How to Recover a Lost Car Key

The loss of your car key could be a very stressful experience. Be calm and try to keep in mind that losing your car keys isn't a big deal.

Unlike traditional keys that just opened doors and turned the ignition, modern key fobs also come with smart technology. It is important to know what to do if you lose yours to avoid paying a high replacement cost.

Retract your Steps

A lost car key is a nightmare scenario for any driver. There are a few ways to get your keys back.

The first thing you should do is retrace your steps. This simple trick can be extremely helpful in locating keys lost. It's possible that you tossed keys in a hurry and then forgot about them. You can go back to recall where you were the last time you saw them. You should also check any places you've visited recently even if you don't usually keep your keys in there. It's possible that your keys fell out of a bag or pocket and are hidden in a place you didn't expect.

Trackers are another excellent method of locating your keys that are lost. This device is small, and it can be attached to keys. Then, you can use an app to find them. This is only possible if you have electronic components inside your keys, G28 Car Keys like remote key fobs.

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

You might need to have your vehicle towed to a dealership to replace lost keys. It's best to have a spare key available and make sure you 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 stay calm. It's easy to panic when you can't find your keys, but it will be much harder to find them if you begin shouting at yourself. If you're still not able to locate your keys in a reasonable amount of time, it might be time to contact a locksmith or go to the dealership. Whatever you decide to do, be sure you inform your insurance company that you're insured so they can assist if something happens to your vehicle in the future.

Be aware of your hiding spots

When you keep your spare keys hidden, it's important to choose a spot that isn't obvious for people passing by. Otherwise, you'll be an easy target for thieves. A flower pot or plant box is the usual place where people store their spare keys, however this can be a big mistake. If a burglar gets your keys, they might also discover your wallet or other valuables.

A popular place to hide is behind the front door. However, this can be difficult to access in the event that you are locked out. You can buy special locks that are attached 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 in a door mat, or in the grass. Some people also make fake rocks that appear like normal but have a hidden compartment for the key.

The key is also often kept in the car, however, this can be a risky option. Thieves are aware of this tactic and could be able of opening the gas cap from the outside. If you're concerned about this, think about purchasing a magnetic key holder that attaches to the underneath of your vehicle. It resembles an actual license plate, but it's designed to conceal the spare key.

You can also conceal the key in your garage, particularly when it's not attached. If you do not have a ladder, a key placed in a small space along the side of your garage will be hidden from view.

Vinyl siding is also an ideal place to hide because there are usually small gaps that you can slide the key. Attach a fishing line to the key and slide it into the split until a small amount is visible. This will stop the key from sliding when you accidentally hit it while looking for it.

If you have a lot of trees on your property, you can also try nailing your spare key to the top of the branch. This is a great idea when you reside in a rural location with plenty of tree coverage as most people don't consider checking this location for your keys.

Try turning the car on

In the past the loss of your car keys was not a big deal. You could contact an locksmith to help out, and the cost was usually only $20 or so. But today, cars are getting increasingly technologically advanced, which could make them more expensive to replace if you break one.

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. This is why it's important to ensure that you have the right key for your car.

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

Another option is beginning the car using an extra key. Many new manual cars have spare keys key, so this could be the best option. This is a riskier option and will depend on the vehicle, but it could work.

This process also requires technical knowledge and tools. It also involves removing a part of the engine and isn't recommended for all. It's best to have a professional handle the task of this type of work particularly since you'll bypass many of the safety features that are in the vehicle.

A backup car key is always a good idea in case you lose the original. You can purchase a traditional key, however the smart key or transponder is also available. They are more expensive to replace and will require a trip to the dealership for a new key that's connected electronically to your vehicle.

Walk Back Through Your Day

Everybody has experienced this when you lose your car keys. It's among the most frustrating things you can do because it can completely ruin your day. You're going be late for work, and your errands will not be completed. You might need to pay to replace your key fob when you rent the vehicle. It's not necessary to be like this. You can avoid the loss of your keys from ruining your day if follow these simple tips.

Don't panic first. Take a deep breath to calm down and help you focus. It's an excellent idea to write down the places you've been to so you can revisit the place and determine the reason why your keys disappeared.

If you cannot remember where you placed them take a walk to your day. If you lost keys in car your keys while doing out for errands or shopping, return and go through each place you stopped. Did you put them on a counter? Perhaps you were taking something from your bag and they were accidentally tossed around. Try to recall exactly the location you were when you saw them.

After you've gone back through your day, make sure you look everywhere else. You might have put them inside a jacket pocket or a bag that you carried around. Look in places that you wouldn't normally think to look, such as the pockets of clothing worn by others, or under the couch cushion.

If you can't find your car keys, contact someone for assistance. Ask your friends if they have seen them, or even better call locksmith. You don't want to be paying for a new key, or worse, having your vehicle stolen. An expert can help get your keys quickly and efficiently. You should also have an extra key. Keep it in a safe place.