If you’ve ever misplaced your car keys, you’re not alone. It’s a more common occurrence than you might think, and it can happen to anyone.
Don’t feel bad about it – whether they come up when you don’t need them or it turns out that you really did lose them, stressing about it won’t do you much good. Instead, here are a few tips that can either help you in case they are really lost or find them more easily.
1. Call A Locksmith
So you’ve looked everywhere and there’s simply no trace of your car keys. The simplest thing you can do in this case is to order a replacement car key from professional locksmiths. This is typically the fastest and most efficient option that will get you back on the road in no time. In case you’re unsure whether your key was simply lost or if it was actually stolen, it might be a good idea to ask the locksmith to change your electric fob so that you don’t have to worry about it either. A good idea is to go with the expert that offers you a free estimate first and that works for a company with a strict no hidden fees policy. That way, you’ll get your car back in running condition without paying hundreds in ‘unforeseen’ fees afterward.
2. Tech For Future Use
Whether you’ve just gotten your first car and are worried about losing your key at some point, or you’ve already misplaced them a few times, and do want to go through that ordeal again, this is the step for you. Looking at different car gadgets is always fun – who doesn’t like a little extra convenience in their lives – but getting a keychain that doubles as a locator or a signal device might be a good idea. The way it typically works is you install an app on your phone and link it to your keychain. If you ever lose them, you can then track their location from your phone. Some devices even emit a sound so that you can find them if they’re hidden nearby. Most of these keychains are pretty affordable, too, so it’s definitely worth looking into – especially when you consider how long it can sometimes take to find your keys without it.
3. Go Back Step By Step
The minute you realize that you’ve lost your car keys is typically when thoughts like ‘I’ll never find them’ or ‘my car is going to be stuck here for good’ start filling your mind. But these tips can help, and there’s always a chance that you’ll stumble upon your keys sooner than later. One of the best ways to find something you’ve lost is to go back to where you last had them and start from there. If it’s been a while, and you can’t remember where that was, try thinking about the last time you used them, or simply go back to what you were doing at the beginning of your day. From there, start eliminating possibilities until you find the one place where it’s most likely that your keys are. If you made coffee, check the kitchen countertops and cupboards. If you sat down on the couch to watch TV, they might be in between or underneath the cushions. And if it’s been a cold winter day, and you’ve been outside all day, chances are your keys will be somewhere in the snow – especially if you tend to carry them loosely in your pocket. The same goes for anything you did that day.
4. Check All The Pockets And Bags
Raise your hands if you’ve ever found yourself frantically looking for something only to realize you were holding it in your hand – everyone’s been there at least once. Making sure to go through your pockets and all the bags you were carrying that day is one of the most basic things you can do when looking for something you’ve lost, and it definitely applies to car keys. This is especially true if you don’t have a specific place where you think they might be. Checking all your pockets – front, back, and even inside of jackets – is a good idea, as is going through your bags and making sure your keys aren’t hiding under a pile of other belongings. And if you have kids or pets at home, check their toybox too – it’s not impossible for them to get a hold of something that jingles and that they aren’t exactly supposed to play with. When going through your things, remember to check if there are any small rips on the inside of your pockets where keys could easily slip through.
5. Ask The Friends You Were With
Getting a second opinion is always helpful. So if there are any friends or family members who were with you during the time when it happened, ask them whether they’ve seen them. They might be able to shed some light on the issue and what you should do next. Maybe one of them accidentally picked them up and took them home, or maybe they left them at the restaurant you just ate at. It’s always worth asking. Besides, having a couple of people help you look for your keys is never a bad thing, especially if you’re out and about. That way, one of them can comb through the parking lot while the other one goes back to the store you were in. Even if the space where there could be isn’t as broad, it’s still better to have someone help you look, especially if you’re feeling upset, since you might not register them as clearly as you would if you were in a better state of mind.
6. Options If You’re In A Hurry
If you’re in a hurry, the best thing to do is to simply have someone drive you to your appointment, job, or wherever it is you have to go and start searching once you get back. Whether you decide to carpool with a colleague, ask a friend to give you a lift or call a taxi or an Uber, it’s always better to not be late for important things. Of course, if you suspect they might be stolen, then getting the locksmith there ASAP is priority number one, but in all other cases, it really can wait until you get back. Who knows, you might end up finding them once you’re not actively searching.
Losing your car keys is never a fun experience, but it isn’t the end of the world either. With some patience and a little bit of extra help, you’ll solve this issue in no time at all. Try to stay calm and ask for help – whether it’s from a professional locksmith or a friend, you might be surprised at how many people are always willing to lend a hand. Don’t forget that it’s always worth checking all the usual places you put them in first, even if it seems too obvious – you might’ve simply missed them in a hurry.
