How to Recover a Lost Car Key

Losing your car keys could be a stressful experience. It is important to remain calm and try to keep in mind that losing your car keys is not a big deal.

Modern key fobs are more sophisticated than traditional keys, which opened doors and then turned on the ignition. You should know what to do in the event that you lose yours to avoid paying a costly replacement cost.

Retract your steps

Lost car keys can be a nightmare for any driver. There are several options to retrieve your keys.

It is recommended to retrace your steps. It might sound simple however it can be very effective in finding your keys that you've lost. You might have lost them in a hurry and then forgotten about them. It's helpful to trace your steps back so that you remember where you were when you last saw them. It's also recommended to go through any places you've been to recently, even if they aren't places where you typically store your keys. It's possible that your keys fell out of a bag or pocket and are hidden in a place you didn't expect.

Trackers are a great method of locating your lost keys. It is small and it can be attached to keys. You can then utilize an app to locate them. This is only possible if your keys have an electronic component, such as remote key fobs.

Contacting a locksmith near you is the next step to take if you don't own a tracking device, or can't find your keys. They will be able to assist you in creating a brand new key and reprogram it to the immobilizer system of your vehicle. This service is costly and could cost you several hundred dollars.

It is possible to have your vehicle towed to a dealership to replace lost keys (www.Killingspace.com). It is best to have a spare key available and take preventative measures to stop losing them in the first place.

The most important thing to keep in mind when you lose your car keys is to stay calm. When you can't find your keys it's easy to get panicked. If you begin screaming at yourself, it will make it much more difficult to find them. If you're unable to locate your keys in an acceptable timeframe then it's probably time to contact a locksmith or visit the dealership. Whatever you decide to do, be sure you inform your insurance company so that they can assist if something happens to your vehicle in the future.

Be aware of your hiding spots

When you keep your spare keys hidden it is important to pick a spot that isn't obvious for passers-by. You'll make yourself a target for thieves If you don't. A plant pot or flower box is the usual place where people store their keys, but this could be a huge mistake. If a burglar finds the keys, he may also find valuables like your wallet.

Another favorite place to hide is behind the door, however this can be tricky to access if you're locked out. You can buy special locks that fit on the inside of your door and appear like a standard lock, however they tend to be quite expensive. It is possible to hide the key in grass or under a mat. Some people make fake rocks with a hidden compartment in them.

It is not unusual to store keys in the car. However, this can be dangerous. This method is well-known among thieves, who may be able to access the gas cap on the outside. If you're concerned about this, you should consider purchasing an electronic key holder that can be attached to the underside of your vehicle. It resembles an old license plate frame, but is designed to hold the spare key in a concealed, hidden location.

You can also put the key in your garage, especially if it is detached. A key that is hidden in a nook in the side of your garage door will stay out of reach and inaccessible unless you have an access ladder.

Vinyl siding can also be an ideal place to hide because there are usually small gaps that you can slide the key. Connect a piece of fishing line to the key, and slide it into the split until an inch or two of it is visible. This will prevent the key from slipping out if you accidentally bump it while searching for it.

You can also nail the spare key to the end of the tree's branch if you have a lot of trees on your property. If you reside in an area that has lots of trees, this is a great option. A majority of people won't consider looking for your keys.

Try turning the car on

Not too long ago when you lost your car keys was not a big issue. Locksmiths could be called to help, and the price was usually around $20. But today automobiles are becoming more and more technologically advanced, which could make them more expensive to replace if you do lose one.

A special computer chip is needed to start the engine in a new vehicle. It communicates with the ECU. The car will not start without this chip. This is why it's crucial to ensure you have the right key for your car.

You might be able to start your car with an older style traditional key. If this does not work, it might be time to contact a locksmith or call your auto dealership to have a replacement key made.

You can also try to start the car using a spare key. Many new manual cars come with a spare, so this may be your best option. This is a riskier option and will be dependent on your vehicle, but it could work.

This technique requires some technical know-how and a toolbox. It also involves removing an engine component and isn't suitable for all. This kind of work should be left to a professional especially since you'll be ignoring many safety features of the car.

A spare car key is always an excellent idea in the event that you lose the original. The most affordable option is to have a traditional key made, however you can also purchase an electronic transponder or smart key. These keys are more expensive and require a visit to the dealer to purchase a new one.

Walk Back Through Your Day

It's all too common: You lose your car keys. It's the most frustrating thing you can do, as it can ruin your day. You'll be late for work and your chores aren't getting completed. And, worse yet, you might be required to pay to replace the key fob if you're renting a car. It doesn't have to be this way. Follow these simple steps to prevent the loss of your keys from ruining your day.

Don't panic first. Take deep breaths to calm down and help you think clearly. It's important to note the places you've been to so you can revisit the place and determine what happened to your keys.

If you can't remember where you put them down, start by walking through your day. If you lost them when you were out running errands to each stop and reflect on the things you were doing. Did you place them on some counter? Perhaps you were grabbing something from your bag and they got knocked loose. Try to remember exactly the last time you was when you last saw them.

Check everywhere else. You may have left them inside a jacket pocket or a bag you carried around. Check places you would not typically think about for them, like the pockets of clothes worn by others, or under a couch cushion.

If you're unable to find your car keys, contact someone to help. Ask your friends to see if they have seen them, or better yet, call an locksmith. The last thing you want to do is end up paying for a new key, or more traumatically, having your car stolen. A professional can help you get your keys back quickly and efficiently. It is also recommended to have an extra key. Keep it in a safe location.