Replacing Lost Car Keys
Keys for cars that are lost are a common problem which can be a real pain. Calling an auto locksmith who is specialized in car keys is the quickest and most cost-effective method to get a new key.
They'll usually make keys for you, without having to provide proof of ownership. This will save you time and money over visiting the dealer.
Basic Keys
In the past, losing your car keys was not a big problem. In many cases, it still not a major issue. However, as automobiles have advanced in technology, so have their keys and the replacement process for a lost car key can be more difficult and expensive than ever before.
Whether you've lost your keys, or they've been stolen, you can generally find ways to obtain a new one, but the procedure for getting them can differ depending on the kind of car you drive and the type of key you have. If you have an original key or a fob key for instance, the process will differ and the cost will also differ.
The traditional key is mechanical, and operates by inserting it into the lock cylinder for ignition to turn on the vehicle. Locksmiths in the automotive industry can change these keys and will often be capable of making a new one on the spot. They'll need evidence of ownership, such as the registration or title in order to do this, however.
The majority of traditional key sets are also compatible with key fobs which function as remotes that allow you to operate certain functions in the vehicle. To replace a basic key with a key fob you'll need a professional auto locksmith who has the equipment to cut the key and then program the code to your specific vehicle model.
In certain cases, it may be possible to buy keys and key fobs online for less than the cost you'd pay at a dealer. However, it's important to determine the kind of key you have and look around prior to buying online because there aren't all shops with the appropriate equipment to fit all makes of cars.
If you have a smart key, which functions like a remote and requires an action button in order to start the car, you'll need go to the dealership to obtain an alternative. These keys are the most expensive to replace, yet they're typically covered by the warranty on your car.
Transponder Keys
The keys that come with cars have also become more advanced. While many older vehicles still have regular keys made of metal however, the majority of newer vehicles include a transponder keys. This type of key has a microchip which must be programmed to function. This makes it harder for thieves to duplicate the key and hot wire.
Transponder keys are also called chip keys. They get their name from the embedded electronic chip that is in the head of the car key. These keys are the standard for most modern automobiles, and are designed to protect against vehicle theft by making it impossible to start a car without a key. The key's immobilizer is activated through the transponder, which transmits an alert when the key is used.
If you have a spare transponder key you can contact an automotive locksmith to have it copied. The process is straightforward, but it will cost more than if you were to purchase a replacement key for a non-transponder. The locksmith will have to make sure that the key cylinder is repaired and then disassemble the mechanism before they can make an exact duplicate.
The good news is that even in the event that you don't have a spare key, your locksmith should be able to make you a non-transponder keys that will allow you to operate your vehicle. The locksmith could do this by copying the data from the transponder of your lost key onto a blank key. The key will need to be programmed so that it responds to the immobilizer on your vehicle. However, at least you won't need to try to start it.
While a transponder key can help to discourage car theft However, it's important to keep in mind that there is no guarantee of security. Even with this technology, thieves have discovered ways to make stolen cars start. If you drive a luxury car or a family sedan, make sure you keep a spare key in a safe place.
Fob Keys
Modern key fobs are designed to do more than just start and unlock the car. They also function as a convenient device and can also deter theft. However, all this functionality comes with a price: Fob keys are pricier than traditional car keys and are more difficult to replace if lost or damaged.
Fobs transmit radio signals using encoded codes to a receiver inside the car, which performs a function like locking or unlocking doors and starting the engine and activating the car's security system. Fobs have a small key inside that can be used in the event that the fob does not work properly.
Most of the time you're better off visiting a dealer. A dealer can design an alternate key fob for your car that is programmed with the VIN number stored on file. You'll also get the added assurance of a mechanical back-up.
lost my car keys to remember that locksmiths can't replace most modern car keys fobs because they require programming equipment that is out of reach of the majority of locksmiths. The cost of replacing a car key fob could be up to $400, dependent on the manufacturer and model.
Replace the battery first if your key fob doesn't work properly. A lot of manufacturers have instructions on how to do this on their website or in the owner's manual. Hardware stores and big-box retailers offer low-cost batteries for key fobs.
Another possibility is that your car's key fob was not working due to an issue with the software. If this is the case, you might be able to fix the issue by resetting the keys in your car according to the instructions included in the owner's manual (or looking online for one).
You can also request an automotive locksmith to perform a remote reprogramming on your fob. The process typically takes a few moments and will save you the cost of purchasing a new key fob.
Smart Keys
It's impossible to imagine anything more stressful than reaching into your pocket or bag to discover that you've lost your car keys. It's a sense of despair that can cause anxiety or stress and can even anxiety.
Thankfully changing your car key isn't as expensive or complicated as it was in the past, especially if you have an electronic fob that requires a code to open and start the vehicle. Fobs also come with additional features, such as remote engine starters or trunk openers, which allow you to drive and access vehicles.
Smart keys are the most sophisticated key type available, and they provide a lot of convenience for drivers. They activate a proximity sensor inside the vehicle, which allows you to lock and unlock your car door with a button or tap on your smartphone. You can also start the engine remotely to cool or warm the interior prior to entering. The majority of newer vehicles come with smart keys as the default choice.
The same technology that makes smart keys more practical also increases the chance of losing them. You can reduce the risk of losing a smart key by having it on hand, or by having a backup fob. If you lose yours, you'll need to contact your dealer or auto locksmith that can provide fob replacement services to obtain an alternative.
Smart keys are made to work in specific situations. If you put your keys in the car's trunk, it will function as long as the battery is charged. If you lose your smart key and don't have a clue as to where it is it will be alerted by the system to the driver if the car is at risk of being locked.
It is easy and quick to find a replacement car key fob by contacting a business like Keyway Lock Service. You could also ask your local car dealer to order a new key for you, however this could be more expensive than hiring an auto locksmith to assist you.