How to Recover a Lost Car Key

The loss of your car key could be a stressful and emotional situation. It is important to remain calm and try to keep in mind that losing your car keys isn't an issue.

Instead of traditional keys that opened doors and switched the ignition, modern key fobs also feature advanced technology. It is important to know what to do if you lose your key so that you don't have to pay a costly fee for a replacement.

Retract Your Steps

Lost car keys are an absolute nightmare for any driver. There are fortunately, a variety of ways to retrieve your keys.

It is best to first retrace your steps. It may sound easy however it can be extremely effective in locating your lost keys. You may have dropped them in a hurry and forgotten about them. You can retrace your steps to remember where you were last time you saw them. It's also an excellent idea to look over any places you've visited recently, even if they aren't places you normally store your keys. It's possible that your keys fell out of a pocket or bag and are hidden somewhere that you didn't think to.

Another way to locate your keys that you have lost is by using a tracker. The device is small, and it is attached to the keys. It can then be used with an application to locate the keys. This is only possible if your keys have an electronic component, such as remote key fobs.

Contacting a local locksmith is the next step if you don't own a tracking device, or are unable to locate your keys. They can assist you with the creation of a new key, and reprogram it for the anti-theft system in your vehicle. However, this service is typically expensive and can cost a few hundred dollars.

It is possible to have your car towed to a dealer in order to replace lost keys. It is recommended to keep an extra key in your possession and take preventative measures to avoid losing them in the first place.

The most important thing to keep in mind when you lose your car keys is to stay calm. If you're unable to find your keys it's easy to get panicked. However, if you begin screaming at yourself, it will make it much harder to locate them. If you've not found your keys within a reasonable amount of time, it could be time to contact an expert locksmith or visit the dealership. Whatever you do, be sure to inform your insurance company about the incident so that they can assist if something happens to your vehicle in the future.

Be aware of your hiding spots

It's important that you choose an area where people won't be aware of your spare key. Otherwise, you're making yourself an easy target for thieves. Many people store their extra keys in a flower pot or planter however this is a mistake. If a burglar finds your keys, they could also find your wallet and other valuables.

Another popular hiding place is behind the door, but it can be difficult to access in the event that you're locked out. Special locks that resemble normal locks and fit to the door's interior are available, but they can be expensive. A less expensive option is to put the key in the door mat or in the grass. Some people employ fake rocks that have a compartment within the rocks.

The key is also often kept in the car, however, this can be risky. Thieves are aware of this tactic, and they may also be able of opening the gas cap from the outside. If you're worried about this, consider getting an magnetic key holder that attaches to the underneath of your vehicle. It's similar to the frame of a license plate, but is designed to hold the spare key in a concealed secret location.

Garages are another great hiding place for the key, especially if you have a detached garage. If you don't have a ladder, the key that is hidden in a nook in the side of your garage will be out of view.

Vinyl siding can also be an excellent hiding place, because there are sometimes tiny gaps that you can slide the key into. Connect a piece of fishing line to the key and slide it into the split until only a small amount is visible. This will stop the key from slipping out if you accidentally bump it while looking for it.

You can also place the spare key at the base of a tree branch if you have a lot of trees on your property. If you live in an area with many trees it is a good option. Most people won't even think to look here for your keys.

Try turning the car on

In the past the loss of your car keys was not a major issue. A locksmith could be called to assist and the cost was usually around $20. Today, however automobiles are becoming more and more technologically advanced, which could make them more expensive to Replace Lost Key if you break one.

To start the engine in a modern car there is a computer chip that communicates with the vehicle's ECU. Without this, the car won't start. It is essential to have the correct key.

It is possible to start your car using an older traditional style key. If this does not work, it might be time to contact a locksmith or call your auto dealership to have a new key made.

You can also try to start the car key lost what to do using a spare key. This is a good option for the majority of new manual cars, as they come with a spare key. This method is more risky and will depend on the vehicle, but it could be successful.

This process also requires technical expertise and an arsenal of tools. This method also involves disassembling an engine part and is not recommended for anyone. It's better to leave it to a professional to take care of this type of job particularly since you'll be ignoring a lot of the safety features that are in the car.

It's always a good idea to have a spare car key in the event that you lose one. You can purchase a traditional key, however the smart key or transponder is also available. These are more expensive to replace and will require a trip to the dealership for a new key that's connected electronically to your vehicle.

Walk Back Through Your Day

It's happened to everyone It happens to everyone: You lose your car keys. It's among the most stressful things you can do because it immediately ruins your day. You'll be late to work and your chores aren't getting completed. You might even be required to replace your key fob when renting vehicles. It's not necessary to be like this. You can avoid losing your keys and ruining your day if adhere to these easy tips.

Do not panic first. Taking deep breaths will allow you to relax and think clearly. You can also write down your location so that you can return to find out where you left your keys.

If you're unable to remember where they were take a walk through your day. If you've lost my car keys no spare your keys while doing out for errands or shopping, go back and look over each stop. Did you place them on a counter? You may have knocked them loose while grabbing something from your bag. Make sure you remember exactly where you last saw them.

Once you've walked back through your day, check everywhere else. You may have put them in the pocket inside the jacket you wore or inside a bag you took with you. Make sure to search in places you'd never think of, such as pockets in other people's clothes or under a sofa cushion.

If you're unable to find your car keys, you can call someone for assistance. Ask your friends if they've ever seen them or, better yet, ask a professional locksmith for assistance. The one thing you do not want to do is end up paying for a replacement key, or worse, having your vehicle stolen. A professional can help you locate your keys quickly and efficiently. It is also recommended to have a spare key. Keep it in a safe place.