How to Find a Car Key Lost
When car keys are lost, it's a big issue. Replacing them can cost several hundreds of dollars based on the type of key and what features are included.
It is possible to purchase an alternative to traditional metal keys at the hardware store or locksmith. For smart keys, you'll need to find your vehicle identification number (VIN) and then visit the dealership to purchase an additional key and have it linked to your vehicle.
Identifying Your Keys
The most stressful thing that could occur to any driver is the loss of their keys to their car. When you reach for your bag or pocket and cannot find keys, it's difficult to know what to do. It is best to remain calm and follow a step-by-step approach to find your keys.
Begin by identifying what kind of car key you own. You can purchase a duplicate of the mechanical key that opens the locks from a locksmith for reasonable cost If you own one. You can also find a replacement at the dealership but they're usually more expensive.
Most newer cars use a smart key that activates a sensor within the car to allow keyless entry and ignition. These keys are much more resistant to theft, since they have a built in feature that tracks where the key is. If you own a smart key, it's important to try and keep it close at all times or it will be hard to locate.
Check your usual hiding places first before relocating to a different location. Look in your coat pockets as well as in your shoes and in any bags that you've carried around throughout the day. You can also retrace your steps and walk back through the day to check if you lost your key.
You should contact a dealer or locksmith for assistance if have exhausted all your search options but still cannot find your car key. If you have proof of ownership, they'll make you an alternative. You can also go to Home Depot to have a basic key copied if you're driving a model which doesn't have transponder chips.
Even if you don’t lose your keys frequently, it’s a good idea always to keep a spare key in the go. There are many ways to do this but the most common is to give a duplicate to an individual who is a trusted family member. You can also invest in a Bluetooth tracker to attach to your keys. The app will notify you where they are at every moment of the day.
Making copies
Keys are a vital part of a vehicle, and it's easy to lose. Many car owners are in situations where keys are lost or stop working at the most uncomfortable times. Losing your keys is frustrating and frustrating, no matter if it's at the gas pump, putting groceries in the trunk or after working for a long time.
If you have an extra key, it can be a lifesaver in such situations. If you don't have an additional key it is possible to easily and cheaply create a duplicate at many hardware stores or locksmiths. Keep an additional set of keys in your wallet in the case.
Many people are under the impression that they need to go to the dealership to obtain a new car key. However, this is not always the case. It depends on the type of key you own, and how complicated it is.
Modern cars come with keys that have more than just steel blades. They are equipped with chips that must be programmed to start the car. These are not the type of keys you can cut at the self-service kiosks located at the mall. They also cannot be used with other keys.
To create a copy of a key, you can go to your local AutoZone. An associate will use a machine to analyze the contours on the key. They will then match it up with the blank key. This is a simple process that takes only a few moments to complete. Some locations even have a tool that can program the key for your particular model of vehicle.
You can also get copies of your car key from hardware stores owned by families, large chain stores for home improvement as well as some grocery stores. It is crucial to keep in mind that these copies are only suitable for doors and ignitions, not the remote key fobs. It is recommended to contact an expert locksmith to duplicate a smart key, or a dealer's chip key. These keys should only be created by a professional using the right tools and equipment.
Requesting an Exchange
You have a few options when you lose your car key. You can visit the dealership that sells your car or visit an automotive locksmith. Each option will cost you a different amount. It is also contingent on the type of key you have. Some cars have a simple, double-edged car key while others are more complex.
You can get the list of locksmiths for cars in your area by conducting an online search. Look for one that specializes in cars and has an auto division. Contact them to request a quote for the creation of a new key. Some have mobile units which can travel to your location and create an exact key right there. This is a great solution if you already have a key that does not contain an embedded chip.
A majority of automobiles today come with key fobs that are an electronic device that allows you to lock and unlock your vehicle from a distance. The fob can also be used to start the engine and control other features of your car. A fob can be easily lost. You can prevent this from happening by keeping an extra fob in your purse.
Dealerships can replace your lost keys however, it can be expensive. Some dealerships charge a premium to replace your car keys. This is why so many people opt for an automotive locksmith. lost keys of car of these companies are specialized in repairing keys for cars. This could be a cheaper alternative than going to an auto dealer.
You'll have to take your car to the dealer to have it replaced with a smart-key. The dealer will need to program the new key. This usually involves opening/closing doors, or turning off/on lights and electronics. You will need to provide the VIN number of your car and a photo ID along with the other set of keys you have with you.
Losing a car key is always frustrating however, it can be even more frustrating if you are in a hurry and you need to get somewhere. Don't panic. Be sure to search for your keys thoroughly and to purchase the key-finder label to make them easier to find and to think about purchasing a spare fob to avoid this happening again.
Assistance
We may lose our keys to our cars when we are distracted or not paying attention. When you drop them in the river when fishing, or leave them in the restaurant when you're eating out These kinds of accidents happen and can be frustrating to deal with. There are steps you can take to prevent these situations from occurring in the future, and to minimize the damage when they do occur.
One of the most important things you can do is to ensure that you always have a spare key on hand. This will save you the frustration of having to retrace your steps or paying for expensive locksmith services. Another option is to invest in an electronic key-finder that can help you find your keys quickly. These tags are sold online for affordable prices.
The majority of hardware stores will cut a brand new mechanical key for people who have older cars. However, a lot of cars today use key fobs that have lots of tech included. These can be very expensive to replace if you lose them.
If you have roadside insurance, your insurance company may hire a locksmith to make copies. Depending on the type of key you have, this could be much cheaper than the cost of creating a new key at the dealership.
Another option is to call the dealership where you purchased your car to see if they can help you in creating the new key. It could be more expensive than hiring a locksmith, but it is more stress-free to work with a dealership that you know.
A locksmith can reprogram your old key, making it inoperable. It's best to let a professional take care of this procedure as it could be extremely risky. Some locksmiths can complete this without disassembling the key, but it's usually easier to have the dealership do it for you so you can be certain that it's done correctly.