How to Recover a Lost Car Key

Losing your car keys can be a stressful event. However, you must remain calm and keep in mind that losing your keys don't need to be a big issue.

Instead of traditional keys that opened doors and switched the ignition keys of today come with smart technology. It is important to know what to do in the event you lose your key to avoid paying a large replacement cost.

Retract your steps

The loss of a car key can be a major headache for any driver. There are several options to recover your keys.

It is best to first retrace your steps. It might sound simple however it can be extremely effective in locating your keys that you've lost car key replacement. It's possible that you put them down in a rush 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 recommended to go through any places you've visited recently even if they're not places you normally store your keys. It's possible that your keys got tossed out of a bag or pocket and are hidden in a place you didn't think of.

Another great way to find keys that are lost is using the tracker. This device is small and attached to your keys. Then you can make use of an app to locate them. This is only possible if you have electronic components inside your keys, for example remote key fobs.

Contacting a locksmith in your area is the next step in case you don't have a tracking device, or if you can't find your keys. They'll be able to help you create a new key and reprogram the key to the immobilizer system of your vehicle. This service is costly and can cost a few hundred bucks.

Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, you may have to get towed to the dealership in order to replace your lost keys. It is best to have a spare key available and take preventative measures to stop losing them in the first place.

When you lose your keys The most important thing is to remain calm. It's easy to get anxious when you are unable to locate your keys, but it'll be much more difficult to locate them if you start shouting at yourself. If you're still not able to locate your keys in a reasonable amount of time, it could be time to call a locksmith or go to the dealership. Whatever you decide to do, make sure to tell your insurance company that you're insured 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 an area where people aren't aware of your spare key. Otherwise, you'll be an easy target for thieves. Many people keep their extra keys in a flower pot or planter, but this is not a good idea. If a burglar finds your keys, they could also discover your wallet and other valuables.

Another popular hiding place is behind the door, however this can be tricky to access in the event that you're locked out. You can buy special locks that fit on the inside of your door and appear like a standard lock, but they are usually quite expensive. A less expensive option is to put the key beneath a door mat, replacement or in the grass. Some people make fake rocks that have a compartment within them.

The key is also often kept in the car however this is a risky option. Thieves are aware of this trick and could be able to open the gas cap from outside. If you are worried about this, purchase a magnetic key holder to be able to attach to the underside of your vehicle. It's similar to an old license plate frame, but is designed to secure the spare key in a discreet and hidden place.

The garage is a good hiding place for the key, particularly if you have a detached garage. If you do not have a ladder, the key that is hidden in a corner along the side of your garage is out of view.

Vinyl siding also makes for a great hiding spot, replacement because there are sometimes tiny 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 wall until only a tiny bit is showing. This will stop the key from sliding if you accidentally hit it while looking for it.

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

Try Turning the Car On

In the past, losing your car key was not a major issue. You could contact a locksmith to help you out and it was usually around $20. Nowadays, cars are more and more advanced in terms of technology and are more expensive to replace.

A specific computer chip is required to start the engine in a new car. It communicates with the ECU. Without this, the car won't turn on. This is why it's crucial to ensure that you have the correct key for your vehicle.

If you have an older traditional key, you may be able to locate it inside the lock and still start the vehicle. If this does not work, it might be time to contact a locksmith or contact your car dealer to have a replacement key made.

You can also try to start the car with an extra key. A lot of new manual vehicles come with a spare key, and this is the best option. This method is more risky and will be dependent on your car, but it might be successful.

This process also requires technical expertise and an arsenal of tools. It involves removing an engine component and isn't suitable for anyone. It's better to let a professional take care of this type of work as you'll bypass a lot of the safety features inside the car.

It's always a good idea to have a spare car key in the event that you lose one. The cheapest alternative is to have a traditional key made, but you can also purchase a transponder or smart key. They are more expensive to replace and requires an excursion to the dealer for a new one that's been electronically paired with your car.

Walk Back Through Your Day

Everyone has experienced this You lose your car keys. It's among the most annoying things you could do because it instantly ruins your day. You're going be late for work, and your chores won't get done. And, worse yet, you might be required to pay to replace the key fob when you're renting cars. It doesn't have to be like this. Follow these simple tips to avoid losing your keys and ruining your day.

Do not panic first. Take deep breaths to calm down and allow you to think clearly. It's also a good idea to write down the places you've been to so you can revisit the place and figure out the reason why your keys disappeared.

If you aren't able to remember the exact location you left them, start by walking through your day. If you lost them while you were out running errands to each stop and think about what you were doing. Did you place them on a counter? Perhaps you were grabbing something from your bag and they got accidentally tossed around. Try to recall exactly the location you were when you saw them.

You should also look elsewhere. You might have tucked them away inside a jacket pocket or a bag you carried around. Be sure to look in places you would never think of, like pockets on other people's clothes or under the cushion on your sofa.

If you're unable to find your car keys lost replacement keys, call someone for assistance. Ask your friends if they've seen keys or, even better seek out a professional locksmith for assistance. The one thing you do not want to do is end up having to pay for a replacement key or even more traumatically, having your car stolen. A professional can help you return your keys quickly and efficiently. It's also an excellent idea to keep a spare car key, so make sure you keep it in a safe location.