Replacing Lost Car Keys
Car keys that are lost are a frequent issue that can be very frustrating. The most cost-effective, efficient and fastest method to obtain an alternative key is to call an auto locksmith who specializes in vehicles.
You will not need 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 huge issue. And in many cases, it is still not a major issue. However, as automobiles have advanced in technology, and so have keys and the replacement of a lost car key can be much more complicated and expensive than ever before.
You can get an alternative key in the event that you lose yours or someone takes them. The process will vary depending on the type and model of the vehicle you drive, as well as the kind of key you have. If you have an old-fashioned key or fob key, for example, the process will differ and the cost will also differ.
The traditional key is purely mechanical, and functions by inserting it into the ignition lock cylinder to start the vehicle. An automotive locksmith can repair these keys and is often in a position to create an entirely new key immediately. To do this, they'll need proof of ownership such as the registration or title.
The majority of traditional key sets are also compatible with key fobs which function as remotes that permit you to perform certain functions inside the vehicle. To replace a basic key with a key fob, you'll need to go to a professional auto locksmith who has the equipment necessary to cut the key and program the code for your specific car model.
In some cases, it may be possible to buy keys and key fobs online at a fraction of the price you'd pay at a dealer. It is important to know the type of key you own and look around prior to buying online because not all shops have the proper equipment for all models of car.
If you own a smart key, which acts like a remote and requires an action button in order to start the car, you'll need visit a dealership for an alternative. These keys are among the most expensive to replace, yet they are usually covered under the warranty of your vehicle.
Transponder Keys
As cars have gotten more technologically advanced, so are the keys that accompany them. Many older vehicles still have keys made of metal. However, most modern automobiles have transponder keys. This type of key comes with a microchip that needs to be programmed in order to function. This makes them more difficult for thieves to replicate and makes it more difficult to heat wire.
Transponder keys are also called chip keys. They derive their name from the embedded electronic chip that is in the head of the car key. These keys are the norm for a lot of newer models of cars, and are designed to stop vehicle theft by making it impossible to start your car without the correct key. The key's transponder sends a signal to immobilizer of your vehicle when it is in use, and this is the reason why it is able to start.
You can have your transponder keys copied by an automotive locksmith. The process is quite straightforward, however the cost will be more expensive than if you simply needed to have a new non-transponder key made. This is because the locksmith will need to fix the cylinder's cuts and take the mechanism apart before they can create a duplicate.
Even if you don't have a spare key, your automotive locksmith can create a key that is not transponder-based. This key will allow you to unlock and operate your vehicle. They can do this by analyzing the information contained in the transponder of your lost key and copying it to a new, blank key. The key will still need to be programmed to the immobilizer of your car however, at the very least, you won't have to go through the trouble of trying to start it.
It's important to keep in mind that even though transponders can deter car theft, nothing is impervious to theft. Even with this technology thieves have found ways of starting cars that were stolen. If you own a luxurious car or a family sedan, make sure you keep your spare key in a secure place.
Fob Keys
Created to do more than unlock and start the car, today's high-tech key fobs are also convenience devices, and even as prevent theft. But all that function comes at a cost: Fob keys are pricier than the old-fashioned car keys, and more complicated to replace in the event of loss or damaged.
Fobs transmit radio signals using encoded codes to a receiver within the vehicle, which acts as a lock or unlocking the doors and starting the engine and activating the vehicle's security system. Fobs come with a small key that is embedded within them that can be used in the event the fob does not work properly.
The majority of the time, you're better off visiting an authorized dealer. A dealer is able to create a replacement car key fob which is programmed to your vehicle by using the VIN number in the file, and you'll also have the added reassurance of an actual backup.
It's important to remember that a locksmith can't replace all modern car keys fobs since they require programming equipment which is beyond the reach of the majority of locksmiths. In fact, the cost of replacing a car key fob can run up to $400 or more, depending on your make and model.
Replace the battery first if the key fob isn't functioning correctly. Many manufacturers provide instructions on how to do this on their websites or in the owner's manual. Hardware stores and big-box retailers sell low-cost batteries for key fobs.
A software issue could be the reason your remote fob for your car has stopped functioning. In that case it is possible to get it back to working once more by resetting all the keys in your vehicle according to the owner's manual's instructions (or finding one online).
You can also request an automotive locksmith to do an update to your remote fob. This procedure typically takes just about a minute and will spare you from paying for an entirely new car key fob.
Smart Keys Keys
You can't imagine anything worse than reaching in your bag or pocket to discover you've lost your car keys. It's a feeling of despair which can lead to anxiety, stress, and even anxiety.
It's a good thing replacing your car keys aren't as costly or complicated as they were in the past. This is particularly true if you utilize fobs to open or start your vehicle. Fobs may also have other features like remote engine starters or trunk openers that help you drive and access vehicles.
Smart keys are the most advanced key type that is available, and they offer a lot of convenience for drivers. replacement lost car keys activate a proximity sensor in the vehicle, allowing you to lock and unlock your car's door using a tap or a button on your smartphone. You can also remotely start the engine to warm up or cool the interior prior to getting in. Many newer cars come with a smart key as the default choice.
The same technology that makes smart keys more convenient also increases your chances of losing them. While there are ways you can avoid losing a smart key, such as keeping it in your pocket or having a backup fob you'll need to contact your dealership or find an auto locksmith who offers fob replacement in order to obtain a new one.
The positive side is that smart keys were designed with specific scenarios in mind. If you lose your key in the trunk, for example it will still function as long as the vehicle battery is fully charged. If you have lost your smart key and don't have a clue as to where it is it will be alerted by the system to the driver that the car is at risk of becoming locked.
If you're in search of an alternative to your car key fob, you can contact a company like Keyway Lock Service to get a new one quickly and easily. replace lost key for car could also contact your local car dealer to purchase a new key for you, however this could be more expensive than having an auto locksmith assist you.