5 Lost Car Key Projects For Any Budget
How to Recover a Lost Car Key
Losing your car key can be a very stressful experience. However, you must remain calm and keep in mind that losing your keys does not need to be a big deal.
In contrast to traditional keys that simply opened doors and turned the ignition, modern key fobs also feature sophisticated technology. You need to know what you should do if you lose yours to avoid paying a costly replacement cost.
Retract Your Steps
Lost car keys are a nightmare scenario for any driver. There are a few ways to recover your keys.
It is recommended to retrace your steps. This simple technique can be very helpful in locating keys lost. You might have dropped them in a hurry and then forgotten about them. The process of retracing your steps can help you remember where you were when you last saw them. Also, you should check any places you've been recently, even if you don't usually keep your keys in a safe place. It's quite possible that your keys fell out of a pocket or bag and are buried in a place you didn't think of.
Trackers are another great method to locate lost keys. The device is small and can be attached to your keys. Then, you can utilize an app to locate them. This is only possible in the event that you have electronic components within your keys, for example remote key fobs.
If you do not have a tracking device or are unable to locate your keys, the next course of action is to call an auto locksmith in your area. They can help you make an entirely new key and then reprogram it to the anti-theft system in your vehicle. This can be costly and cost up to hundreds of dollars.
Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, you may have to get towed to the dealership in order to get your keys replaced. It is best to have a spare key available and make sure you take preventative measures to avoid losing keys in the first place.
The most important thing to remember when you lose your car keys is to stay calm. When you can't find your keys it's easy to panic. But if you start screaming at yourself, it will make it much more difficult to find them. If you can't find your keys within an acceptable amount of time then it's probably the right time to call an expert locksmith or visit the dealership. Whatever you decide to do, make sure to tell your insurance company that you're insured so they can assist if something happens to your vehicle in the future.
Check Read the Full Report is crucial to choose a place where passersby won't be in a position to see your spare key. Otherwise, you're making yourself an easy target for thieves. A plant pot or a flower box is the standard location where many people keep their spare keys, however this could be a huge mistake. If a burglar gets your keys, they could also discover your wallet or other valuables.
Another common hiding spot is behind the door, but it can be difficult to gain access to when you're locked out. Special locks that resemble normal locks and attach to the inside your door are available, however they can be quite expensive. You can conceal the key in the grass or under a mat. Some people use fake rocks that have a compartment in them.
It is not uncommon to store keys in the car. However, this can be dangerous. This trick is well-known to thieves, who might be able to open the gas cap that is on the outside. If you're worried about this, think about purchasing an electronic key holder that attaches to the underside of your vehicle. It resembles the license plate but is designed to hide the spare key.
You can also put the key in your garage, particularly if it is detached. If you don't have a ladder a key placed in a small space in the side of your garage will be hidden from sight.
Vinyl siding also makes for an excellent hiding place, because there are often slight gaps that you can slide the key through. Connect a piece of fishing line to the key, and then slide it into the split until an inch or two of it is visible. This will stop the key from sliding out if you happen to bump it while searching for it.
You can also place the spare key at the end of an erect tree branch if have many trees on your property. If you reside in an area that has lots of trees this is a great alternative. A majority of people won't think about looking here to find your keys.
Try turning off the car
Not long ago the loss of your car keys was not a big issue. Locksmiths could be called to assist and the cost was usually about $20. Nowadays, cars are more and more advanced in terms of technology and are more expensive to replace.
A specific computer chip is required to turn on an engine in a new car. It communicates with the ECU. Without this, the car won't turn on. It's vital to have the correct key.
You might be able to start your car with an older traditional style key. If this doesn't work, you might need to call a locksmith to make a new key or contact your car dealership.
Another option is to try starting the car with an extra key. Many new manual cars have spare keys key, and this is the best option. This is a little riskier and will depend on the specific vehicle you are driving, but it can work.
This technique also requires technical know-how and an arsenal of tools. It also involves removing a part of the engine and isn't advisable for all. This kind of work is best done by a professional, especially because you'll be bypassing many safety features of the car.
It's always a good idea to have a backup car key in case you lose one. The most affordable alternative is to get a traditional key made, however you can also purchase an electronic transponder or smart key. These keys are more expensive and require a trip to the dealer to get a new one.
Take a look back at your day
Everyone has experienced this when you lose your car keys. It's one of the most stressful things you can do, as it can cause you to lose your day. You're going be late for work, and your chores will not be completed. You might have to pay to replace your key fob when renting a vehicle. It doesn't have to be this way. You can avoid losing your keys from ruining your day if follow these simple tips.
Do not be afraid to start panicking. Relaxing will aid in calming down and clear your mind. You can also record your location to go back to find out where you left your keys.
If you can't remember where you put them, start by walking through your day. If you lost them when you were out running errands to each stop and think about what you were doing. Did you put them on the counter? Maybe you were picking something from your bag and they got knocked loose. Try to remember exactly the last time you observed them.
Once you've walked back through your day, look everywhere else. You might have tucked them away in a pocket of your jacket or a bag you carried with you. Be sure to look in places you would never think of, such as pockets in other people's clothes or under cushions on your sofa.
If you are unable to find your car keys, call someone for assistance. Ask your friends whether they've seen keys, or better yet contact a locksmith. The last thing you want to do is paying for a new key or even worse, having your vehicle stolen. A professional can help you get your keys back fast and efficiently. It is also recommended to have an extra key. Keep it in a safe location.