How to Find a Car Key Lost
If car keys get lost, it's an enormous issue. Replacing keys can cost several hundred dollars, based on the type of key and what features are included.
You can typically find an alternative to traditional keys made of metal at the hardware store or locksmith. For smart keys, you'll need locate your vehicle identification number (VIN) and then visit the dealership to purchase a new one and have it linked to your car.
Identifying your keys
The most stressful thing that could happen to any driver is losing their keys to their car. If you reach into your bag or pocket and can't find keys, it's difficult to decide what to do. To locate your keys it's best to stay calm and follow a step-bystep method.
Begin by identifying the type of car key you have. You can purchase a duplicate of a mechanical key that only opens the locks from a locksmith for a reasonable price If you own one. You can also purchase a replacement at the dealership however, they tend to be more expensive.
Most newer cars have the smart key, which triggers the car's sensors for keyless ignition and entry. They are less likely to lose due to built-in features that keep the track of where the key is. Keep Learn Alot more to hand or you may have trouble finding it.
You should check your usual hiding spots first before moving to other areas. Check in your coat pockets and in your shoes, and in any bags you've carried throughout the day. You could also consider walking back through your day and following your steps to determine where you might have lost the key.
If you've exhausted all your options for searching and you are unable to locate your car keys, it's time to contact a locksmith or dealership for help. If you can provide proof of ownership, they can make you an alternative. If you own a car with no transponder chips, then you can have a basic copy made at Home Depot.
It's always an excellent idea to keep an extra key handy, even if you don't lose them frequently. You can do this in a number of different ways one of which is to give the duplicate key to an individual in your family or a trusted friend. You can also invest in an Bluetooth tracker that you connect to your keys. The app will inform you where they are at all times.
Making copies
A key is a crucial part of a vehicle, and it's easy to lose. Many car owners are in situations where their keys are lost or are not working at the most uncomfortable times. Whether it's at the gas station, while loading groceries into the trunk or after a long day at work Losing your keys can be very stressful and inconvenient.
The good news is that if have an additional key, it could save the day in these scenarios. If not have one, you can make copies of your keys quickly, easily, and at a low cost at many locksmith stores or hardware stores. It's also a good idea to keep an extra key in your wallet, just in case!
Many people believe that they must go to a dealer in order to get a brand new car key. But, this isn't always true. It's all dependent on the type of key you own, and how complicated it is.
Modern cars have keys with more than just steel blades. They also have chips that need to be programmed to turn on the car. They are not the kind of keys you can get cut at the self-service kiosk in the mall. They also won't work with other keys.
The easiest way to make an exact copy of a key is to simply visit your local AutoZone and ask an associate to use a machine that can read the contours of the key, and then match it up to an uncut key and cut it for you. This is a simple process that takes only some minutes to complete. Some locations even have a device that can program the key to your specific model of car.
You can also find a copy of your car key from family-owned hardware stores, big home improvement chains, and even some grocery stores. 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 make a duplicate of an electronic key or dealer chip key, since they are only copied by a professional with the appropriate equipment and tools.
Replacement
There are a few options to obtain an alternative car key if it is lost. You can either go to the dealership where your car is sold or go to an automotive locksmith. Each option will cost a different amount. It is also contingent on the kind of key your car is equipped with. Some cars have the basic, double-edged car key while others are more complex.
You can get the list of locksmiths for cars in your local area by conducting an online search. You need to find a car locksmith that specializes in auto locksmiths and has an auto division. Contact them to get a quote for the creation of a new key. Some companies have a mobile unit which can create keys at your location. This is a great option for when you already have a key that does not come with an embedded chip.
A majority of cars today are equipped with keys that are tiny electronic device that allows you to lock and unlock your car from the distance. The fob is also used to start the engine and control other features of your vehicle. The fob can be easily lost. You can prevent this from happening by keeping an extra fob in your pocket.
Dealerships can repair your lost keys however, it can be costly. They may also charge you an additional fee for this service, which is the reason many prefer to go with an automotive locksmith instead. Some of these companies are specialized in repairing keys to cars. This can be a cheaper alternative than going to a dealer.
If you own a smart key, you'll have to bring your car back to the dealership to replace it. They will need to program the new key to your car. This usually involves opening and closing doors, and/or turning lights and electronics on and off. You will need to provide your car's VIN number, a photo ID and the other set of keys you carry with you.
Losing a car key is always frustrating, but it can be even more frustrating when you are in a hurry and you need to get somewhere. There's no need to panic, however. Make sure to search carefully for your keys, invest in a key-finder tag so that they are easier to locate, and think about buying a spare fob so that this situation doesn't occur again.
Finding Help
We may lose our keys to our cars when we are distracted or in a state of forgetfulness. These incidents can be a source of frustration, whether you accidentally drop them in a stream while fishing or leave them in a restaurant when you're eating. There are steps you can take to avoid this occurring in the future and to minimize the damage if it does.
You should always keep a spare set of keys in your possession. This will save you the frustration of having to retrace your steps or having to pay for costly locksmith services. Another alternative is to purchase a Bluetooth-based key-finder tag which can help you locate your keys that have been lost quickly. The tags can be bought online at a fairly affordable price.
The majority of hardware stores will cut a new mechanical key for those who have older cars. A lot of cars have key fobs with a lot technology. If they are lost key fobs, they can be expensive to replace.
If you have roadside insurance the insurance company could hire a locksmith to make an exact copy. Depending on lost key for car of key you own it could be less expensive than having a brand-new key created at the dealership.
You can also reach out to the dealership where you purchased your vehicle to find out if they are able to help you create an entirely new key. It can be more costly than hiring a locksmith, but it's easier to deal with a dealership that you know.
The final alternative is to have locksmiths reprogram the old key, so that it no longer works. This can be a dangerous process, and it's best to hire a professional to do this for you. Some locksmiths are able to do this without removing the key, but it's generally better to let a dealership handle this so that you can be certain that it's done properly.