How to Find a Car Key Lost
If keys to your car are lost, it's a major problem. Replacing keys can cost several hundred dollars depending on the type of key and the features are included.
You can typically find an alternative for traditional metal keys at a hardware store or locksmith. You'll need your vehicle identification number (VIN), and then visit a dealer for an alternative smart key and to have it paired with your car.
Identifying your keys
The most stressful thing that can happen to any driver is losing their car keys. If you reach into your bag or pocket and can't find keys, it's difficult to figure out what to do. To find your keys, it is best to remain at a safe distance and follow a step-by-step method.
Start by identifying the type of car keys you own. If you have a traditional mechanical key that only opens the locks and locks, you can have a locksmith make copies at a reasonable price. You can also replace your key with a dealer, however, it's usually more expensive.
Most newer cars have the smart key, which triggers a sensor in the car to allow keyless entry and ignition. They are also more resistant to theft, since they have a built-in feature that monitors where the key is. If you own an intelligent key, you must ensure that you keep it in your pocket at all times or it could be difficult to locate.
You should check your usual hiding spots first before moving on to other places. Check your coat pockets or shoes, as well as any bags you've carried around with you throughout the day. You can also go back and trace your steps and walk back through the day to see if you lost your key.
You should contact a dealership or locksmith for assistance if have exhausted all your search options and are still unable to locate your car key. If you can provide proof of ownership, they can offer you a replacement. You can also go to Home Depot to have a basic key copied for vehicles which doesn't have transponder chips.
It's always a good idea to have an extra key handy, even when you don't lose keys often. There are several methods to accomplish this, but the most common is to give the duplicate to someone you trust, such as a family member. Another alternative is to purchase an Bluetooth key tracker, which can be placed on your keys and connected to an app that will show you where your keys are at any given time.
Making a Copy
It's easy to misplace a key, which is an essential part of your vehicle. Many car owners find themselves in situations where their keys get lost or stop working at the most difficult times. The loss of keys can be frustrating and inconvenient, whether it's while at the gas pump, putting groceries in the trunk or after a hard day at work.
The good news is that if have an extra key, it can save the day in these scenarios. If not, you can make a copy of your keys quickly, easily, and cheaply at most locksmiths or hardware stores. You should also keep an additional set of keys in your wallet in the case.
Many people are under the impression that they need to go to a dealership to obtain an alternative car key. But, this isn't always the case. It is contingent on the kind of key you have, and how complex it is.
Modern cars come with keys that have more than just steel blades. They are equipped with chips that need to be programmed to allow the car to start. They are not the kind of keys you can cut at the self-service kiosk at the mall. They also don't work with other keys.
The easiest way to make the key copy is to simply visit your local AutoZone and have an associate use a machine that can detect the contours of the key, and then compare it to an uncut key and cut it for you. This is a straightforward process that takes just a few moments to complete. Some locations even have a tool that can program the key to your specific model of vehicle.
Other places that could help you with the copy of your car key include family-owned hardware stores, big box home improvement stores and a few chain grocery stores. However, it is crucial to keep in mind that these copies are only good for doors and ignitions not remote key fobs. It is a good idea to speak with a locksmith in order to duplicate the smart key or dealer chip key, because they can only be duplicated by a professional using the appropriate equipment and tools.
Replacement
You have a few options if you lose your car key. You can go to the dealership that sells your vehicle or you can go to an automotive locksmith. Each option will cost a different amount. It is also contingent on the kind of key your car has. Some have a simple, double-edged type while others are more complex.
You can locate a list of car locksmiths in your area by doing an online search. Choose a locksmith that specializes in vehicles and preferably has an auto division. You can then contact them to inquire about a price for the production of a brand new key. Some companies have a mobile unit which can make keys in your area. This is a great option if you already have an unlocked key that doesn't have a chip.
A majority of cars today are equipped with keys that are an electronic device that lets you lock and unlock your vehicle from a distance. The fob can also be used to start the engine and control other features of your vehicle. website link can be very easy to lose. There are ways to prevent this from happening, such as keeping a spare in your pocket.
The dealership can replace your keys to your car, but they can be expensive. A lot of dealerships will charge a premium for replacing your lost car keys. This is why so many people choose an automotive locksmith. Some of these firms specialize in repairing keys to cars. This could be an economical alternative to going to a dealer.
If you own a smart key, you'll have to return your car to the dealer to get it replaced. They will need to program the new key into your vehicle. This usually involves opening/closing doors, or turning off/on lights and electronic devices. You will be asked to supply the VIN number of your car as well as a photo ID and any other keys you have.
It can be a hassle to lose a car keys, and even more so when you are on a a tight schedule. You don't need to be in a panic. Make sure to search carefully for your keys, invest in the key-finder tag to ensure that they are easier to find, and consider getting a spare fob so that this doesn't happen again.
Getting Help
Sometimes, we get distracted or forgetful and end up losing keys to our cars. These accidents can be frustrating, whether you accidentally drop keys in a river when fishing, or lose them in the restaurant while eating. There are ways to avoid these scenarios from happening in the future and minimize the damage that occurs when they do occur.
You should always keep a spare set of keys readily available. This will save you the hassle of having retrace your steps or pay for expensive locksmith services. Another alternative is to invest in a Bluetooth-based key-finder tag that will help you locate your keys that have been lost quickly. They can be purchased on the internet for a reasonable price.
The majority of hardware stores will cut a brand new mechanical key for people who own older vehicles. Many cars use key fobs that have a lot of technology. If they are lost, they can be expensive to replace.
If you have roadside assistance insurance and the insurance company will pay for a locksmith to visit and create a new copy. Depending on the kind of key you have, this could be much less expensive than having a brand-new key created at a dealership.
Another option is to reach out to the dealership from which you purchased your car to ask them to assist you with creating an entirely new key. It may cost more than hiring a locksmith but it's easier to deal with a dealer you are familiar with.
A locksmith can deprogram the old key to render it inoperable. It is recommended to let a professional take care of this process as it can be very risky. Some locksmiths can do this without removing the key, but it's usually easier to let a dealership handle it for you so that you can be sure that it's done correctly.