How to Recover a Lost Car Key

Losing your car key can be a stressful and emotional situation. However, you must remain calm and be aware that losing your keys don't need to be a big issue.

Unlike traditional keys that just opened doors and switched the ignition, modern key fobs also come with smart technology. It's important to know what to do in the event that you lose yours to ensure that you don't need to pay a high cost for replacement.

Retract Your Steps

Lost car keys are an absolute nightmare for any driver. Thankfully, there are several ways to retrieve your keys.

The first thing you should do is retrace your steps. It may sound easy but it could be very effective in finding the keys you lost. You may have dropped keys in a hurry, and then forgotten about them. You can trace your steps to remember where you were last time you observed them. Also, you should check any places you've visited recently, even if you do not normally keep your keys in there. It's possible that your keys have fallen out of a bag or pocket and are hidden somewhere you would not think of.

Another method to locate your keys that you have lost is by using a tracker. This device is small and attached to your 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 tracking device or are unable to locate your keys, your next step should be to contact a local locksmith for your vehicle. They'll be able to assist you in creating a new key and reprogram the key to your vehicle's immobilizer system. However, this service is typically expensive and could cost a few hundred dollars.

You may need to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace lost my only car key keys [click to read]. It's a good idea to keep a spare set of keys on hand, and to take preventative steps to ensure that you don't lose your keys in the first place.

If you lose your keys the most important thing to do is stay calm. When you can't locate your keys, it's easy to panic. However, if you begin screaming at yourself, you'll make it much more difficult to locate them. If you haven't found your keys within an acceptable amount of time, it may be time to call a locksmith or go to the dealership. Regardless of what you do, be sure to inform your insurance provider about the incident so they can assist in the event of damage to your car in the future.

Make sure you are aware of your hiding spots

It's important that you choose a place where passersby aren't in a position to see your spare key. You'll become an easy target for thieves in the event that you don't. A plant pot or a flower box is the standard location where many people keep their extra keys, but this could be a huge mistake. If a burglar finds your keys, they could also discover your wallet and other valuables.

A popular place to hide is behind the front door. However, this could be difficult to gain access to when locked out. Special locks that resemble regular locks and are attached to the door's interior are available, but they can be expensive. You can hide the key under a mat. Some people also make fake rocks that appear normal, but conceal a compartment for the key.

The key is often kept in the car, however this is an unwise choice. Thieves are aware of this technique, and they may also be able to access the gas cap by removing it from the outside. If you're worried about this, you should purchase a magnetic key holder to attach to the underside your vehicle. It looks like a license plate but is designed to conceal the spare key.

The garage is a good hiding place for the key, especially if 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 an extension ladder.

Vinyl siding is also a great hiding spot, because there are sometimes tiny gaps that you can slide the key through. Tie a piece of fishing line to the key, and slide it into the split until the smallest amount of it is visible. This will prevent the key from slipping out if you happen to bump it while searching for it.

You can also put the spare key at the top of a tree branch if you have many trees on your property. This is a great idea for those who live in a rural area with a lot of trees, since most people won't consider checking this location for keys.

Try turning off the car.

Not too long ago, losing your car keys was no big deal. A locksmith could be called to help, and the price was typically about $20. Today, cars are more and more advanced in technology which makes them more expensive to replace.

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

If you have an older traditional key, you may be able to find it inside the lock and still begin the vehicle. If this doesn't work, it may be time to call a locksmith or contact your car dealer to have a new key made.

Another option is starting the car with a spare key. A lot of new manual cars come with a spare key, and this is your best bet. This method is more risky and will depend on your car, but it might be successful.

This method requires a bit of technical knowledge and an arsenal of tools. This method also involves disassembling an engine component and is not recommended for all. It is better to have a professional handle the task of this type of job particularly since you'll bypass some of the safety features in the car.

It's always a good idea to have a backup car key in case you lose one. The most affordable option is to have an old-fashioned key made, however you can also purchase a transponder key or smart key. These keys are more expensive and require a trip to the dealer to get a new one.

Walk Back Through Your Day

Everybody has experienced this when you lose your car keys. It's one of the most stressful things you can do, as it can cause you to lose your day. You'll be late to 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 the car. However, it doesn't have to be this way. You can stop the loss of your keys from ruining your day if follow these simple steps.

First foremost, don't be anxious. Breathing deeply can aid in calming down and focus your thoughts. You can also write down your location so that you can go back to find out where you left your keys.

If you are unable to remember where you put them take a walk through your day. If you've lost your keys while running out for errands or shopping, go back and look over each visit. Did you put them on a counter? Perhaps you were taking something out of your bag and they were accidentally tossed around. Try to recall exactly the location you saw them.

Take a look around. You may have put them in the pocket inside the jacket you were wearing or inside bags you brought with you. Make sure to search in places you'd never think of, such as the pockets of other people's clothing or beneath the cushion on your sofa.

If you're still having trouble finding your car keys, you might consider asking for help from someone. Ask your friends if they've ever seen them, or better yet, ask a professional locksmith for assistance. You don't want to be paying for an extra key or, even more importantly, have your car stolen. A professional can help you locate your keys quickly and efficiently. It is also recommended to have an extra key. Keep it in a safe location.