How to Recover a Lost Car Key

Losing your car key can be a very stressful experience. Be calm and remember that losing your car keys aren't a big deal.

Unlike traditional keys that just opened doors and turned the ignition keys of today feature advanced technology. It is important to be aware of what to do if you lose yours to ensure that you don't need to pay a high cost for replacement.

Retract Your Steps

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

It is recommended to retrace your steps. It may sound simple but it could be very effective in finding the keys you lost. It is possible that you dropped them down in a rush and then forgot about them. You can retrace your steps to recall where you were the last time you observed them. It's also an excellent idea to look over any places you've visited recently even if they're not places where you typically store your keys. It's possible that your keys fell out of a purse or bag and are hidden somewhere that you didn't think to.

Another great way to find your lost keys is by using a tracker. The device is small and can be attached to your keys. Then you can use an app to find them. This is only possible if you have electronic components in your keys, for example a remote key fob.

Contacting a locksmith in your area is the next step in case you don't own a tracking device, or if you can't find your keys. They will be able to assist you in creating a new key and reprogram it for your vehicle's immobilizer system. However, this service is typically expensive and can cost a few hundred dollars.

Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, you could be required to take a towed vehicle to a dealership to get your keys replaced. It's a good idea to keep a spare set keys in your possession and take preventative measures to ensure that you don't lose your keys in the first instance.

If you've lost your keys the most important thing to do is remain calm. It's easy to panic when you are unable to locate your keys, but it will be much harder to find them if you start shouting at yourself. If you are unable to locate your keys within a reasonable time frame, it might be time to call a locksmith or go to the dealership. Whatever you do, be sure to inform your insurance provider about the incident so that they can help if anything happens to your car in the future.

Make sure you are aware of your hiding spots

It is crucial to choose the location where passers-by will not be aware of your spare key. Otherwise, you'll be an easy target for thieves. A flower pot or plant box is the standard location where many people keep their spare keys, however this is a major mistake. If a burglar gets your keys, they could also discover your wallet and other valuables.

A popular hiding spot is behind the front door. However, this could be difficult to access in the event that you are locked out. Special locks that look like normal locks and fit to the inside of your door are available, however they can be costly. You can hide the key in grass or under a mat. Some people also make fake rocks that appear like normal but have a hidden compartment for the key.

The key is usually kept in the car however this is risky. Thieves are aware of this trick, and they may also be able to open the gas cap by removing it from the outside. If you are worried about this, you should purchase an electronic key holder that you can connect to the underside of your vehicle. It looks similar to an old license plate frame, but is designed to secure the spare key in a concealed and hidden place.

Your garage is another good place to hide your key, especially if have a detached garage. If you don't have a ladder, the key that is hidden in a nook in the side of your garage is out of sight.

Vinyl siding is also an ideal place to hide, as there are often small gaps that 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 a tiny amount is visible. This will prevent the key from slipping out if you happen to bump it while looking for it.

You can also nail the spare key to the end of an erect tree branch if have many trees on your property. If you reside in an area that has many trees this is a great alternative. Many people don't think to look here for your keys.

Try Turning the Car On

Up until recently the loss of your car keys was not a big deal. A locksmith could be called to help and the cost was usually around $20. But today, cars are getting more and more technologically advanced, which can make them more expensive to replace should you break one.

A specific computer chip is needed to start the engine in a brand new car. It communicates with the ECU. The car will not start without this chip. This is why it's important to ensure you have the correct key for your vehicle.

It is possible to start your car with an older style traditional key. If this isn't working, it could be time to contact a locksmith or contact your car dealer to have a replacement key made.

Another option is beginning the car using an extra key. Many new manual cars come with a spare key, so this could be your best option. This option is more risky and will depend on your vehicle, but it could be successful.

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

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

Review your day

It's all too common It happens to everyone: You lose your car keys. It's one of the most frustrating things you can do since it immediately ruins your day. You'll be late for work and your chores aren't getting completed. You may even be required to replace the key fob in case you rent vehicles. It's not necessary to be like this. You can prevent losing your keys and ruining your day if you follow these simple steps.

First first, don't get stressed. Relaxing will help you calm down and clear your mind. You can also record your location to return to find out where you left your keys.

If you're unable to remember where they were, walk back throughout your day. If you've lost them while you were out running errands, go back to each stop and reflect on the things you were doing. Did you put them down on a counter somewhere? You may have tossed them loose while grabbing something from your bag. Make sure you remember exactly where you were when you saw them.

After you've gone back through your day, look everywhere else. You may have put them in the pocket inside the jacket you wore or inside the bag you carried with you. Check places you would not normally think to look for items, such as the pockets of clothing worn by others, vehicle or under a couch cushion.

If you can't find your car keys, you can call someone for assistance. Ask your friends if anyone has seen them, or better yet contact an expert locksmith for help. The one thing you do not want to do is end up paying for a new key or even more traumatically, having your car stolen. An expert can help you get your keys back quickly and efficiently. It is also recommended to have a spare key. Keep it in a secure place.