How to Replace a Lost Car Key
It can be a huge problem to lose your car keys. Most of the time, the best option is calling your local locksmith or dealer. To make a replacement key, they'll need proof of ownership and the original key.
However, this is not always the most cost-effective method to take.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys made of metal were the first type of key for vehicles. They have grooves that fit into slots within the ignition. The key would then be put into the ignition cylinder and turned to turn off the car. It is less expensive to replace a traditional key compared to other types.
You can call an automotive locksmith to get a new traditional key made while you wait. The locksmith will require the model, make and year of your vehicle. The locksmith may also need proof of ownership in order to confirm your rights to purchase a key.
Transponder keys are increasingly used in newer vehicles. g28carkeys cost more to replace, but they are more safe from theft. The head of a transponder keys contains an electronic chip that communicates with the car's computer system, ensuring that only the correct key can be used to start the car.
When the car is sold, the chips inside transponder keys will be programmed with a specific code. Some have rolling codes, which send a new code each time the key is used. This makes it harder for thieves to duplicate them. If you have a modern car with a transponder key, you should always keep it in a secure location.
Transponder keys have a greater lifespan than traditional keys, however they are more expensive to replace in the event that you lose them. You'll need to contact your dealer to get a replacement transponder key if you lose one. You'll have to provide your VIN (a 17-digit number) that tells the dealer what car it's compatible with.
You'll also need to provide the serial number of your car. The serial number is located on a label on the driver's side door or the owner's manual. It is essential to have these numbers in your car as they can help you find your car if it is lost or stolen.
Transponder Keys
Your car key may have a transponder if your car was manufactured in the last 20 years. These tiny pieces of technology are programmed to your particular car, so that only its owner can start it. The transmission will lock your car when it determines that the key does not match the code. This is to ensure that only the owner is able to start the car.
These keys are ideal for your car since they deter car theft. Historically, car thieves could simply connect two wires together and use them to start the car, in an operation called hot wiring. Once cars began using transponder chips and transponder chips, it became much more difficult to steal a car because the thief required a key that was the right one to send the signal to start the vehicle.
If you have traditional keys and lose it, a local locksmith can cut you a new one on the spot and remove the old one from your car's system. If you own an transponder key or fob, you'll need to visit the dealership to replace it. This is because the dealer needs to know your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) in order to purchase the appropriate key for your particular vehicle.
They'll need to ensure that the key they buy for you is compatible with your vehicle to be able to start it and unlock its doors. To receive an alternative key, you will need to show proof of ownership such as your registration or title. This could make this kind of replacement slightly more expensive but in the long run it's worth it when you consider that your vehicle's key could have been stolen. If you're concerned about the cost, make sure to check whether your warranty or insurance will cover the cost. If not, you'll have to take your vehicle to the dealer to have it towed. You can also order the key from the manufacturer.
Fob Keys
The latest type of car keys are designed to work as remotes, allowing drivers to open the doors and start the engine without having to insert an ordinary key into the ignition. These fobs, also called keyless entry or remote control keys, are usually less expensive to replace than older traditional type of keys. However, like any piece of technology used in the modern world they're not impervious to damage. They're also easy to lose and they can cease to function over time as they are moved around in your pocket or purse.
Fobs emit an electronic code that enables the driver to unlock and start the vehicle. When the fob is tapped on the car's sensor the code is read and the doors open and the engine is started. Some fobs also have additional features, like a button that calls the car (similar to the Tesla summon feature).
If you lose your key fob, the initial thing to do is make sure that the keys are not in the locked compartment of your purse or bag. If they're not in the bag, go through your day and find the places you might have lost them. Check your pockets, in bags you carried in your bag, and on countertops or other surfaces. You may be able find your keys in the spot that you dropped them in or placed them on the floor briefly when you went to get something.
You can purchase key fobs replacement on the internet, but they have to be programmed to work with your specific vehicle. Certain key fobs, for instance those used by Audi or Subaru, need to be programmed at the dealership. The good news is that roadside assistance firms such as AAA can often help with this, too.
If you do decide to purchase a new key fob, comparison shop. Some retailers will program and cut a fob bought elsewhere for less than they would charge for the same thing at the dealer. It is also possible to replace only the outer shells of some fobs that are key and leave the electronics inside in working condition. Check your car insurance policy or auto club membership to find out whether you have insurance that will cover this.
Chipped Keys
Cars have become more technologically advanced over time and this has led to more sophisticated car keys. Unlike traditional keys, which could be copied at a locksmith, the latest keys require a specially-designed machine to duplicate. It can be more expensive to replace keys that are lost in the car with a chip.
If you lose your transponder chip key or it is stolen from you, then you'll need to call the local dealer to obtain an alternative. They can do this because they keep an archive of your security information and can connect the new chip with your car without much hassle. The process can take a few more days because the dealer has to obtain the key directly from the manufacturer.
A professional locksmith can make a duplicate of the transponder key. The process is a bit more complex than taking your car to the dealership but it can save you a lot of money in the long run. To obtain a duplicate key you will require the VIN number of your vehicle. You can find this number on your insurance policy or the sticker on the jamb of the driver's door.
You'll also need an exact copy of your key that you can bring to the locksmith. The locksmith can then match the key cuts. If you can't locate your old key Try searching the trunk or in other places. Check your pockets and bags. You don't know where you left your keys, or when they were taken out of your bag as you were reaching for something other.
If you are unable to locate your car keys, you must immediately begin searching for them. First, ensure that you haven't left keys at home or at the office. Next, carefully review your day to determine if they could be missing. Once you've emptied all of your pockets and checked all of your bags, it is time to begin using more sophisticated search methods.