This Week's Most Popular Stories Concerning Car Key Lost
How to Find a Car Key Lost
If car keys get lost, it's a major problem. The cost of replacing them can be a few hundred dollars depending on the type and features included.
For traditional keys made of metal you can usually find a replacement at an hardware store or locksmith. For smart keys, find your vehicle identification number (VIN) and visit an auto dealer to purchase an additional key and have it paired to your car.
Identifying your keys
The loss of keys to your car is among the most stressful things that could happen to drivers. It can be confusing to know what to say when you are unable to find your keys in your bag or pocket. It is best to remain calm and follow a step-by-step approach to find your keys.
Start by identifying which type of car key you have. If you own a traditional mechanical key that opens the locks, you can have a locksmith make copies at a reasonable price. You can also get an alternative from the dealer, but they are usually more expensive.
The majority of modern cars have a smart key which activates the car's sensor for keyless ignition and entry. They are also more difficult to lose, as they come with a built-in feature that monitors where the key is. Keep your smart key close to your side or you could find it difficult to locate.
Check your usual hiding places first, before moving to a new location. Look in your coat pockets, in your shoes and in any bags that you've had on you throughout the day. You can also go back and trace your steps and walk throughout the day to determine whether you've lost your keys.
If you've exhausted your search options and can't find your car keys, you should contact a locksmith or dealer for help. They'll be able to make a new key for you if you have proof of ownership. If you own a vehicle without transponder chips, you can also get a basic copy created at Home Depot.
It's always an excellent idea to keep an extra key in your bag, even when you don't lose them often. You can do this in a number of different ways, but the most common is to give a duplicate key to an individual in your family or a trusted friend. You can also buy a Bluetooth tracker to attach to your keys. The app will tell you where they are at all times.
Making a copy
It's easy to lose keys, which are an essential component of your vehicle. Many car owners are in situations where their keys are lost or don't work at the most uncomfortable times. Whether it's at the gas station, or when loading groceries into the trunk, or after a long day at work the loss of keys can be extremely frustrating and inconvenient.
The good news is that if have an additional key, it could help in these situations. If you don't have an extra key, you can easily and cheaply create duplicate keys at most hardware stores or by locksmiths. You should also keep an additional set of keys in your wallet in the case.
Many people believe that they need to visit a dealership in order to get an alternative car key. This is not always the case. The complexity of the key and the type you have will determine how it works.
Most modern cars come with keys that are more than metal blades. They have chips inside them which require programming to begin the engine. These are not the type of keys you can get cut at the self-service kiosks located in the mall. They also don't work with other keys.
To create a copy of a key, visit your local AutoZone. A member of the team will make use of a machine to examine the contours of the key. They will then match it to the blank key. This is a straightforward procedure, and takes only about a couple of minutes to complete. Some places have a device that can program your key to match the car model you have.
You can also purchase copies of your car key at hardware stores owned by families, large chain of home improvement stores and even some grocery stores. It is important to note that these copies only work for the ignitions and doors of your vehicle and not for remote keys. It is a good idea to get in touch with a locksmith to make a duplicate of a smart key or a dealer chip key, because 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's lost. You can either go to the dealer where your car is sold or go to an automotive locksmith. Each option will cost you a different amount. It is also contingent on the kind of key you have. Some have a simple double-edged key and others have more intricate.
You can get a list of car locksmiths in your local area by conducting an online search. You should find an auto locksmith that is specialized and has an auto division. You can then contact them for a quote on making an original key. Some companies have a mobile unit which can create keys in your area. This is a great solution if you already have a key that does not contain an embedded chip.
Many cars have keyfobs, which are an electronic device that lets you lock and unlock your car from an extended distance. The fob can also be used to start your engine as well as manage other features of your vehicle. The fob can be easily lost. There are ways to stop this from happening, for instance keeping a spare fob in your pocket.
lost keys to car can repair your lost keys, but it can be costly. Some dealerships charge a fee for replacing your lost car keys. This is why many people opt for an automotive locksmith. Certain locksmiths specialize in replacing car keys, which can be a much cheaper alternative than visiting the dealer.
If you have an electronic key, you'll have to bring your car back to the dealership to have it replaced. They will need to program the new key into your car. This usually involves opening/closing doors, or turning off/on lights and electronic devices. You will be asked to provide the VIN number of your car as well as a photo ID and any other keys you may have.
The loss of a car keys is always a hassle, but it can be even more frustrating when you are working on a tight schedule and have to travel. There's no reason to panic, however. Be sure to search diligently for your keys, purchase the key-finder tag to ensure that they're easier to locate, and also consider buying a spare fob so that this scenario doesn't happen again.
Assistance
Sometimes, we get distracted or in a hurry and end up losing our car keys. When you drop keys in the water while fishing or leave them in an eatery while you're eating out, these types of accidents happen and can be a hassle to deal with. There are ways to keep these types of situations from happening in the future and minimize the damage when they do happen.
One of the best things you can do is to ensure you have a spare key on hand. This will spare you the hassle of having to go back to your steps or pay for expensive locksmith services. Another option is to invest in an RFID-based key-finder tag with Bluetooth that can help you find your lost keys quickly. These tags are available online for a reasonable price.
The majority of hardware stores will cut a new mechanical key for those who own older cars. Many cars are equipped with key fobs that have a lot of technology. If you lose them keys, they could be costly to replace.
If you have roadside assistance coverage the insurance company could provide a locksmith to make a new copy. Based on the type of key you own it could be cheaper than creating a new key at the dealership.
You can also contact the dealership where you bought your vehicle to find out if they are able to assist you in making the new key. This can be more expensive than working with a locksmith, however it may also be more relaxing to deal with a dealer you are familiar with.
A locksmith could deprogram your old key, making it inoperable. This can be a very risky process, so it's probably best to get a professional to handle this for you. Some locksmiths can complete this without removing the key however, it's more common to have the dealership do it for you, so you can be certain it will be done correctly.