Lost Spare Car Key? Here's What to Do
It wasn't long ago that losing your car keys wasn't an issue. You'd call your local locksmith and they'd create a new key for you.
It's a bit more complicated today. It's dependent on the kind of key you have and the possibility of losing your spare. Here are some tips to assist you in finding your car keys.
Retract Your Steps
Sometimes, we all misplace things. Perhaps you're running an run and forget to put your keys on the hook in the entryway, or perhaps you're just returning home from an exhausting day at work and throw them on the couch. It can be a hassle to lose your spare key.
Take a deep breath and don't be afraid. You'll still be able to find your keys if you look long enough. It's also a good idea to have a backup plan in place, such as calling a professional car locksmith in case of emergency.
Once you've cooled down and regained control of your emotions, you are now able to begin searching for your keys. One of the best ways to retrace your steps is simply thinking back on the last time you were able to see them. It's easier than you think, particularly if put your eyes closed and think about the exact location you last was with the person.
After you've considered the last time you've seen them, you can begin to look at all the possible locations they might be. Include your home, car, and any other common areas you have visited during the day. You can also ask your friends or family members to join the search and give you more eyes to see with!
If you're in the car, look at the handle on the driver's side of the door and the center console for any evidence of a spare key. Look through any bags or pockets that you may have carried around during the daytime. It's not uncommon for keys to get "lost" in the car, so make sure to look thoroughly in the compartments of your car!
Check Your Hideouts
No matter how vigilant you are, your car keys are always a little tricky to keep track of. It's one of the most commonly lost items to lose, and it can quickly turn into a nightmare if you aren't careful. There are some steps you can follow prior to calling a locksmith if you've misplaced your spare keys to your car.
Before you begin searching for keys that have disappeared, it's worth checking the places where you usually place keys. If you have a key holder by the door or a key bowl on a table, make sure you check the places first. It's also a good idea to ask other people who live nearby for help, for instance, a store worker or a customers. They may have seen your keys in the chaos of your shopping spree or have discovered them while they were cleaning up.
Many people store their spare keys in their car, and this could be a great option. If your vehicle's hood can be opened externally it is essential to put the spare key in a secure area so that it won't be crushed when the hood is closed. Mini-vaults and magnetic boxes can be attached to your car and keep your keys safe and easily accessible.
You can also place keys that are spare inside the car's tailpipe but this method is often difficult to implement and not very discrete. You might also notice that the tailpipe is covered in ice, snow or mud making it difficult to locate the key.
Behind the tires is another location where people keep their keys. This is a simple and effective method of keeping your keys in a safe place, but it's important to remember that your car's tires are visible no matter what you're wearing, so this isn't the best option if you're wearing shorts or skirts.
It is also possible to leave your spare car key with a trusted friend or family member, particularly if you're traveling and aren't willing to lose it. If you have the proximity car key, don't leave it with strangers. Certain thieves may use signal relay technology and amplifiers to steal the key fob's signal and unlock your car even if it's miles away.
Take a look inside Your Car
It's impossible to predict the exact location where you could lose something and a key fob isn't an exception. It's therefore advisable to check everywhere. It's important to go back to the place where you last used it, then retrace your steps and contact owners or employees at the places you may have lost it.
It's also worth checking your car for keys if you suspect you may have left them in there. This includes looking in the glove compartment (it's the most common storage space for a spare car key), the area under the front seats, and the elusive black hole inside the car that could swallow a small item such as keys or a fob.
It is also important that you check any purses or backpacks you carry around that could be hiding a lost car key. You must carefully look through all pockets and compartments of your backpack or purse. Look for zippered areas and remove items such as makeup and sunglasses from your bag to see what's beneath.
If you've tried all these steps and still cannot locate your car keys, it's time to call locksmith. They'll be able to assist you find your lost car keys and get you back on the road in a short time.
A spare car key can be an excellent way to avoid this stress, but you should also think about adding a Bluetooth key tracker to your keys, so that they are easier to keep in check. These tiny devices attach to your keys and emit a unique signature, so you can connect them to an app on your phone and see where they are at any time.
Another option is to contact your dealer and ask them to design an original car key for you. Because they already have security information for your vehicle, they can do this quickly. It might be more challenging if you have a smart vehicle as they'll need to connect the key to your car. This could take a bit of time. It's important to always have an extra car key.
Contact a Locksmith
If you cannot find your car keys, it is important to call locksmith as soon as you can. This will not only assist you to get back into your car but also ensure that nobody else has access to the key. If you don't report the theft of your car key immediately it could lead to other problems in the future, like someone trying to impersonate yourself.
Modern vehicles require a keyfob to unlock and operate them. If you have lost your key fob, it is essential to have a spare in order to avoid having to pay to have the car transported to the dealer, and then pay for a new set of keys.
A locksmith will be able to make a new key for your vehicle without having to know the specifics of the security system in your vehicle. They can also disable the old key to ensure that it can't be used again. If you're unsure what type of key your car requires, a locksmith can usually determine this based on the information on your title or registration.
It is best to prevent the loss of your spare car keys by keeping them in a secure spot separate from your lanyard or keychain. This will lessen the chances that you'll drop your keys, or disappear from your pocket.
Another way to prevent the loss of your spare car key is to write down your vehicle identification number (VIN) and keep it with you at all time. This unique code helps identify your vehicle and can be found on your dashboard, door jamb or frame.
A local locksmith can assist you in getting back on the right track, whether you need to replace your car's spare key or reduce the risk of it being lost. It's also cheaper than going to the dealership, and you might even be able to get the spare key made on-site.