Lost Spare Car Key? Here's What to Do

It wasn't long ago that losing your car keys weren't a big issue. You'd contact your local locksmith, and they'd make a new one for you.

It's a bit more complicated today. It's all dependent on the type of key you've got and whether you've lost your spare. Here are some tips to help you find your car keys.

Retract your Steps

Sometimes, we all lose things. Perhaps you're running an run and forget to put your keys on the hook in the entryway, or maybe you're just returning home after a long day at work and throw them on the couch. It can be frustrating to lose your spare key.

Take a deep breath and don't get stressed. Remember, your keys aren't lost forever - you can still find them with an exhaustive search! It is also important to have a back-up plan, such as calling an auto locksmith.

Once you've gotten your head in order and have regained control over your emotions now is the time to start looking for your keys. One of the best ways to trace your steps is by simply recalling where you last remember seeing them. It's a lot easier than you might think, especially if you can shut your eyes and imagine the exact location you last saw them.

After you've considered the last time you saw them, you can begin to look at the various places they could be. Include your home, car, and any other common places you've visited during the daytime. You could ask your family or friends to assist you in your find your way. This will give you more eyes!

When you're looking in your car, look at the handle on the driver's side of the door and the center console for signs of a spare key. Examine any pockets or bags that you might have carried around with you throughout the day. It's not uncommon for keys to get "lost" in the car, so be sure to thoroughly look in all of your vehicle's compartments!

Check Your Hideouts

No matter how vigilant you are, your car keys are a bit difficult to keep in the loop. They're among the most frequently lost items, and they could quickly turn into a nightmare in a second of inattention. There are some steps you can follow prior to calling a locksmith if you've lost your spare keys to your car.

It's important to check where you usually keep your keys prior to looking for them. If you have a key holder near the door or keys on a table, make sure you check these locations first. It's recommended to ask other people who are in the vicinity for help, such as a store worker or a customers. They might have noticed your keys in the chaos of your shopping trip, or have found them when they were cleaning up.

Many people store their spare keys inside the car, and this may be a great option. If your car has a hood that can be open from the outside, it's important to ensure that the spare key is placed in a secure spot which won't be crushed when the hood is closed. Mini-vaults and magnetic boxes may also be mounted to your vehicle, keeping your keys safe and easily accessible.

You can also put a spare key in the car's tailpipe, but this method is often difficult to use and is not very discreet. It's also possible that your tailpipe could be covered in snow or mud, making it hard to locate the key within.

Behind the tires is a different location where people keep their keys. This can be a straightforward and effective method to keep your keys hidden, but it's important to remember that the tires of your car are visible no matter what you're wearing. Therefore, this isn't the best option when you're wearing shorts or skirts.

You can also leave your spare key with a family member or Lost Spare Car Key trusted friend, especially if you're traveling and don't want it to get lost. If you do have a proximity key, be careful about leaving it with strangers because certain thieves may utilize signal relays and amplifier technology to snoop on the signal from your key fob and unlock your car even if the key is miles away.

Look Inside Your Car

There's no way to know when you'll lose something. This is especially true for keys, so it's essential to look for it in every possible location. This includes going back to the last place you've used it, retracing your steps, and contacting workers or owners of places you've been to and could have lost it at.

It's also worth checking your car for the keys in case you think you've hidden them. This means checking the glove box (it's a common location to store keys for a spare car) and the space under the front seats, and that mysterious black hole inside cars that could swallow a small item like a key fob.

You should also make sure to examine the backpacks or purses you carry around that might contain a missing car key. This will require you to search through all the compartments and pockets in your backpack or purse, feeling around for zippered areas, or removing items like makeup and sunglasses from your bag and looking underneath.

If you've tried all these steps but you're still unable to find your car keys, it's time to contact a locksmith. They'll help you replace your lost car keys and get you back on the road in no time.

You can prevent this from happening by having an extra car key. However, you should include an Bluetooth tracker to your key so that it's easier to keep the track of them. These tiny devices are attached to your keys and emit a unique signature, allowing you to connect them to an app on your phone and track where they are at all times.

You can also contact your dealer and ask them to design a new key for you. Since they already have the security details for your car, they can do this quickly. If you own a smart car, however, it may be more difficult as they'll need to pair the new key with your vehicle, which may take a little longer. It's essential to always have a spare car key.

Contact a locksmith

If you're unable to locate your car keys in the unlikely scenario, it is vital that you call a locksmith right away. This will not only assist you get back into your vehicle but also ensure that nobody else has access to the key. If you don't notify the lost key in car key fob right away, it could lead to other issues down the line such as an impersonation attempt by someone else.

The majority of modern vehicles require a key fob in order to unlock and operate the vehicle. It is crucial to have a spare key fob in case you lose yours. This will prevent you from having to pay for the car to be towed and then buy a new set.

A locksmith will be able to make a new key for your vehicle without having to know the specifics of your car's security system. They can also be able to disable the old key to ensure that nobody can use it again. Locksmiths can tell you which type of car key you need based on the information in your registration or title.

It is best to avoid the loss of your spare car keys by keeping them in a secure location, away from your lanyard or keychain. This will lessen the chances that you'll drop your keys or they will fall out of your pocket.

Another method to avoid the loss of your spare car key is to record your vehicle identification number (VIN) and keep it in your wallet at all time. This is a unique code that helps identify your car, and it is located on the dashboard of the driver's side or door jamb the frame of your vehicle.

A locksmith in your neighborhood can assist you in getting back on the right track, whether you need to replace your spare car key or decrease the chance of it being lost. It's also less expensive than going to the dealer and you might be able have the spare key made on site.