How to Recover a Lost Car Key

Losing your car keys can be a stressful event. You should remain calm and try to remember that losing your car keys is not an issue.

Modern key fobs are more sophisticated than traditional keys that only opened doors and switched on the ignition. You need to know what you should do in the event you lose your key to avoid paying a high replacement fee.

Retract your steps

The loss of a car key is an absolute nightmare for any driver. Fortunately, there are many ways to retrieve your keys.

It is best to first retrace your steps. It may sound easy however it can be very effective in finding your keys that you've lost. You might have lost them in a hurry and forgotten about them. You can go back to remember where you were the last time you saw them. It's also a good idea to check any places you've visited recently even if they're not the usual places to keep your keys. It's possible that your keys have fallen out of a bag or pocket and are buried somewhere you would not think to.

Another method to locate your lost the car key keys is by using a tracker. It is small and it can be attached to keys. Then, you can use an app to find them. This is only possible when you have electronic components inside your keys, for example remote key fobs.

Contacting a locksmith near you is the next step in case you don't own a tracking device, or if you cannot locate your keys. They can help you make an original key and then reprogram it to the anti-theft system in your vehicle. However the process is generally expensive and could cost a few hundred dollars.

It is possible to have your car towed to a dealer to replace lost keys. It is best to have a spare key on hand and take preventative measures to stop losing them in the first place.

If you lose your keys, the most important thing to do is remain calm. It's easy to get stressed when you can't find your keys, but it will be much harder to find them if you start yelling at yourself. If you are unable to locate your keys within a reasonable time frame then it's probably time to call a locksmith or visit the dealership. Whatever you do, be sure to inform your insurance provider about the incident so that they can assist in the event of damage to your car in the future.

Check Your Hiding Spots

When you place your spare key in a safe place, it's important to choose the location that's not obvious to passers-by. You'll make yourself vulnerable to theft in the event that you don't. A plant pot or a flower box is the standard location in which people store their extra keys, but this could be a huge mistake. If a burglar finds your keys, they may also discover your wallet and other valuables.

Another favorite place to hide is behind the door, however it can be difficult to gain access to in the event that you're locked out. There are locks that are attached to the door's interior and look similar to a regular lock, but these are usually quite expensive. A cheaper alternative is to hide the key in a door mat, or in the grass. Some people make fake rocks with a hidden compartment within the rocks.

It is not uncommon to store keys in the car. However, this could be dangerous. Thieves are aware of this trick and may be able to open the gas cap by removing it from the outside. If you're concerned about this, purchase a magnetic key holder to connect to the underside of your vehicle. It's similar to an old license plate frame, but is designed to keep the spare key in a hidden, hidden location.

Your garage is another good place to hide your key, particularly if you have a detached garage. A key that is hidden in a recess on the side of the garage door will remain out of reach and inaccessible unless you have a ladder.

Vinyl siding is also an excellent hiding place, because there are often slight splits that you can slide the key through. Just make sure to tie a clear fishing line to the key and slide it into the siding until just a tiny bit is showing. This will stop the key from sliding when you happen to hit it when you are searching for it.

If you have a lot of trees on your property, you may also try nailing your spare key to the top of a branch. If you reside in an area that has many trees this is a great option. Many people don't think to look here to find your keys.

Try turning the car on

In the past the loss of your car keys was not a huge issue. You could contact an locksmith to help out, and it cost around $20. Today, however, cars are getting increasingly technologically advanced, which can make them more expensive to replace should you lose one.

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

If you have an older traditional key, you might be able find it in the lock and start your vehicle. If this doesn't work, it may be time to call an locksmith or your dealership for a replacement key made.

Another option is to try starting the car with an extra key. This is the best solution for a lot of new cars that are manual, as they come with a spare key. This is a little more risky and it will depend on the specific vehicle you are driving, but it can work.

This technique also requires technical expertise and an arsenal of tools. This process also involves disassembling an engine component and is not recommended for everyone. It is better to have a professional handle the task of this type of work as you'll be ignoring a lot of the safety features inside the vehicle.

A spare car key is always a good idea in case you lose the original. The most affordable alternative is to have traditional keys made, but you can also purchase a transponder or smart key. These keys are more expensive and will require a visit to the dealer to get an updated one.

Take a look back at your day

It's been seen by everyone The car keys. It's among the most annoying things you can do because it instantly ruins your day. You'll be late for work and your chores aren't being completed. Worse yet, you may be required to pay to replace the key fob if you're renting cars. But, it doesn't need to be this way. Follow these simple tips to avoid losing your keys and ruining your day.

First of all, don't panic. Take deep breaths to relax and allow you to think clearly. It's important to note the places you've been to so you can revisit the place and figure out what happened to your keys.

If you're unable to remember where they were go back throughout your day. If you lost key to car no spare them when you were running errands, go back to each stop and reflect on the things you were doing. Did you put them down on some counter? You may have tossed them loose after you took something from your bag. Try to remember exactly the location you were when you saw them.

After you've gone back through your day, look everywhere else. You might have tucked them away in a pocket of your jacket or in a bag you carried. You should look in places you wouldn't typically think about, such as the pockets of clothing worn by other people or under cushions on couches.

If you're unable to locate your car keys, call someone for assistance. Ask your friends if they've seen keys or, even better, ask an expert locksmith for help. You do not want to end up paying for a second key, or worse, having your car stolen. A professional can help you get your keys back quickly and efficiently. You should also have a spare key. Keep it in a secure place.