Replacing Lost Car Keys
It is a very common problem to lose your vehicle keys. This can be extremely frustrating. The most cost-effective and speediest way to get an additional key is to contact an auto locksmith who is specialized in automobiles.
They'll typically make an entirely new key for you without needing to provide proof of ownership. You'll save time and money by not having to visit the dealer.
key car lost
In the past, losing your car keys was not an a major problem. In many cases, it is still not. As automobiles have advanced, so have their keys. The replacement process for a lost car key has become more complicated and expensive.
If you've lost your keys or someone has stolen them there is usually a way to get a new one, but the procedure for getting them can differ according to the type of car you drive and the kind of key you have. The process and cost will differ based on whether you're using a key fob or a traditional key.
The standard key is mechanical, and works by inserting it into the lock cylinder for ignition to start the car. These types of keys can be changed by an automotive locksmith who is typically able to create an entirely new key on the spot. They'll need evidence of ownership, such as the registration or title to do this, however.
The majority of traditional keys are also compatible with key fobs which act as remotes that allow you to operate certain functions inside the vehicle. To replace a basic key with a key fob you'll need an auto locksmith professional who has the tools to cut the key and program the code to your particular car model.
In some cases it's possible to purchase replacement keys and key fobs online for less than the cost you'd pay at a dealer. It is important to shop around and research the type of keys you own prior to making an online purchase. Some shops may not have the right equipment for your car model.
You'll need to go to the dealer to replace the smart key. These keys behave like remote controls and require that a button to be pressed in order to start the vehicle. These keys are the most expensive to replace, but they're typically covered by your car's warranty.
Transponder Keys
As cars have gotten more technologically advanced, so too do the keys that are included with them. Some older vehicles still have metal keys. However, most newer automobiles have transponder keys. This type of key comes with a microchip which must be programmed in order to function. This makes them more difficult for thieves to replicate and makes them much harder to wire hot.
A transponder key is also known as a chip key and is named from the electronic chip placed inside the head of the key. These keys are now the standard for many newer models of cars, and are designed to prevent vehicle theft by making it impossible to start your car without a key. The transponder of the key transmits a signal to the immobilizer of your car when it is in use, and this is what allows it to start.
You can get your transponder keys copied by a locksmith in the automotive industry. The process is easy however, it will cost more than if you order a non-transponder replacement key. The locksmith will have to make sure that the key cylinder is repaired and then disassemble the mechanism before they are able to make a duplicate.
The good news is that when you don't have an extra key, your automotive locksmith is likely to be able of making you a non-transponder keys that will unlock and operate your vehicle. They can do this by analyzing the data contained in the transponder of the lost key and then copying it into a brand new, blank key. The key must be programmed so that it responds to the immobilizer in your car. However, at least you won't be required to try to start it.
While transponder keys do aid in stopping car theft It's important to remember that nothing is foolproof. Even with this technology thieves have found ways of starting stolen vehicles. If you drive a luxury car or a family sedan, keep an extra key in a safe location.
Fob Keys
Modern key fobs are designed to do more than start and unlock the car. They also function as convenience devices, and even deter theft. The functionality comes at a price. Fob keys cost more than conventional car keys, and are more difficult to replace if damaged or lost.
Fobs transmit radio signals using an encoded codes to a receiver within the vehicle. The receiver then performs functions such as locking or unlocking doors, turning on the motor, or activating security systems in the vehicle. The fobs contain a tiny key embedded inside which can be used in the event that the fob is not functioning properly.
Although some experts suggest keeping a physical backup key handy to prevent theft, most of the time the best option is to visit a dealership. A dealer can design a replacement key fob for your car that is programmed using the VIN number stored on file. You'll also get the additional security of a backup system that is mechanical.
It is important to know that locksmiths can't replace the majority of modern car key fobs because they require programming equipment which is beyond the reach of most locksmiths. The cost of replacing a car key fob can be as high as $400 dependent on the manufacturer and model.
If your key fob doesn't work correctly, you should first replace the battery. A lot of manufacturers have instructions on how to do this on their websites or in the owner's manual. Hardware stores and big-box retailers offer cheap key fob batteries.
Another possibility is that your car's key fob stopped working because of an issue with software. In that scenario, it may be possible to get it back to working again by resetting all the keys in your car in accordance with the instructions of the owner's manual (or searching for one online).
You can also ask an automotive locksmith to perform a remote reprogramming on your fob. This process usually takes about a minute and will spare you from paying for an entirely new car key fob.
Smart Keys
It's impossible to imagine anything more stressful than reaching into your pocket or bag to discover you've lost the keys to your car. It's a feeling of despair which can lead to anxiety stress, stress, and anxiety.
Fortunately, replacing your car key isn't as expensive or complicated as it used to be and especially if you have a fob that requires an unlock code to start the car. Fobs also come with other features, like remote engine starters or trunk openers that make it easier to drive and get into the vehicle.
Smart keys are the most sophisticated key type and offer drivers the most convenience. They activate a proximity sensor in the vehicle, allowing you to unlock and lock your car door with the touch of your phone. You can also start the engine remotely to heat or cool the interior before entering. Many newer cars come with smart keys as the default option.
The same technology that makes smart keys more convenient also increases your chances of losing the keys. You can take steps to prevent losing the smart key by having it with you or having a backup fob. However, if you lose yours, you'll have to contact your dealer or auto locksmith that offers fob replacement services to obtain a replacement.
The positive side is that smart keys were designed with some special case scenarios in mind. If you put your keys in the trunk of your car it will continue to function for as long as the battery is charged. If you lose your smart key and don't have a clue where it is located the majority of systems will notify the driver if the car is at risk of becoming locked.
You can quickly and easily obtain a replacement for your car key fob by contacting a company like Keyway Lock Service. You can also contact your local car dealer to purchase a new key for you, but this may be more expensive than hiring an auto locksmith to assist you.