How to Find a Car Key Lost
Car keys are a big problem when they’re lost. Replacing them can cost a few hundreds of dollars based on the type of key and the features are included.
For traditional metal keys, you can typically get a replacement from a locksmith or hardware store. For smart keys, find your vehicle identification number (VIN) and then visit a dealership to order an additional key and have it paired with your car.
Identifying Your Keys
Losing your keys to your car is among the most stressful events that can happen to drivers. It can be a bit confusing to know what to say when you are unable to locate your keys in your bag or pocket. It is best to remain calm and take a step-by-step approach to find your keys.
Begin by identifying what kind of car keys you own. You can get a copy of an electronic key that opens the locks from a locksmith for a reasonable price If you own one. You can also get a replacement at the dealership, but they are usually more expensive.
Most newer cars have the smart key, which triggers a sensor in the car for keyless ignition and entry. They are also more difficult to lose because they have a built in feature that monitors where the key is. Keep your smart key close to the ready in case you have trouble finding it.
You should check your usual hiding spots before moving on to other places. 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 back throughout the day to determine whether you’ve lost keys for car no spare your keys.
It is recommended to contact a dealership or locksmith for assistance if have exhausted all your search options, but you are still unable to locate your car key. If you can show proof of ownership, they can make you a replacement. You can also visit Home Depot to have a basic key copied in the event that you own a vehicle 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 few different ways, but the most common is to give an additional key to someone in your family or a trusted friend. You can also invest in an Bluetooth tracker that you attach to your keys. The app will notify you where they are at every moment of the day.
Making an Copy
It’s easy to misplace a key, which is an important part of your vehicle. Many car owners find themselves in situations where their keys get lost or are not working at the most inconvenient times. Losing your keys is frustrating and annoying, whether it’s at the pump, putting groceries in the trunk, or after a hard day at work.
The good news is that if you have an extra key, it can help you in these instances. If you don’t have an extra key it is possible to easily and cheaply create duplicate keys at most hardware stores or by locksmiths. It’s also an excellent idea to keep an additional key in your wallet, just in case!
Many people are under the impression that they have to go to the dealership in order to get an alternative car key. This isn’t always the situation. The complexity of the key and the kind you own will determine how it functions.
Modern cars have keys that are more than just blades of metal. They also have chips that must be programmed to start the car. These are not the kind of keys that you can simply cut at a self-service kiosk in the mall, and they will not typically be compatible with any other key.
The easiest method of making an exact copy of a key is to simply visit your local AutoZone and let an associate use a machine that can read the contours of the key, then match it up to the blank key and cut it for you. This is a straightforward process that takes only a few moments to complete. Some locations even have a device that can program the key to your specific model of car.
You can also purchase an exact copy of your car keys at family-owned hardware stores, big chain of home improvement stores as well as some grocery stores. However, it is crucial to keep in mind that these copies are only good for doors and ignitions not remote key fobs. It is recommended to contact locksmiths if you wish to duplicate a smart key or a dealer’s chip. The keys must be made by a professional with the right equipment and tools.
Getting a Replacement
There are several options if you lose your car key. You can go to the dealership that sells your vehicle or you can go to an automotive locksmith. Each option will cost a different amount. It also depends on the type of key your car is equipped with. Certain cars come with the basic, double-edged car key while others are more complex.
You can locate a list of locksmiths for cars in your area by conducting an online search. Find an auto locksmith that is specialized in auto locksmiths and has an auto division. You can then contact them to request a quote for the creation of a new key. Some firms have a mobile unit which can make keys at your location. This is a great option for when you already have a key that does not contain an embedded chip.
A lot of cars today are equipped with a key fob that is a small electronic device that allows you to lock and unlock your vehicle from a distance. The fob can also be used to start your engine as well as control other functions in your vehicle. A fob can be easily lost electric key. There are ways to avoid this from happening, such as keeping a spare in your pocket.
The dealership will replace your lost my spare car key keys for you, but they can be expensive. A lot of dealerships will charge a premium to replace your lost car keys. This is why many people prefer an automotive locksmith. Some of these companies specialize in replacing keys for cars. This could be a cheaper alternative than going to an auto dealer.
You’ll need to take your car to the dealer to have it replaced in the event that you have a smart-key. They will need to program the new key to your vehicle. This usually involves opening/closing doors, or turning on/off lights and electronic devices. You will be asked to provide the VIN number of your car along with a photo ID as well as any other keys you might have.
Losing a car key is always a source of frustration, but it can be even more frustrating when you’re on a tight schedule and you need to get somewhere. You don’t need to be worried. Remember to search for your keys thoroughly and to purchase the key-finder label to make them easier to find and to consider buying a spare fob to avoid this repeating itself.
Get Assistance
We can lose our keys to our cars when we’re distracted or not paying attention. Whether you drop them in the river while fishing or leave them at the restaurant when you’re eating out, these types of accidents can be difficult to deal with. There are ways to keep these types of situations from happening in the future, and to reduce the damage if they do occur.
One of the best things you can do is to ensure that you have a spare key on hand. This will save you the difficulty of retracing your steps or having to pay for expensive locksmith services. Another option is to invest in an RFID-based key-finder tag with Bluetooth that will help you locate your lost keys of car keys quickly. These tags are available online for a reasonable price.
If you have a car that use a mechanical key it is possible to get a new key cut at a number of hardware stores for a few dollars. Many cars are equipped with key fobs that have a lot of technology. These can be very expensive to replace in the event of losing them.
If you have roadside assistance coverage, the insurance company may pay for a locksmith to visit and create a new copy. Depending on the type of key you have, this could be much cheaper than making a new key at the dealership.
Another option is to call the car dealership where you purchased your vehicle and see if they can help you with creating the new key. It can be more costly than hiring a locksmith, but it is more stress-free to work with a dealership that you know.
The final option is to have locksmiths deprogram the old key so that it no longer works. It’s best to let a professional take care of this procedure as it could be extremely risky. Certain locksmiths can perform this without disassembling the key however it’s generally better to have the dealership do it for you, so that you can be sure it will be done correctly.