your day. Make sure you check the pockets of the clothes you wore as well any backpacks or bags you used. It's also a good idea to ask others you might have seen the keys around, such as a friend or the waiter at the restaurant where you last dining.
You can also check the bathroom where you may have dropped them while searching for something else. Examine 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 gone through all these steps and are still not able to locate your keys.
It can be a terrible feeling to have your keys stolen, especially if you don't own a spare. You'll have to find innovative ways to safeguard your spare key.
A magnetic hide-a-key is a great option, as it's small enough to be able to fit in various areas of your car and will not let anyone know the fact that you have a spare. You can cut a slit into the top of the tennis ball to create an unnoticeable container to store your keys in.
Another way to ensure that your spare keys secure is to leave them with someone who lives in the area (if they trust you). They can inspect your car for you and you'll have peace mind knowing that you won't get locked out if you need the keys you've left. You can leave your keys with a neighbour while you are on vacation, so long as you don't mind your neighbours observing your home.
3. Check your car's ignition
It can be extremely frustrating to lose the keys to your car. Not only does it make it impossible to get the place you're looking for and it also takes time and money as you're trying to find your keys. While there is no way to avoid losing your keys however, you can make steps to lessen the chance that it could occur.
If you have an old-fashioned car key, locksmiths can make a new one in a flash. However, if you have a more sophisticated key, such as a transponder or fob it's somewhat more difficult to replace. This is due to the fact that these kinds of keys have to be matched with your car's computer system. In most instances, this means you'll need to tow your vehicle to the dealership and present proof of ownership papers before you can get the new key.
It is essential to continue looking for them before giving up. Examine keys lost for car of your usual hiding places, including your bag or backpack if you had them with you when you lost them. Also, make sure to examine the inside of your vehicle. Look under the seat mats as well as the black hole in your car (the space that is big enough to accommodate a wide range of things, but not large enough for you to stick your finger in). Also, look at the console that is between the driver's and passenger's seats. You might need to give your car a good vacuuming as well to see whether keys are stuck somewhere.
You can also utilize the Bluetooth key tracker. It's a tiny device that you can attach to your keys that emits a signal that you can send to an application on your smartphone. This will inform you where your keys are, so you can find them and return to the road. Be aware that no matter what you do, it's always best to have a spare car key to avoid having to deal with this issue in the future.
4. Check Inside Your Car
The most frequent item to be lost is car keys. They're small, difficult to see, and easy for kids or pets to pick up as toys. Losing your car keys could be a hassle regardless of how vigilant you are. There are many ways you can solve this problem and get back on the road.
Retrace your steps. This is essential since it will narrow your search area and increase the chances of locating the person. Check everywhere you've been, including your office, home and any other places you visited during the day. Check every possible hiding spot that you could think of, including bags, pockets and any other small item that you might carry with you.
If you haven't already it's recommended to examine the ignition of your car. If your car has a keyless ignition or a push-button start the key fob might still be inside the vehicle. The key fob will emit sound if the ignition is on.
If you can't find the keys, you might want to contact your locksmith or dealer to have a new key fob created for your car. This is a far safer option than trying to use a fake key to unlock your car, because this could damage the lock, or cause it to break into pieces.
It's not enjoyable to lose your car keys, but you shouldn't be in a panic. If you follow these steps, you'll be able find your car keys and get back on the road in short time. Consider attaching a Bluetooth tracker to your keys to prevent future loss. These devices emit a signal which you can connect to an app on your phone to locate your keys that have been lost.
You've had a tiring, hard day and are eager to get home, where you can change into your comfy sweatpants, have a pizza and binge-watch the latest episode of your favorite show. But you're not able to find your car keys, and your dream night is ruined!