How to Recover a Lost Car Key

Losing your car key can be an incredibly stressful situation. But you should try to keep calm and be aware that losing your keys does not need to be a big issue.

Modern key fobs are smarter than traditional keys, which only opened doors and switched on the ignition. It is important to know what to do in the event that you lose your keys to avoid paying a high replacement cost.

Retract your Steps

The loss of a car key is an absolute nightmare for any driver. There are several options to get your keys back.

It is best to first retrace your steps. It may sound easy, but it can be very effective in finding your keys that you've lost. You might have lost keys in a hurry, and forgot about them. You can retrace your steps to recall where you were the last time you saw them. It's also a good idea to check any areas you have been to recently, even if they aren't the usual places to store your keys. It's possible that your keys got tossed out of a bag or pocket, and are hiding somewhere you wouldn't think of.

Another great way to find your keys that you have lost is by using the tracker. This device is small, and it can be attached to keys. It can then be used with an app to locate them. This is only possible if the keys have electronic components, such as remote key fobs.

If you do not have a tracking device or you're unable to find your keys, your next course of action is to contact an auto locksmith in your area. They can help you create a new key and reprogram it for your vehicle's immobilizer system. However this service is usually expensive and can cost you a few hundred dollars.

Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, you might be required to take a towed vehicle to the dealer to get replacement keys. It's a good idea to keep a spare set of keys in your possession and take preventative measures to avoid losing your 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 stressed when you are unable to locate your keys, but it will be much harder to find them if you start yelling at yourself. If you've not found your keys in an acceptable amount of time, it could be time to call a locksmith prices for lost car keys or head to the dealership. Whatever you decide to do, make sure you inform your insurance company so they can help if something happens to your vehicle in the future.

Make sure you are aware of your hiding spots

If you are planning to keep your spare keys hidden it is important to pick the location that's not obvious for people passing by. If you don't, you're creating an easy target for thieves. A plant pot or a flower box is the typical place where people store their extra keys, but this is a major mistake. If a burglar discovers your keys, they could also discover your wallet or other valuables.

A popular hideaway is behind the front door. However, this could be difficult to gain access to if locked out. Special locks that resemble normal locks and attach to the door's interior are available, however they can be expensive. An alternative that is less expensive is to put the key in a door mat, or in the grass. Some people make fake rocks with a hidden compartment within them.

The key is often kept in the car but this can be an unwise choice. Thieves are aware of this tactic, and they may also be able of opening the gas cap from outside. If you're worried about this, get a magnetic key holder to attach to the underside your vehicle. It resembles the frame of a license plate, but is designed to secure the spare key in a concealed secret location.

The garage is a good location to hide the key, particularly if you have a detached garage. If you don't have a ladder the key that is hidden in a corner in the side of your garage will be hidden from sight.

Vinyl siding is also an ideal place to hide because there are usually small splits where you can slide the key. Be sure to secure a piece of clear fishing line to the key and then slide it into the siding until just small amounts of it are visible. This will stop the key from sliding if you happen to bump into it while looking for it.

You can also place the spare key to the end of a tree branch if you have a lot of trees on your property. If you live in an area with a lot of trees, this is a great alternative. Many people don't think about looking here for your keys.

Try turning the car on

Until recently, losing your car key was not a major issue. Locksmiths could be called to help and the cost was usually around $20. Nowadays, cars are more and more advanced in terms of technology and are more expensive to replace.

A special computer chip is required to start an engine in a new vehicle. It communicates with the ECU. Without this, the car won't turn on. This is the reason it's vital to make sure you have the right key for your car.

You might be able to start your car using an older, traditional style key. If this does not work, you might need to speak with a locksmith in order to make a new key or contact your dealership for assistance.

Another option is beginning the car using an extra key. This is the best solution for Car Keys Lost What To Do a lot of new manual vehicles, since they have spare keys. This is a riskier option and will depend on your vehicle, but it could be successful.

This method requires a bit of technical know-how and an arsenal of tools. It also involves removing an engine component and isn't advisable for all. This type of work is best left to a professional especially because you'll be bypassing many safety features of the car.

A backup car key is always a good idea in case you misplace your original. 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 in order to purchase a new one.

Take a look back at your day

Everyone has had this experience: you lose your car keys Lost what To do keys. It's the most annoying thing you can do, because it can cause you to lose your day. You'll be late for work and your errands aren't getting done. Even worse, you could be required to pay to replace the key fob when you're renting cars. It doesn't have to be this way. You can prevent losing your keys from ruining your day if adhere to these easy tips.

Don't panic first. Taking deep breaths will aid in calming down and focus your thoughts. It's important to record where you've been so you can revisit the place and determine what happened to your keys.

If you aren't able to remember where you put them down Begin by walking back through your day. If you've lost keys for my car them while you were running errands, go back 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. Make sure you remember exactly the location you saw them.

Check everywhere else. You might have left them in the pocket of the jacket you were wearing or in a bag you took with you. Be sure to look in places you wouldn't typically think of, such as pockets on other people's clothing or beneath cushions on your sofa.

If you are unable to find your car keys, contact someone for help. Ask your friends if anyone has seen them or, better yet seek out a professional locksmith for assistance. You do not want to end up paying for a new key or worse, have your car stolen. An expert can assist you to get your keys back fast and efficiently. You should also have an extra key. Keep it in a safe location.