How to Find a Car Key Lost
Car keys are a huge deal when they get lost. Replacing keys can cost several hundreds of 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 a hardware store or locksmith. You'll require your vehicle identification number (VIN) and then go to a dealer to purchase a new smart key and have it linked to your vehicle.
Identifying Your Keys
The loss of car keys is one of the most stressful things that could occur to a driver. It can be confusing to know what to say when you're unable to find your keys in your purse or pocket. To locate your keys it's best to stay at a safe distance and follow a step-by-step method.
Start by identifying the type of car keys that you have. If you have a conventional mechanical key that opens the locks and locks, you can get a locksmith to make duplicate keys at a low price. You can also replace your key with a dealer, but it is usually more expensive.
The majority of newer cars have a smart key that activates a sensor within the car to allow keyless entry and ignition. They are also more difficult to lose, as they have a built-in feature that monitors where the key is. If you own a smart key, it's crucial to ensure that you keep it in your pocket at all times or it will be hard to find.
You should first check your regular hiding spots first before moving on to other areas. Check your coat pockets as well as shoes and bags you've carried around throughout the day. You can also retrace your steps and walk through the day to see the key you've lost.
It is recommended to contact a dealership or locksmith for assistance if you have exhausted all your search options and are still unable to locate your car key. If you have proof of ownership, they'll offer you an alternative. You can also go to Home Depot to have a basic key copied for vehicles that doesn't have transponder chips.
Even if you don't lose your keys often it is recommended to keep a spare key in your side. It's possible to do this in a number of different ways, but the most common is to give the duplicate key to someone in your family or a trusted friend. You can also invest in a Bluetooth tracker to connect to your keys. The app will tell you where they are at all times.
Making a Copy
Keys are a vital part of a vehicle, and it's easy to lose. car lost key find themselves in situations where their keys are lost or don't work at the most uncomfortable times. It doesn't matter if it's at the gas station, while loading groceries into the trunk or after an exhausting day at work Losing your keys can be extremely frustrating and inconvenient.
If you have a spare key, it can be a lifesaver during these situations. If you don't, you can make a copy of your keys quickly, easily and at a low cost at many locksmiths or hardware stores. It's also an excellent idea to keep an extra key in your wallet, just in case!
Many people are under the impression that they have to visit a dealership to obtain a new car key. But, this isn't always true. The complexity of the key and the type you are using will determine how it works.
Modern cars have keys with more than just steel blades. They also have chips that require programming to allow the car to start. These are not the type of keys you can get cut at the self-service kiosks located in the mall. They also cannot be used with other keys.
The most efficient method to create a key copy is to go to your local AutoZone and let an associate use a machine to discern the contours of the key, and then match it to the blank key and cut it for you. It's a simple process, and it will only take a few minutes to complete. Some locations even have a tool that can program the key for your particular model of car.
Other places that can help you with the copy of your car key include family owned hardware stores as well as big box home improvement stores, and some chain grocery stores. It is important to remember that these copies only work for the ignitions and doors of your vehicle, not the remote keys. It's a good idea to contact a locksmith to make a duplicate of a smart key or a dealer chip key, because these are only copied by a professional with the appropriate equipment and tools.
Replacement
There are a few options for getting a new car key if it is lost. You can go to the dealer where the car is sold or go to an automotive locksmith. Each option will cost a different amount. It also depends on the kind of key your car is equipped with. Some cars have an easy, double-edged car key while others have more complicated keys.
Internet searches can help you locate locksmiths for cars in your area. Look for one that specializes in automobiles and, ideally, has an auto division. You can then contact them to inquire about making an original key. Some companies have a mobile unit which can make keys in your area. This is a great option for when you already have keys that do not come with an embedded chip.
Many automobiles today come with a key fob that is an electronic device that allows you to lock and unlock your vehicle from an extended distance. The fob is also used to start the engine and to control other features of your car. It is easy to lose. You can prevent this by keeping an extra fob in your purse.
The dealership can replace your keys to your car, but they can be expensive. Many dealerships will charge a fee for replacing your lost car keys. This is why so 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.
You'll need to bring your car to a dealer to replace it if you have an electronic key. They will need to program the new key to your car. This typically involves opening and closing doors, or turning on/off lights and electronics. You will need to provide the VIN number for your vehicle, a photo ID and the other set of keys you carry with you.
Losing a car key is always a source of frustration, but it can be even more frustrating when you're in a hurry and have to get somewhere. There's no need to panic, though. Be sure to search diligently for your keys, invest in a key-finder tag so that they are easy to locate, and also consider getting a spare fob so that this scenario doesn't happen again.
Get Help
We could lose our car keys when we're distracted or forgetful. These incidents can be a source of frustration, whether you accidentally drop them in a stream while fishing or leave them in the restaurant while eating. There are steps you can do to prevent this from happening in the future, and to limit damage should it happen.
One of the best ways to protect yourself is to ensure that you have a spare key in your bag. lost auto key will save you the difficulty of retracing your steps or paying for costly locksmith services. You can also invest in a Bluetooth key-finder tag to assist you in finding your keys. These tags can be purchased online at a fairly affordable cost.
For older vehicles that use a mechanical key, it's possible to have a new one cut at a number of hardware stores for only a couple of dollars. Many cars are equipped with key fobs that are equipped with lots of technology. These can be very expensive to replace in the event of losing them.
If you have roadside assistance insurance, the insurance company may provide a locksmith to come out and create an original copy. Based on the kind of key you have, this could be much cheaper than the cost of making a new key at an auto dealer.
Another option is to contact the car dealership where you bought your car and see if they can help you with creating the new key. This can be more expensive than working with a locksmith, however it may also be less stressful to work with a dealership that you know.
A locksmith can deprogram the old key to render it inoperable. This can be a risky process, so it's best to have a professional do this for you. Some locksmiths can do this without taking the key apart however it's generally better to let a dealership handle it for you so that you can be sure that it's done correctly.