7 Small Changes You Can Make That'll Make A Big Difference In Your Car Key Lost
How to Find a Car Key Lost
If keys to your car are lost, it's a big issue. Replacing them can cost several hundred dollars depending on the type of key and what features are included.
For traditional keys made of metal, you can usually find a replacement at a locksmith or hardware store. For smart keys, you'll need to find your vehicle identification number (VIN) and then visit a dealership to order a new one and have it linked to your car.
Identifying your keys
The most stressful thing that could occur to any driver is losing their car keys. It can be confusing to know what to say when you are unable to find your keys in your pocket or bag. To find your keys, it's best to remain at a safe distance and follow a step-by-step approach.
Begin by identifying what kind of car keys you have. You can get a copy of a mechanical key that only opens the locks from a locksmith for reasonable cost If you own one. You can also purchase a replacement at the dealership but they're usually more expensive.
The majority of newer cars have a smart key that activates an internal sensor to allow keyless entry and ignition. These keys are more difficult to lose because they come with a built-in feature that keeps track where the key is. Keep your smart key close at the ready in case you have trouble finding it.
Check your usual hiding places first before relocating to a different location. Check your coat pockets or shoes, as well as any bags you've carried with you throughout the day. You can also retrace your steps and walk back through the day to see whether you've lost your keys.
If you've exhausted your options for searching and you are unable to find your car keys, you should call a locksmith or a dealership to get help. 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 in the event that you own a vehicle which doesn't have transponder chips.
It's always an excellent idea to keep an extra key on hand, even when you don't lose them often. There are several ways to do this but most involve giving an extra key to a trusted friend or family member. You can also buy a Bluetooth tracker that you attach to your keys. The app will notify you where they are at every moment of the day.
Making a Copy
It's easy to misplace a key, which is an essential component of your vehicle. Many car owners find themselves in situations where their keys get lost or stop working at the most uncomfortable times. Losing your keys is frustrating and annoying, whether it's at the gas pump, loading groceries into the trunk or following working for a long time.
The good news is that if have an extra key, it can save the day in these instances. If you don't have one, you can make a copy of your keys quickly, easily, and at a low cost at many hardware stores or locksmiths. You should also keep an additional set of keys in your wallet in the case.
Many people believe that they must go to the dealership to obtain an alternative car key. This is not always the situation. The complexity of the key and the kind you are using will determine how it operates.
Modern cars come with keys that have more than just metal blades. They have chips that need to be programmed to allow the car to start. These are not the kind of keys you can just get cut at a self-serve kiosk in the mall, and will not typically work with any other key.
The easiest method of making a key copy is to simply visit your local AutoZone and have an associate make use of a machine that can read the contours of the key. They will then match it up to a blank key and cut it for you. This is a straightforward process that takes just some minutes to complete. Some places even have a tool that can program the key to your specific model of vehicle.
Other places that could assist you with the copy of your car key include family owned hardware stores, big box home improvement stores, and some chain grocery stores. It is important to note that these copies are only suitable on the ignitions and doors of your car and not the remote keys. It is recommended to get in touch with a locksmith to create a duplicate of the smart key or dealer chip key, since they can only be duplicated by a professional using the proper equipment and tools.
Replacement
There are a few options to obtain a replacement car key when 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 type of key your car has. Certain cars come with the basic double-edged key while others have more intricate keys.
Search engines can help you locate locksmiths for your car in your area. Choose a locksmith that specializes in cars and has an auto division. Then you can contact them to inquire about a price for making you a new key. lost key car have a mobile unit which can make a key at your location. This is a great option for when you already have an unlocked key that doesn't come with a chip.
Many cars have a keyfob, which is an electronic device that lets you lock and unlock your vehicle from the distance. The fob can also be used to start your engine and control other functions in your vehicle. It is easily lost. There are ways to prevent this from happening, for instance by keeping a spare in your pocket.
Dealerships can replace your keys that have been lost, but it can be costly. Some dealerships charge a premium to replace your keys to your car. This is why so many people opt for an automotive locksmith. Some of these companies specialize in repairing car keys, which can be a much cheaper alternative than visiting the dealer.
You will need to take your car to the dealer to get it replaced with an electronic key. The dealer will need to program your new key. This typically involves opening and closing doors, or turning off/on electronics and lights. You'll need the VIN number of your car along with a photo ID as well as the other set of keys you carry with you.
The loss of a car key is always frustrating however, it can be even more so if you are on a tight schedule and you need to get somewhere. There's no reason to panic, however. Remember to look for your keys with care and to purchase the key-finder label to make them easier to find and to think about purchasing an extra fob to prevent this occurring again.
Get Assistance
We can lose our car keys when we are distracted or not paying attention. When you drop keys in the water while fishing or leave them in an eatery while you're dining out, these types of accidents can be a hassle to deal with. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to keep these types of situations from happening in the future and to minimize the damage that occurs when they do happen.
You should always keep a spare set of keys in your possession. This will spare you the hassle of having trace your steps again or pay for expensive locksmith services. You can also purchase a Bluetooth key-finder tag that can assist you in finding your keys. The tags can be bought online at a fairly affordable price.
For older vehicles which use a mechanical key it is possible to get a new one cut at a variety of hardware stores for a couple of dollars. However, a lot of cars today have key fobs that come with lots of tech built in. These can be very expensive to replace if you lose them.
If you have roadside protection and your insurance company is able to pay a locksmith to create an exact copy. This could be cheaper than getting a new key by a dealer, based on the kind of keys you have.
Another option is to reach out to the dealership where you purchased your vehicle and see if they can help you create a new key. It may cost more than hiring a locksmith, but it is less stressful to deal with a dealership you know.
A locksmith can deprogram your old key, making it unusable. This can be a very risky procedure, so it's probably best to have a professional do this for you. Certain locksmiths can perform this without removing the key however, it's more common to have the dealership do it for you so that you can be sure that it's done properly.