How to Recover a Lost Car Key

Losing your car key can be an incredibly stressful situation. But, cost it is important to remain calm and remember that losing your keys don't have to be a huge issue.

Instead of traditional keys that opened doors and switched the ignition, modern key fobs also have advanced technology. It is important to be aware of what to do if you lose your key so that you don't have to pay a costly fee for replacement.

Retract your steps

A lost car key can be a major headache for anyone who drives. There are several ways to retrieve your keys.

It is best to first retrace your steps. This simple method can be very useful in finding lost keys. You might have lost them in a hurry and forgotten about them. Retracing your steps will help you remember where you were when you last saw them. It's also an excellent idea to look over any areas you have been to recently even if they're not the usual places to store your keys. It's possible that your keys have fallen out of a purse or bag and are in a place you would not think of.

Another method to locate your keys that you have lost is by using a tracker. The device is small, and it attaches to the keys. Then, you can use an application to locate the keys. This is only possible if you have electronic components in your keys, such as remote key fobs.

If you do not have a tracking device or are unable to locate your keys, the next step is to call an auto locksmith in your area. They can assist you in creating a new key, and then reprogram it to the anti-theft system in your vehicle. This service is costly and cost up to several hundred dollars.

Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, cost you might have to get towed to a dealership to replace your lost keys. It is recommended to keep a spare key on hand and make sure you take preventative measures to avoid losing keys in the first place.

The most important thing to remember when you've lost your car keys is to remain calm. When you can't find your keys it's easy to panic. However, if you begin screaming at yourself, you'll make it even more difficult to locate them. If you're still not able to locate your keys within a reasonable amount of time, it might be time to contact a locksmith or go to the dealership. Regardless of what you do, make sure to inform your insurance company about the incident so they can help if anything happens to your car in the future.

Check Your Hiding Spots

It's crucial to pick a place where passersby aren't in a position to see your spare key. You'll be an easy target for thieves if you don't. Many people store their extra keys in plants or in a flower pot, but this is not a good idea. If a burglar gets keys, he could also find valuables like your wallet.

Another common hiding spot is behind the door, however this can be tricky to gain access to in the event that you're locked out. Special locks that resemble normal locks and fit to the inside your door are available, but they can be costly. A less expensive option is to hide the key under a door mat or even in the grass. Some people use fake rocks with a hidden compartment in the rocks.

It is not uncommon to store the key in the car. However, this could be dangerous. Thieves are aware of this trick and may be able of opening the gas cap by removing it from the outside. If you are worried about this, get a magnetic key holder to attach to the underside your vehicle. It resembles the license plate but is designed to conceal the spare key.

Garages are another great place to hide your key, particularly if you have a detached garage. If you don't have a ladder the key that is hidden in a corner along the side of your garage will be hidden from sight.

Vinyl siding is also an excellent hiding place, because there are sometimes tiny splits that you can slip the key into. Just make sure to tie a piece of clear fishing line to the key, and then slide it into the siding until just a tiny amount is visible. This will stop the key from sliding if you happen to run into it while searching for it.

If you have lots of trees on your property, you could also try nailing your spare key to the bottom of the branch. If you live in an area with a lot of trees, this is a great option. A majority of people won't think to look here to find your keys.

Try turning off the car

Not long ago when you lost your car keys wasn't a big deal. A locksmith could be called to help, and the price was typically about $20. Today, cars are more and more technologically advanced, making them more expensive to replace.

In order to start the engine in a modern car there is a specific computer chip that communicates with the vehicle's ECU. Without this, the car will not start. It's essential to have the correct key.

You might be able to start your car using an older style traditional key. If this isn't working, it could be time to contact an locksmith or your auto dealership to have a new key made.

Another option is beginning the car using a spare key. A lot of new manual vehicles come with spare keys key, and this is the best option. This is a little more risky and will depend on the specific vehicle you drive however, it is a possibility.

This technique requires some technical know-how and tools. It also involves removing an engine component and isn't advisable for anyone. This kind of work is best left to a professional, particularly because you'll be ignoring many safety features of the car.

It's always recommended to have a backup car key in the event that you lose one. You can buy a traditional key, however the smart key or transponder is also available. They are more expensive to replace and require a trip to the dealer for a new one that's been electronically paired with your vehicle.

Walk Back Through Your Day

Everyone has had this experience You lose your car keys. It's one of the most frustrating things you could do because it can completely ruin your day. You'll be late for work, and your errands aren't going to be completed. Worse yet, you may have to pay a fee to replace the key fob when you're renting cars. It's not necessary to be this way. You can stop losing your keys from damaging your day if you follow these simple steps.

Do not panic first. Taking deep breaths will aid in calming down and think clearly. You can also write down your location so that you can return to find out where you left your keys.

If you cannot remember where you placed them go back throughout your day. If you've lost car keys replacement cost uk your keys while running errands or shopping, go back and go through each place you stopped. Did you place them on the counter? You may have knocked them loose while grabbing something from your bag. Try to recall exactly the location you were when you saw them.

Once you've completed your day, make sure you look everywhere else. You might have left them in a pocket in the jacket you were wearing or inside a bag you took with you. You should look in places you wouldn't normally think to look for items, such as the pockets of clothes worn by others or under the couch cushion.

If you still can't find your car keys, you might consider calling someone for help. Ask your friends if they have seen keys, or better yet call locksmith. You don't want to end up paying for a second key or, even more importantly, have your car stolen. An expert can assist you to return your keys quickly and efficiently. It is also recommended to have an extra key. Keep it in a safe place.