An All-Inclusive List Of Lost Car Key Dos And Don'ts

How to Recover a lost my spare car key Car Key

Losing your car keys could be a stressful experience. But you should try to remain calm and keep in mind that losing your keys doesn't have to be a huge deal.

Instead of traditional keys that opened doors and turned the ignition, modern key fobs also have advanced technology. It is important to know what to do if you lose yours to avoid paying a costly replacement cost.

Retract Your Steps

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

The first thing you need to do is retrace your steps. It might sound simple however it can be extremely effective in locating your lost keys. It's possible that you tossed keys in a hurry and forgot about them. The process of retracing your steps can help you remember where you were when you last saw them. It's also an excellent idea to look over any areas you have been to recently even if they're not the usual places to store your keys. It's possible that your keys fell out of a pocket or replace lost keys bag and are buried somewhere you wouldn't expect.

Another way to locate 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 application to locate them. This is only possible when you have electronic components in your keys, like a remote key fob.

If you do not have a tracking device or you're unable to find your keys, your next course of action is to call a local automotive locksmith. They can assist you in creating an entirely new key and reprogram it to work with the anti-theft system in your vehicle. However the process is generally expensive and could cost a few hundred dollars.

You might need to have your vehicle towed to a dealership to replace lost keys. It is recommended to keep 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're unable to locate your keys, but it'll be much more difficult to locate 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 or head to the dealership. No matter what you decide to do, make sure to tell your insurance company so they can assist if something happens to your vehicle in the future.

Make sure you are aware of your hide spots

It's crucial to pick the location where passers-by aren't able to see your spare key. Otherwise, you're making yourself an easy target for thieves. Many people store their spare keys in plants or in a flower pot however this is a mistake. If a burglar discovers the keys, they could also discover valuables such as your wallet.

A popular hideaway is behind the front door. However, this can be difficult to gain access to if locked out. Special locks that resemble normal locks and fit to the door's interior are available, but they can be costly. A less expensive option is to hide the key under the door replace lost keys mat or in the grass. Some people employ fake rocks with a hidden compartment in them.

It is not unusual to store the key in the car. However, this could be dangerous. Thieves are aware of this tactic and may be able to access the gas cap from outside. If you are worried about this, purchase a magnetic key holder to attach to the underside your vehicle. It resembles an actual license plate, but it's designed to hide the spare key.

You can also conceal the key in your garage, particularly in the event that it is not connected. If you don't have a ladder, the key that is hidden in a corner on the side of your garage will be hidden from view.

Vinyl siding can also be a good hiding place since there are often tiny gaps where you can slide the key. Connect a piece of fishing line to the key and slide it into the split until an inch or two of it is visible. This will stop the key from sliding when you happen to bump into it when you are searching for it.

You can also put the spare key to the end of an erect tree branch if have many trees on your property. This is a good choice if you reside in a rural location with a lot of trees as most people don't consider checking this location for keys.

Try Turning the Car On

Up until recently the loss of your car key was not a major issue. A locksmith could be called to assist and the cost was usually about $20. Nowadays, cars are more and more advanced in technology and are more expensive to replace.

A special computer chip is required to start an engine in a new car. It communicates with the ECU. The car won't start without this chip. This is why it's crucial to ensure you have the proper key for your vehicle.

If you have an older style traditional key, you may be able to locate it inside the lock, and then begin the vehicle. If this does not work, it might be time to contact an locksmith or your car dealer to have a replacement key made.

Another option is beginning the car using a spare key. A lot of new manual vehicles have spare keys, so this may be your best option. This is a riskier option and will be dependent on your vehicle, but it could be successful.

This method also requires some technical know-how and a toolbox. It also involves disassembling parts of the engine and isn't advisable for everyone. It's better to leave it to a professional to take care of this type of job, especially since you'll bypass many of the safety features in the vehicle.

A backup car key is always an excellent idea in the event that you misplace your original. The cheapest option is to have an old-fashioned key made, but you can also buy a transponder or smart key. These keys are more expensive and will require a visit to the dealer to purchase a new one.

Walk Back Through Your Day

It's been seen by everyone It happens to everyone: You lose your car keys. It's among the most annoying things you could do because it can completely ruin your day. You'll be late for work, and your errands aren't going to be completed. You might even need to pay to replace your key fob when renting the vehicle. It's not necessary to be like this. Follow these simple steps to prevent losing your keys and ruining your day.

Do not panic first. Breathing deeply can help you calm down and focus your thoughts. It's an excellent idea to write down the places you've been to so you can go back and figure out the reason why your keys disappeared.

If you aren't able to remember where you put them down, start by walking back through your day. If you've lost them while you were out running errands to each stop and reflect on what you were doing. Did you set them down on some counter? Perhaps you were taking something from your bag and they got knocked loose. Make sure you remember exactly where you observed them.

Check everywhere else. You might have left them in the pocket of the jacket you were wearing or inside the bag you carried with you. Look in places that you wouldn't normally think of looking for items, such as the pockets of clothing worn by others or under a couch cushion.

If you still can't find your car keys, consider getting help from someone. Ask your friends if they have seen them, or better yet call locksmith. The most important thing you don't want to do is paying for a replacement key or even more traumatically, having your car stolen. A professional can help you locate your keys quickly and efficiently. It's also an excellent idea to have a spare car key, so make sure you keep it in a safe location.