Car Key Lost Replacement
Losing your car keys could cause lots of anxiety. If you're patient and follow the right steps and some professional help, you can quickly get an alternative key.
Check your pockets, purse and back seat. Find the nearest authorized dealership of the manufacturer of your vehicle.
Old-School Metal Keys
If you lose your car key the first thing you'll want to get locksmiths to come in and make a new one. This is much less expensive than buying a new key from the dealer, and will likely be more secure.
You can even make use of an old-fashioned metal blank key, which are similar to the keys used on house doors and are available at the majority of hardware stores and locksmiths. The locksmith will utilize the key code from the owner's manual of your car to connect the key to the locks and ignition.
You can also get your vehicle taken to the dealer for a key re-key. They'll need your vehicle identification number (VIN), which can be found on the driver's side doorpost, in the trunk, or stamped on a plaque on the driver's side dashboard. They will then link the new key to your car's computer, so it won't function if you lose it once more.
The dealer will have to reset the immobiliser if you own an transponder. This is a far more complicated procedure and will cost you more. The dealer may be able to provide you with an offer to replace a car key, though, so it's worth contacting them for a quote before scheduling your appointment.
Smart keys are expensive to replace as they appear nothing like a traditional car key and operate remotely. They can start your car with just a single press and turn it on. They are also much more difficult to duplicate than older car keys.
A spare car key is an excellent option to avoid costly replacements. However it isn't always kept in their possession. If you're the kind of person that tends to misplace things, consider buying a key fob to your vehicle, so you don't have to fret about it if it goes missing.
Fobs
Fobs cost a lot more than keys made of metal and are integrated into sophisticated security systems for vehicles. They're also not impervious to damage. They can be damaged by extreme temperatures, as well as being hit and dropped. key replacements for cars can stop working or break at any time. Batteries are also required to be replaced regularly.
If you lose your car key, you'll need to find an auto locksmith or a dealership that specializes in your specific type of vehicle. Locksmiths can usually duplicate and program car fobs. However, you may also need to provide the VIN number of your vehicle (usually located on the dashboard or driver's door jamb). You might be able to save money if the car warranty or roadside coverage plan covers lost or stolen keys.
In the case of more recent cars and high-end brands like Mercedez and Mercedes-Benz, you might only be able to purchase replacement keys at the dealership. This is because making the replacement requires expertise in security and technical aspects that the manufacturer holds exclusive rights to.
The majority of key fobs are easily replaced and inexpensively if you own a spare. Many hardware stores carry key fobs, and some specialize in key duplication for automotive keys.
Although there's no guarantee you'll be able to locate your lost item but you can take steps to improve the odds of finding it, like placing a Tile or AirTag on it and then using a smartphone app to help you locate it. Examine the lost and found of any business you visited or the floor you were on.
Before you buy an alternative you should look into what happened to the old one. Did it fall into cracks? Did you leave it on the street? You may be able recover it when you leave it in a restaurant or the back of a cab. You might be able to retrieve your car if you did. You'll need to purchase another vehicle and pay for towing fees if you don't.
Smart Keys
Even the most diligent of us can lose keys to our cars. It could be as innocuous as placing them in the fridge while grabbing drinks, or as serious as not locking them in the trunk while loading groceries. It is important to be prepared for any circumstance that might arise, including if your car key is lost.
The first option, and the most affordable, is to call an auto locksmith. They usually have all the equipment needed to complete the task and can provide you with a brand new key in a fairly short amount of time. They can also assist you with other issues related to your vehicle, such as opening a door that's locked or opening the vehicle.
Another option is to contact your dealer for help in particular if you have one that is equipped with a smart key system. This kind of key sends an ultra-low-frequency signal to antennas in the vehicle that verify the driver is near enough to unlock or start the vehicle. It can even store the individual settings of the driver for the seat, mirrors, and steering wheel position, according to How Stuff Works Electronics.
However, these systems can be vulnerable to hacking by tech-savvy thieves who are able to pick up the signal and then intercept it. This could lead to your vehicle being stolen, or, even more dangerously the use of it as a remote control to drive away in. Luckily, certain models, such as Mercedes-Benz smart keys, use different frequencies to avoid this from occurring.
You can also call your insurance company for autos or roadside assistance. If you are covered by their terms and conditions, they might be able to provide a replacement. However they can be costly and take time to arrive.
In addition to being a convenient and efficient way to avoid losing your car keys, this type of key can also be an excellent way to have an extra one handy for emergency situations. You never know when you'll need a ride home from the grocery store, and having a spare will give you peace of mind if you're on the move.
Transponder Keys
If your car was manufactured in the past 20 years or then, there's a good chance it comes with a transponder key inside. Also called"chip key "chip key" it's an anti-theft device which makes it difficult to wire hot wires into your vehicle. The keys transmit a signal to the computer system of your vehicle when you put it in the ignition, if it recognizes the signal, it will start the engine. This will protect your family vehicle or luxury vehicle from being stolen, and you'll know that you're the only one driving it. Although these keys are more costly to replace than a simple non-transponder key but the extra security is worth the price for many.
Call your local locksmith if you've lost your transponder keys. They have the tools to replace keys for most vehicles, and they charge less than dealerships.
However, if auto replacement key decide to go the dealership route you'll likely have to bring your old key fob so they can get a new one ordered for you. This can take a few days and cost you a significant amount of money.
A locksmith can also cut an extra key. They can cut most keys and even copy a switchblade type key (which includes a built in lock) however they won't be able to program it for your car. This is a great option if there are no other spares however it's not the best option.
The final option is to contact the dealership that you bought your car from and ask them to order an updated transponder chip/key fob for your vehicle. It usually takes a few days and it's likely to be the most expensive option of all.
It's not easy to lose your keys to your car, but it doesn't have be as bad as you imagine. You can quickly get back on the roads with the assistance of a professional. You can also protect your vehicle from thieves. Make sure you have an extra key in your bag or pocket and be aware of where you are driving!