How to Find a Car Key Lost
Car keys are a big problem when they're lost. Replacing them can cost several hundred dollars, based on the kind of key and what features are included.
You can typically find a replacement for traditional keys made of metal from a hardware store or locksmith. You'll require your vehicle identification number (VIN), and then visit a dealer to order an alternative smart key and get it paired with your car.
Identifying Your Keys
The loss of your car keys is one of the most stressful things that could happen to a driver. If you reach into your pocket or bag and cannot find keys, it's difficult to figure out what to do. To locate your keys it's best to stay at a safe distance and follow a step-by-step method.
Begin by identifying what kind of car keys that you have. If lost keys for car have a traditional mechanical key that opens the locks, you can have a locksmith make duplicate keys at a low price. You can also exchange your key with a dealer, however, it's typically more expensive.
Most modern cars come with smart keys that trigger a sensor inside the car to allow keyless ignition and entry. These keys are harder to lose because they have built-in features that keep the track of where the key is. Keep your smart key close at your side or you could be unable to locate it.
Check your usual hiding places first before relocating to a new location. Examine your pockets for coats, shoes, and any bags you've carried with you during the day. You could also walk back through your day, and following your steps to determine the places you may have misplaced the key.
If you've exhausted all of your options to find your car keys, it's time to contact a locksmith or dealership for assistance. They'll be able to make a new key for you, provided that you have proof of ownership. You can also go to Home Depot to have a basic key copied for vehicles that doesn't come with transponder chips.
It's always a good idea to have an extra key in your bag, even if you don't lose them frequently. There are a number of ways to do this but most involve giving the duplicate to an individual who is a trusted family member. Another alternative is to purchase the Bluetooth key tracker, which can be put on your keys and connected to an app that will tell you where your keys are at any given time.
Making a copy
A key is an essential element of a car, and it's easy to lose. Many car owners are in situations where they lose their keys or stop working at the worst possible time. The loss of keys can be frustrating and frustrating, no matter if it's at the gas pump, loading groceries into the trunk or following an exhausting day at work.
If you have an extra key, this can be a lifesaver in such situations. If not have one, you can make a copy of your keys quickly, easily and cheaply at most locksmith stores or hardware stores. Keep an additional set of keys in your wallet in case.
Many people believe that they must go to the dealership to get a replacement car key. This is not always the situation. It is contingent on the kind of key you own, and how complex it is.
Modern cars come with keys that have more than just steel blades. They also have chips that must be programmed to allow the car to start. These are not the type keys that you can cut at the self-service kiosks located at the mall. They also cannot be used with other keys.
The easiest method of making a key copy is to go to your local AutoZone and have an associate make use of a machine that can read the contours of the key, and then compare it to an uncut key and cut it for you. This is a straightforward process, and it takes only a few minutes to complete. Some locations even have a device that can program the key for your specific model of vehicle.
You can also get a copy of your car key at hardware stores owned by families, large chain stores for home improvement and even some grocery stores. It is important to remember that these copies only work on the ignitions and doors of your car, not the remote keys. You should contact locksmiths if you wish to duplicate a smart key or a dealer's chip. The keys must be created by a professional using the right tools and equipment.
Replacement
There are a variety of options when you lose your car key. You can visit the dealership that sells your car or you can go to an automotive locksmith. Each option will cost you a different amount. It is also contingent on the type of key your vehicle is equipped with. Some cars have the basic, double-edged car key while others have more intricate keys.
Search engines can help you find car locksmiths near you. Find one that is specialized in car locksmiths in auto locksmiths and has an auto division. Then you can contact them to get a quote for the creation of a new key. Some have mobile units that can come to your location and create an exact key right there. This is a great solution if you already have keys that do not contain a chip.
A majority of cars today have keys that are an electronic device that lets you lock and unlock your vehicle from the distance. The fob is also used to start the engine and to control other features of your car. A fob can be very difficult to find. You can prevent this from happening by keeping an additional fob in your pocket.
The dealership will replace your lost car keys for you, but they can be expensive. They might also charge an additional fee for this service, which is the reason many prefer to use an automotive locksmith instead. Some of these companies specialize in the replacement of keys to cars. This could be a cheaper alternative than going to a dealer.
You'll have to bring your car to a dealer to have it replaced in the event that you have smart-key. They will have to program the new key to your vehicle. This usually involves closing and opening doors and turning lights and electronics on and off. You will be asked for the VIN number of your car along with a photo ID as well as any other keys you have.
It's a pain to lose a car keys, but more so when you are on a an extremely tight schedule. You don't need to be worried. Just remember to search thoroughly for your keys, purchase an identification tag for your keys so that they are easier to locate, and think about getting a spare fob so that this scenario doesn't happen again.
Get Help
We can lose our keys to our car when we're distracted or in a state of forgetfulness. If you drop keys in the water while fishing or leave them in the restaurant when you're out for a meal These types of accidents can be a hassle to deal with. There are steps you can take to keep these types of situations from happening in the future and reduce the damage if they do happen.
One of the best ways to protect yourself is to make sure you always have a spare key on hand. This will spare you the trouble of having to retrace your steps or pay for expensive locksmith service. Another alternative is to purchase an electronic key-finder that will help you locate your keys that have been lost quickly. They can be purchased on the internet for a reasonable price.
If you have a car which use keys that are mechanical you can get a new key cut at a number of hardware stores for a few dollars. However, many cars today have key fobs that come with a lot of technology built in. If you lose them, they can be expensive to replace.
If you have roadside assistance coverage the insurance company could provide a locksmith to come out and create a new copy. Based on the type of key you have, this could be much less expensive than making a new key at an auto dealer.
Another option is to contact the dealership from which you purchased your car to see if they can help you with creating a new key. It may cost more than working with a locksmith, but it may also be easier to work with a dealership that you know.
A locksmith could deprogram the old key to render it inoperable. This is a dangerous process, and it's best to get a professional to handle this for you. Certain locksmiths can perform this without taking the key apart however it's generally better to let a dealership handle it for you, so you can be certain that it's done correctly.