Lost Spare Car Key? Here's What to Do

In the past the loss of your car keys was not an issue. You would call your local locksmith and they would create an appropriate replacement key for you.

Nowadays, it's more complicated. It depends on what type of key you've got and if you've lost your spare. Here are some suggestions to help you find your car keys.

Retract your steps

We all have things that go missing. Maybe you're running an run and forget to put your keys on the hook in the entryway, or perhaps you are just coming home after an exhausting day at work and throw them on the couch. It can be frustrating to lose your spare key.

Take a deep breath and don't get stressed. Keep in mind that your keys won't be lost forever. You can find them using an exhaustive search! Also, you should have a backup plan, such as calling an auto locksmith.

After you've calmed down and gained control over your emotions, it's time to start searching for your keys. One of the best ways to trace your steps is by simply recalling the last time you were able to see them. It's much more simple than you think, particularly if you can shut your eyes and visualize the location where you last observed them.

After you've considered the last time you've seen them, start by looking at all the possible places they could be. Include your car, home and any other typical areas you've visited throughout the daytime. You can ask your family members or acquaintances to help you find your way. This will help you see more!

When you're looking inside your car, make sure to check the door handle of the driver's side and the center console for signs of an extra key. Check any bags or pockets that you've carried around during the day. Check all the compartments in your car. It's common for keys to be "lost key fob" within.

Check Your Hideouts

Car keys are difficult to find no matter how careful or diligent you are. It's one of the most frequently lost items that can be lost, and it can quickly turn into a nightmare if you are not careful. There are some steps you can take before calling a locksmith in case you've misplaced your spare car keys.

It is worth examining where you normally keep your keys prior to searching for them. If you have a keyholder near the door or the key bowl is on a table, make sure you check these areas first. You may also ask someone else nearby like an employee or a fellow customer. They may have spotted them in the midst of your shopping trip, or spotted them when cleaning up.

It is possible to keep spare keys hidden in your car. If the hood of your car can be opened from the outside, it is essential to put the spare key in a secure place so that it will not be smashed when the hood is closed. Mini-vaults and magnetic boxes can also be mounted to your car to keep your keys safe and easily accessible.

You can also put an extra car key in the tailpipe of your car however this isn't extremely discreet and may be difficult to locate. You might also notice that the tailpipe is covered in snow, mud or ice which makes it difficult to locate the key.

Another place where people sometimes hide their keys is behind the tires. This is a good way to hide your keys, but you should be aware that the tires of your car are visible regardless of the clothes you wear.

You can leave your spare key with someone in your family or a trusted friend, especially if traveling and you do not want it to be lost. If you do have a proximity key, be cautious about leaving it with strangers because some thieves could make use of signal relay and amplifier technology to hijack the signal from your key fob to unlock your car even if the key is miles away.

Check Inside Your Car

It's impossible to know the exact location where you could lose something, and a key fob is no different. Therefore, it's best to search everywhere. It is essential to return to the location where you last used it, then retrace your steps, and then contact the owners or employees at the places you may have lost it.

It's important to check your car for keys if you suspect you've put them in there. This involves checking the glove box (it's an ideal location to store keys for a spare car) and the space under the front seats, and the elusive black hole inside the car that can swallow a small object like the key fob.

Check any purses or bags you may have on you because they may contain a lost key. You must carefully search through all compartments and pockets of your purse or backpack. Look for zippered areas, and then remove items like makeup and sunglasses from your bag to see what's beneath.

Contact a locksmith if tried all of these steps and still cannot find your car keys. They'll be able to help you replace your lost car keys and get you back on the road in a short time.

You can avoid this scenario by having a spare car key. But you should also add an Bluetooth tracker to your keys to make it easier to keep the track of them. These tiny devices are attached to your keys and emit a unique signature, so you can connect them to an app on your smartphone and be aware of where they are at any time.

You can also call your dealer and ask them to make a new key for you. They'll probably be able to make it quickly, as they have your car's security information in their database. If you own a smart vehicle however, it might be more challenging as they'll need to pair the new key with your vehicle, which can take a bit longer. It is essential to have a spare car key.

Call a locksmith

If you're unable to find your car keys in the unlikely scenario, it is essential to contact a locksmith immediately. Not only will this help you to get into your car, but it will also ensure that no one else has access. If you don't report the loss of your car key immediately this could lead to other problems in the future, such as an individual trying to impersonate you.

Modern cars require a keyfob in order to unlock and operate them. It is crucial to have an extra key fob just in case you lose it. This will save you from having to pay for the vehicle to be towed and then purchase a new set.

A locksmith can create a new key for your car without knowing the precise details of its security system. They can also disable the previous key so that it cannot be used again. A locksmith can tell you what type of car key you need according to the information on your registration or lost spare car key title.

It is best to avoid the loss of your car keys by leaving it in a secure spot separate from your keychain or lanyard. This will make it less likely that you'll accidentally drop your keys or that they will slip out of your pocket.

You can also prevent the loss of an extra car key by jotting down your vehicle identification (VIN) number and keeping it on your person. It is a unique code that allows you to identify your car and is located on the driver's side dashboard or door jamb the frame of your car.

A locksmith in your neighborhood can help you get back on track, whether you need to replace your spare car key or reduce the likelihood of it being lost. It's also less expensive than going to the dealership, and you might be able have the spare key made on site.