How to Find a Car Key Lost
If car keys get lost, it's an enormous problem. Replacing keys can cost several hundred dollars, based on the kind 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 find your vehicle identification number (VIN) and then visit the dealership to purchase a new one and have it paired to your car.
Identifying your keys
The most stressful thing that can occur to any driver is losing their keys to their car. It can be a bit confusing to know what to say when you can't find your keys in your bag or pocket. It's best to stay calm and follow a step-by-step approach to finding your keys.
Start by identifying the type of car keys you own. If you own a traditional mechanical key, which only controls the locks and locks, you can get a locksmith to make a copy at an affordable cost. You can also get a replacement key with a dealer, but it is usually more expensive.
Most modern cars come with a smart key that triggers a sensor within the car to allow keyless ignition and entry. They are also more resistant to theft, since they have a built-in feature that tracks where the key is. If you own a smart key, you must ensure that it is kept close at all times or it will be hard to locate.
You should first check your regular hiding spots before moving to other places. Look in your coat pockets and in your shoes, and in any bags you've carried around throughout the day. You can also retrace your steps and walk back throughout the day to determine if you lost your key.
You should contact a dealership or locksmith for assistance if have exhausted all options and are still unable to locate your car key. If you can provide proof of ownership, they'll provide you with an alternative. If you own a car with no transponder chips, then you can also get a basic copy made at Home Depot.
Even if you don't lose your keys often it's a good idea always to keep a spare key in hand. You can do this in a few different ways, but the most common is to give an additional key to an individual in your family or a trusted friend. Another alternative is to purchase the Bluetooth key tracker that can be placed on your keys and linked to an app that will show you where your keys are at any given moment.
Making a Copy
It's easy to lose a key, which is an important part of your vehicle. Many car owners are in situations where they lose their keys or have them stop working at the most inconvenient time. The loss of keys can be frustrating and inconvenient, whether it's at the gas pump, putting groceries in the trunk or following an exhausting day at work.
If you have a spare key, this can be a lifesaver in these situations. If you don't have an additional key it is possible to easily and cheaply create duplicates at many hardware stores or locksmiths. It is also advisable to keep an extra set of keys in your wallet just in case.
Many people believe that they need to go to a dealer in order to get a new car key. However, this isn't always the case. It depends on the type of key you have, and how complex it is.
Modern cars have keys that are more than just blades of metal. They also have chips that must be programmed to turn on the car. These are not the type of keys you can get cut at the self-service kiosk in the mall. They also won't work with other keys.
The easiest method of making a key copy is to go to your local AutoZone and ask an associate to use a machine that can detect the contours of the key, and then match it to a blank key and cut it for you. This is a very simple procedure, and takes only about a couple of minutes to complete. Some locations even have a device that can program the key to your specific model of car.
You can also get an exact copy of your car keys at hardware stores owned by families, large chain stores for home improvement and even some grocery stores. It is important to note that these copies only work for the doors and ignitions of your vehicle and not for remote keys. It's a good idea to get in touch with a locksmith to create a duplicate of a smart key or a dealer chip key, since these can only be copied by a professional who has the appropriate equipment and tools.
Replacement
There are a variety of options for getting an alternative car key if it's lost. You can visit the dealership that sells your vehicle or you can go to an automotive locksmith. Each option will cost different amounts. It is also contingent on the type of key your car is equipped with. Some have a simple double-edged key and others are more complex.
You can find a list of car locksmiths in your area by doing an online search. You need to find a car locksmith that specializes in auto locksmiths and has an auto division. Contact them to inquire about making an original key. Some have mobile units that can come to your location and give you an exact key right there. This is a great option for when you already have a key that does not come with an embedded chip.
Many automobiles today come with keys that are a small electronic device that allows you to lock and unlock your car from a distance. The fob is also used to start the engine and to control other features of your car. A fob is easy to lose. There are ways to prevent this from happening, for example keeping a spare in your pocket.
Dealerships can repair your keys that have been lost, but it can be costly. Many dealerships will charge a fee for replacing your lost keys to your car. This is why many people prefer an automotive locksmith. Some of these companies specialize in repairing keys for cars. This can be an economical alternative to going to a dealer.
If you have a smart key, you will need to bring your car back to the dealership to replace it. The dealer will have to program the new key. This usually involves opening and closing doors, and/or turning on lights and electronics and off. You will need to provide the VIN number of your car, a photo ID and the other set of keys that you carry with you.
Losing a car key is always a source of frustration but it could be even more frustrating when you are on a tight schedule and you need to travel. 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 getting a spare fob so that this situation doesn't occur again.
Finding Help
Sometimes, we get distracted or forgetful and lose our keys to our car. These incidents can be a source of frustration in the event that you drop them in a stream while fishing or forget them at the restaurant while eating. There are steps you can do to prevent this from happening again and to minimize the damage should it happen.
Always keep an extra set of keys in your possession. This will avoid the hassle of having to go back to your steps or pay for expensive locksmith services. Another alternative is to invest in an RFID-based key-finder tag with Bluetooth that will help you locate your lost keys quickly. replace lost car key can be purchased online for a relatively affordable cost.
The majority of hardware stores will cut a new mechanical key for customers who own older cars. However, many cars today use key fobs that have many features integrated into. These can be very expensive to replace in the event of losing them.
If you have roadside assistance coverage and the insurance company will pay for a locksmith to come out and create new keys. This may be less expensive than making a new key by a dealer, based on the kind of keys you have.
Another option is to call the dealership from which you purchased your vehicle and inquire if they can assist you create an entirely new key. This could be more expensive than working with a locksmith, however it is also less stressful to work with a dealership that you trust.
A locksmith could deprogram your old key, making it unusable. It's best to have a professional handle this procedure as it could be very risky. Some locksmiths are able to do this without removing the key, but it is usually easier to let a dealership handle it so you can be certain it's done right.