How to Find a Car Key Lost
If keys to your car are lost car keys replacement, it’s a big issue. The cost of replacing them can be a few hundred dollars depending on the type and features.
You can usually get an alternative for traditional metal keys at an hardware store or a locksmith. You’ll require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to visit a dealer for a new smart key and get it paired with your car.
Identifying Your Keys
The most stressful thing that can happen to any driver is the loss of their keys to their car. It can be confusing to know what to do when you are unable to find your keys in your pocket or bag. It’s best to stay at peace and take a step-bystep approach to locate your keys.
Begin by identifying the kind of car keys you have. If you have a traditional mechanical key, which only opens the locks it is possible to have a locksmith make copies at a reasonable cost. You can also get a replacement at the dealership but they’re usually more expensive.
Most newer cars have the smart key, which triggers the car’s sensor to allow keyless entry and ignition. They are less likely to lose because they have a built-in feature that keeps an eye on where the key is. Keep your smart key close at your side or you could find it difficult to locate.
Check your usual hiding places first, before moving to another place. Check your coat pockets, shoes, and any bags you have carried throughout the day. You can also try walking back through your day, and going back to find the places you may have misplaced the key.
You should contact a dealer or locksmith for assistance if you have exhausted all your search options, but you are still unable to locate your car key. They’ll make a replacement for you if you can prove ownership. If you own a vehicle with no transponder chips, then you can also have a basic copy made at Home Depot.
It’s always an excellent idea to keep an extra key in your bag, even in the event that you don’t need them frequently. You can do this in a few different ways however the most popular is to give a duplicate key to a family member or trusted friend. Another option is to invest in an Bluetooth key tracker that can be put on your keys and linked to an app that will show you where your keys are at any given time.
Making copies
A key is a crucial element of a car, and it’s easy to lose. Many car owners are 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, or when loading groceries into the trunk or after an exhausting day at work Losing your keys can be very stressful and inconvenient.
The good thing is that if you have an additional key, it could save the day in these scenarios. If you don’t have one, you can create copies of your keys quickly, easily and at a low cost at many locksmith stores or hardware stores. It is also advisable to keep an additional set of keys in your wallet in case.
Many people believe that they have to go to the dealer to get a brand new car key. But, this isn’t always true. The complexity of the key and the type you have will determine how it operates.
Most modern cars have keys that are more than just metal blades. They have chips in them which require programming in order to start the engine. These are not the type keys that you can cut at the self-service kiosks located at the mall. They also won’t work with other keys.
The easiest way to make a key copy is to simply visit your local AutoZone and ask an associate to make use of a machine that can read the contours of the key, and then match it to an uncut key and cut it for you. It’s a simple procedure that takes only about a minute to complete. Some locations even have a tool that can program the key to your specific model of car.
You can also find a copy of your car key at family-owned hardware stores, large chain stores for home improvement, and even some grocery stores. It is important to remember that these copies are only good for doors and ignitions not remote key fobs. You should contact an expert locksmith to duplicate a smart keys, or a dealer’s chip key. The keys must be made by a professional with the appropriate equipment and tools.
Finding an Replacement
There are a few options for getting a new car key if it is lost. You can go to the dealership that sells your vehicle or visit an automotive locksmith. Each option will cost you a different amount. It also depends on the type of key you have. Some keys are simple double-edged key, while others are more complex.
Internet searches can help you locate locksmiths for your car in your area. You need to find an auto locksmith that is specialized in auto locksmiths and has an auto division. You can then contact them to inquire about making the new key. Some have mobile units which can travel to your location and give you a key on the spot. This is a great option for those who have a traditional key that doesn’t have a chip in it.
Many cars today are equipped with keys that are an electronic device that allows you to lock and unlock your vehicle from an extended distance. The fob can also be used to start the engine and control other functions of your vehicle. A fob is easily lost. You can avoid this by keeping an extra fob in your purse.
Dealerships can replace keys that are lost however, it can be expensive. Some dealerships charge a premium to replace your keys to your car. This is why so many people prefer an automotive locksmith. Certain locksmiths specialize in repairing keys to cars, which could be a cheaper alternative than visiting the dealer.
If you have an electronic key, you’ll have to return your car to the dealership in order to get it replaced. They will need to program the new key into your vehicle. This usually involves opening/closing doors, or turning on/off lights and G28 electronics. 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 a hassle, but it can be more difficult when you’re working on a tight schedule and have to travel. Don’t be worried. Make sure to search carefully for your keys, purchase an identification tag for your keys so that they are easy to locate, and also consider purchasing a spare key fob to ensure that this scenario doesn’t happen again.
Finding Help
Sometimes, we are distracted or forgetful and lose keys to our cars. These incidents can be a source of frustration, whether you accidentally drop them in a river when fishing, or forget them at the restaurant while eating. There are steps you can do to avoid this happening in the future, and to limit damage in the event of it happening.
You should always keep a spare set of keys readily available. This can help avoid the difficulty of retracing your steps or having to pay for expensive locksmith services. Another alternative is to purchase an electronic key-finder that will help you locate your lost keys quickly. These tags are available online for an affordable price.
For those with older cars which use mechanical keys you can get a new key cut at a number of hardware stores for only a couple of dollars. Many cars use key fobs that are equipped with lots of technology. They can be costly to replace in the event of losing them.
If you have roadside assistance insurance the insurance company could pay for a locksmith to come out and create new keys. Based on the type of key you have, this could be much cheaper than making a new key at the dealership.
You can also reach out to the dealership where you bought your car to inquire if they are able to help you create the new key. It can be more costly than hiring a locksmith however it’s less stressful to deal with a dealer you are familiar with.
A locksmith can reprogram the old key to render it unusable. This can be a risky procedure, so it’s probably best to hire a professional to do this for you. Some locksmiths can do this without removing the key however it’s generally better to have a dealership do it for you so you can be certain that it’s done correctly.