How to Recover a Lost Car Key

Losing your car key can be a stressful and emotional situation. But you should try to keep calm and be aware that losing your keys does not have to be a huge issue.

Unlike traditional keys that just opened doors and turned the ignition keys of today come with smart technology. You should know what to do in the event you lose yours to avoid paying a high replacement fee.

Retract Your Steps

A lost car key is an absolute nightmare for any driver. There are fortunately, a variety of options to recover your keys.

It is best to first retrace your steps. This simple method can be extremely helpful in finding lost keys. It is possible that you dropped keys in a hurry and forgot 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 an excellent idea to look over any places you've visited recently even if they're not the usual places to store your keys. It's entirely possible that your keys got tossed out of a bag or pocket, and cost of replacing Lost car keys are hiding somewhere you wouldn't think of.

Trackers are another excellent way to locate your lost keys. This device is small and attaches to your keys. Then, you can utilize an app to locate them. This is only possible if your keys are equipped with electronic components, such as remote key fobs.

Contacting a locksmith in your area is the next step to take if you don't have a tracker device, or can't find your keys. They can help you make an entirely new key and then reprogram it to the anti-theft system in your vehicle. However this service is usually expensive and could cost a few hundred dollars.

You might need to take your vehicle to a dealer in order to replace lost keys. It's a good idea to keep a spare set keys in your car, and to take preventative measures to avoid losing your keys in the first instance.

If you've lost your keys the most important thing to do is remain calm. If you are unable to find your keys it's easy to get panicked. If you begin screaming at yourself, it will make it even harder to locate them. If you're still not able to locate your keys within a reasonable amount of time, it may be time to call a locksmith or go to the dealership. No matter what you decide to do, be sure to tell your insurance company so they will be able to assist in the event of damage to your vehicle in the future.

Check Your Hide Spots

It's crucial to pick the location where passers-by will not be in a position to see your spare key. If you don't, you're creating an easy target for thieves. A plant pot or flower box is the typical place where many people keep their spare keys, however this is a major mistake. If a burglar gets keys, he could also find valuables, such as your wallet.

Another popular hiding place is behind the door, but this can be tricky to access in the event that you're locked out. Special locks that look like normal locks and attach to the inside of your door are available, but they can be costly. A cheaper alternative is to hide the key under a door mat, or in the grass. Some people employ fake rocks that have a compartment in the rocks.

It is not unusual to store the key in the car. However, this can be risky. Thieves are aware of this tactic and could be able to access the gas cap by removing it from the outside. If you're concerned about this, consider getting a magnetic key holder that can be attached to the underneath of your vehicle. It looks like a license plate but is designed to conceal the spare key.

Garages are another great hiding place for the key, particularly if you have a detached garage. A key that is tucked in a recess on the side of the garage door will remain out of sight and reach unless you have a ladder.

Vinyl siding also makes for an excellent hiding place, because there are sometimes tiny gaps that you can slide the key through. Be sure to secure a clear fishing line to the key and slide it into the wall until only a tiny bit is showing. This will stop the key from sliding in case you accidentally hit it when you are searching for it.

You can also place the spare key at the base of an erect tree branch if have many trees on your property. This is a good choice if you reside in a rural location with a lot of trees, since most people won't consider checking this location to find your keys.

Try turning the car on

In the past the loss of your car key was not a huge issue. A locksmith could be called to help and the Cost of replacing lost car keys was typically around $20. But today automobiles are becoming increasingly technologically advanced, which can make them more expensive to replace if you lose one.

A special computer chip is needed to start an engine in a new car. It communicates with the ECU. Without this, the car will not start. It's essential to have the correct key.

You might be able to start your car with an older style traditional key. If this doesn't work, you may have to speak with a locksmith in order to create a new one or contact your dealership for assistance.

Another option is to try starting the car using a spare key. Many new manual vehicles have spare keys, so this may be your best option. This method is more risky and will depend on your car, but it may work.

This process also requires technical knowledge and an arsenal of tools. It involves removing parts of the engine and isn't suitable for all. It is better to leave it to a professional to take care of this kind of work particularly since you'll be bypassing many of the safety features inside the car.

It's always recommended to have a backup car key in case you lose one. You can purchase an old-fashioned key, but a smart key or transponder is also available. They're more expensive to replace and requires a trip to the dealership to purchase a new one that has been electronically paired with your vehicle.

Walk Back Through Your Day

It's all too common The car keys. It's one of the most frustrating things you can do since it can completely ruin your day. You're going be late for work, and your errands will not be completed. And, worse yet, you might be required to pay to replace the key fob in case you're renting the car. However, it doesn't have to be this way. You can stop losing your keys from ruining your day if you follow these simple tips.

Do not panic first. Breathing deeply can aid in calming down and clear your mind. It's important to note where you've been so you can go back and find out the reason why your keys disappeared.

If you're unable to remember where you put them down, start by walking through your day. If you lost keys replacement your keys while running around or shopping, go back and review each place you stopped. Did you place them on the counter? You might have knocked them loose after you took something from your bag. Make sure you remember exactly the last time you was when you last saw them.

You should also look elsewhere. You might have left them in a pocket of the jacket you wore or inside a bag you took with you. Check places you would not normally think of looking, such as the pockets of clothes worn by other people or under a couch cushion.

If you're unable to find your car keys, you can call someone for help. Ask your friends if they have seen them, or even better call a locksmith. The one thing you do not want to do is paying for a new key or even more traumatically, having your car stolen. An expert can help you return your keys quickly and efficiently. It's also a good idea for you to have an extra car key so make sure you keep it in a safe location.