It always starts so innocently. A sweet, perhaps little sheepish, call from another area of the house, echoing its way into my innocent ears, “Baaabe, do you know where the car keys are?”
So, truth be told. I often do know where they are (on my desk, or on the bench), and that’s why my wife is sending those dulcet tones down the hallway. But, when the shoes on the other foot, it’s a whole different story. And to be honest, it’s quite a stressful, sweaty story when it’s all said and done.
So, here are our pro tips on ways to avoid any unnecessary headaches when it comes to losing and finding your keys.
Got those spare keys sorted?
First and foremost, you should always keep a spare pair of keys on hand. A spare set for your car, a spare set for your home, a spare set for your bicycle lock — there’s a spare set for everything.
Make a safe spot where you’ll remember to keep your spare keys for situations like this, because looking for them can be just as annoying. If you’ve given up hope that your misplaced keys would be lost forever, your spare set has come to your rescue… But what’s next? You don’t have any spares left.
If you’ve given up hope that your misplaced keys would be lost forever, your spare set has come to your rescue…
But what’s next? There aren’t spare keys in addition to the original spare keys, are there? To be honest, that’s just confusing.
Get a new set of keys cut, straight away. Like, now.
If you just have one key for your car, getting a duplicate created is a top priority.
For anti-theft purposes, modern automobile keys contain an electronic chip or a fob/transponder type thing, and the days of a $10 key trail are long gone. Instead, you’ll need to have a locksmith or a dealership cut and programme a new key for your vehicle. A new automobile key should cost between $200 and $400, possibly more, and that’s for a standard key with a key shaft that goes into the ignition.
If you have a keyless or push-button start ignition, you can bet that buying a new spare key will be even more expensive! The integrated system has become more technologically advanced as a result of the addition of technology.
If you’re feeling a bit lost, the team at My Auto Shop can give you the key information you’ll need. Sorry, I couldn’t resist!
Help! I literally have no keys ever again, forever.
At this point, you’re in need of some serious help. Potentially counselling. Or, you can get in touch with a mobile locksmith to see if they can cut and programme and new key for your car (they’ll need to visit you, for obvious reasons). You can expect to be charged a premium for this service, if they can help you out at all. There might be a delay, so remember to dial up the patience.
Okay, so while it’s highly unlikely we can help you find those missing car keys, we can absolutely help you find the right person to get you back on track and on your way with a professional auto locksmith. Head over to the My Auto Shop service area to get started.