How to Recover a Lost Car Key

The loss of your car keys can be a stressful experience. It is important to remain calm and try to remember that losing your car keys aren't a big deal.

In contrast to traditional keys that simply opened doors and switched the ignition, modern key fobs also have advanced technology. You need to know What To Do If Lost Car Keys you should do if you lose your key to avoid paying a costly replacement cost.

Retract your steps

Lost car keys can be a major headache for anyone who drives. There are fortunately, a variety of options to recover your keys.

The first thing you need to do is to retrace your steps. It may sound easy however it can be very effective in finding your keys that you've lost. You might have dropped them in a hurry and forgotten about them. You can retrace your steps to remember where you were the last time you were able to see them. It's also recommended to go through any areas you have visited recently, even if they aren't the usual places to keep your keys. It's possible that your keys fell out of a purse or bag and are in a place you wouldn't think to.

Trackers are another excellent way to locate your keys that are lost. This device is small, and it can be attached to keys. It can then be used with an application to locate them. This is only possible if your keys have an electronic component, like a remote key fob.

If you don't have a tracker or are unable to locate your keys, your next step should be to contact a local automotive locksmith. They can help you make an entirely new key and reprogram it to work with your vehicle's anti-theft device. However this service is usually expensive and can cost a few hundred dollars.

Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, you might be required to take a towed vehicle to a dealership to replace your lost keys. It is recommended to keep an extra key in your possession and take preventative measures to avoid losing keys in the first place.

The most important thing to remember when you lose your car keys is to remain calm. It's easy to get anxious when you can't find your keys, but it'll be much more difficult to locate them if you begin shouting at yourself. If you can't find your keys in a reasonable time frame then it's probably time to contact a locksmith or visit the dealership. Regardless of what to do if lost car keys you do, make sure to inform your insurance company about the incident, so they can help if anything happens to your vehicle in the future.

Make sure you are aware of your hide spots

It's crucial to pick a place where passersby won't be able to see your spare key. Otherwise, you're making yourself an easy target for thieves. A flower pot or plant box is the usual place in which people store their extra keys, but this can be a big mistake. If a burglar finds your keys, they could also find your wallet and other valuables.

A popular hiding spot is behind the front door. However, this can be difficult to access when locked out. There are locks that attach to the door's inside and look similar to a regular lock, however they tend to be quite expensive. A less expensive option is to put the key under a door mat or even in the grass. Some people also use fake rocks that look normal, but conceal a compartment for the key.

The key is also often stored in the car, however, this can be risky. Thieves are aware of this trick and may be able of opening the gas cap from outside. If you're concerned about this, think about purchasing an electronic key holder that can be attached to the underneath of your vehicle. It resembles a license plate frame but is designed to hold the spare key in a discreet secret location.

Garages are another great place to hide your key, especially if you have a detached one. A key that is tucked into a corner on the side of your garage door will stay out of reach and inaccessible unless you have a ladder.

Vinyl siding also makes for an ideal hiding spot because there are often slight gaps that you can slide the key through. Be sure to secure a piece of fishing line to the key and what to do if lost car keys then slide it into the wall until only a tiny bit is showing. This will stop the key from sliding if you happen to hit it when you are searching for it.

If you have lots of trees on your property, you could also try nailing your spare key to the end of one of the branches. This is a great idea when you reside in a rural location with a lot of trees because most people don't think to check this place for keys.

Try turning off the car.

Not too long ago the loss of your car keys wasn't a big issue. You could contact a locksmith to help you out, and it cost around $20. Nowadays, cars are more and more advanced in technology and are more expensive to replace.

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

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

You can also try to start the car with an extra key. A lot of new manual cars come with a spare key, so this could be the best option. This is a riskier option and will depend on your car, but it may be successful.

This technique also requires technical expertise and tools. It involves removing an engine component and isn't advisable for anyone. This kind of work should be left to a professional especially because you'll be bypassing many safety features of the vehicle.

It's always recommended to have a backup car key in the event that you lose one. You can get a traditional key, but the smart key or transponder is also available. These keys are more expensive and require a visit to the dealer to get an updated one.

Take a look back at your day

Everyone has experienced this: you lose your car keys. It's one of the most annoying things you can do since it instantly ruins your day. You'll be late for work, and your errands aren't going to be completed. You may even be required to replace your key fob when renting the vehicle. But, it doesn't need to be this way. Follow these simple steps to avoid losing your keys and ruining your day.

Don't panic first. Taking deep breaths will help you calm down and think clearly. You can also record your location so you can go back to find out where you left your keys.

If you can't remember where you put them begin by retracing your day. If you lost my key them when you were out running errands, go back to every stop and consider what you were doing. Did you place them on a counter? You may have knocked them loose while grabbing something from your bag. Try to remember exactly the location you saw them.

Once you've completed your day, check everywhere else. You might have put them in a jacket pocket or a bag you carried with you. Make sure to search in places you wouldn't typically think of, like pockets in other people's clothing or beneath the cushion on your sofa.

If you're still having trouble finding your car keys, consider asking for help from someone. Ask your friends whether they've seen them, or better yet call locksmith. The one thing you do not want to do is end up paying for a replacement key, or worse, having your car stolen. An expert can assist you to get your keys back fast and efficiently. You should also have a spare key. Keep it in a safe location.