The Complete List Of Lost Car Key Dos And Don'ts

How to Recover a Lost Car Key

The loss of your car key could be a stressful and emotional situation. But, it is important to keep your cool and remember that losing your keys don't have to be a huge issue.

Instead of traditional keys that opened doors and turned the ignition, modern key fobs also have smart technology. It is important to be aware of what to do if you lose yours so that you don't have to shell out a large amount for a replacement.

Retract Your Steps

A lost key for car car key can be a nightmare for any driver. Thankfully, there are several options to recover your keys.

The first thing you must do is retrace your steps. It may sound easy however it can be extremely effective in locating the keys you lost. It's possible that you tossed them in a flurry and then forgot about them. You can go back to recall where you were the last time you were able to see them. Also, you should check any places you've visited recently, even if you don't normally keep your keys in there. It's possible that your keys fell out of a pocket or bag and are in a place that you didn't think to.

Trackers are another great method of locating your keys that have gone missing. The device is small, and it attaches to the keys. Then you can utilize an app to locate them. This is only possible if your keys are equipped with an electronic component, such as remote key fobs.

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

You may need to have your car towed to a dealer to replace lost keys. It is a good idea to keep a spare set keys in your possession, and to take preventative steps to avoid losing your keys in the first place.

The most important thing to remember when you've lost key your car keys is to remain calm. It's easy to panic when you're unable to locate your keys, but it'll be a lot more difficult to locate them if you start shouting at yourself. If you're unable to locate your keys within an acceptable amount of time then it's probably time to call an expert locksmith or visit the dealership. Whatever you do, make sure to inform your insurance company about the incident so they can assist if something happens to your vehicle in the future.

Be aware of your hiding spots

It's crucial to pick an area where people will not be in a position to see your spare key. Otherwise, you're making yourself an easy target for thieves. A plant pot or a flower box is the typical place where many people keep their keys, but this is a major mistake. If a burglar gets your keys, they might also find your wallet and other valuables.

Another common hiding spot is behind the door, but it can be difficult to access if you're locked out. Locks that resemble regular locks and are attached to the inside of your door are available, however they can be quite expensive. You can conceal the key in grass or under a mat. Some people also make fake rocks that appear ordinary but have a hidden compartment for the key.

It is not uncommon to keep the key in the car. However, this can be dangerous. This trick is well-known to thieves, who may be able to access the gas cap that is on the outside. If you're concerned about this, you should purchase an magnetic key holder to attach to the underside your vehicle. It resembles an actual license plate, but it's designed to conceal the spare key.

Garages are another great location to hide the key, particularly if you have a detached garage. A key that is hidden into a corner on the side of your garage door will stay away from view and reach unless you have an extension ladder.

Vinyl siding is also an ideal place to hide, as there are often small splits where you can slide the key. Tie a piece of fishing line to the key, and then slide it into the split until only the smallest amount of it is visible. This will stop the key from sliding if you happen to run into it while searching for it.

If you have a lot of trees on your property, you can also try nailing the spare key to the end of one of the branches. If you live in an area with many trees, this is a great option. A majority of people won't consider looking for keys.

Try turning off the car

Not too long ago when you lost your car keys was no big deal. You could contact a locksmith to help out, and it cost just $20 or so. Today, cars are more and more advanced in technology which makes them more expensive to replace.

To start the engine in a modern car there is a computer chip that communicates with the vehicle's ECU. Without this, the car won't start. It is essential to have the correct key.

You might be able to start your car using an older, traditional style key. If this does not work, you may need to contact a locksmith to create a new key or contact your car dealership.

Another option is to try beginning the car using a spare key. A lot of new manual vehicles come with spare keys, so this may be your best bet. This is a little riskier and will depend on the particular vehicle you are driving, but it can work.

This technique also requires technical expertise and tools. It involves removing an engine component and isn't recommended for anyone. This type of work is best done by a professional, especially since you'll be ignoring many safety features of the vehicle.

A backup car key is always an excellent idea in the event that you misplace the original. The cheapest alternative is to get an old-fashioned key made, but you can also buy an electronic transponder or smart key. They're more expensive to replace and requires 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: you lose your car keys. It's one of the most stressful things you could do because it instantly ruins your day. You're going to be late for work and your errands aren't getting done. You might be required to replace your key fob when you rent vehicles. It doesn't need to be this way. Follow these simple tips to avoid losing your keys ruining your day.

Do not be afraid to start panicking. Taking deep breaths will allow you to relax and focus your thoughts. You can also note your location so you can return to find out where you left your keys.

If you're unable to remember where you placed them take a walk through 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 place them on some counter? You might have knocked them loose after you took something from your bag. Try to remember exactly the location you observed them.

After you've gone back through your day, make sure you look everywhere else. You may have put them in the pocket of the jacket you were wearing or in bags you brought with you. Be sure to look in places you'd never think of, such as pockets on other people's clothing or underneath the cushion on your sofa.

If you still can't find your car keys, think about getting help from someone. Ask your friends if anyone has seen them, or better yet seek out a professional locksmith for assistance. The one thing you do not want to do is having to pay for a replacement key or even worse, having your car stolen. An expert can assist you to get your keys back fast and replace lost keys efficiently. You should also have a spare key. Keep it in a safe location.