Replacing Lost Car Keys
It is a common issue to lose your car keys. This can be extremely frustrating. Calling an auto locksmith who has a specialization in car locksmiths is the quickest and most cost-effective method to get a new key.
They'll usually make a new key for you without needing to provide proof of ownership. This will save you time and money instead of having to visit the dealer.
Basic Keys
It used to be that losing keys to your car wasn't a big deal and in many instances it isn't. As cars have advanced in technology, and so have keys and the replacement of a lost car key can be more difficult and costly than it was before.
If you've lost your keys or someone has taken them there is usually ways to obtain an alternative one, however the procedure for getting them can differ depending on the type of car you drive and the kind of key you have. If you have an old-fashioned key or a fob, for example the process will differ and the cost will differ.
Traditional keys are mechanical and operate by inserting into the ignition lock cylinder in order to start the car. These keys can be replaced by an automotive locksmith who is typically able to create keys on the spot. To accomplish this, they'll require evidence of ownership, such as the registration or title.
Most traditional key sets are also compatible with key fobs, which function as remotes to allow you to operate certain functions inside the vehicle. To replace an ordinary key with a keyfob you'll need to visit a professional auto-locksmith with the appropriate tools to cut the key to fit your car model and program the code.
In some cases it is possible to purchase keys and key fobs on the internet for a fraction of the price you'd pay at your dealer. It is important to research the type of key you have and look around prior to purchasing online, as not all shops have the appropriate equipment for all models of car keys lost replacement.
You'll have to visit the dealer to replace lost car key a smart key. These keys function 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 are usually covered under the warranty of your vehicle.
Transponder Keys
As cars have become more technologically advanced, so too have the keys that are included with them. Some older vehicles still have keys made of metal. However, most modern automobiles have transponder keys. This type of key has an embedded microchip that must be programmed in order to function. This makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate it and hot wire.
A transponder is also called a chip key and derives its name from the electronic chip in the head of the key. These keys are the norm for a lot of modern automobiles and are designed to prevent vehicle theft by making it impossible to start a vehicle without a key. The transponder of the key sends a signal to immobilizer of your vehicle when it is in use, and this is the reason it can start.
If you have a spare transponder keys you can contact an automotive locksmith to have it copied. The process is straightforward, but it will cost more than if you were to buy a replacement key that is not transponder-compatible. The locksmith will have to make sure that the key cylinder is repaired and remove the mechanism before they are able to make an exact duplicate.
The positive side is that in the event that you don't have an extra key, your locksmith should be able to make you a non-transponder key that can be used to unlock and operate your vehicle. The locksmith can do this by copying the data from the transponder on your lost key and putting it on a blank key. The key needs to be programmed to responds to the immobilizer in your vehicle. However, at least you won't need to attempt to start it.
While transponder keys do help to discourage car theft However, it's important to keep in mind that no device is foolproof. Even with this technology, thieves have found ways of starting stolen vehicles. So, if you're driving an expensive luxury car or a trusted family sedan, it's always best to keep a backup 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 security devices and can even be used as thieves deterrents. The functionality comes at a price. Fob keys cost more than traditional car keys and are more difficult to replace if they are lost or damaged.
Fobs send radio signals with encoded codes to a receiver within the car. The receiver then performs functions such as locking or unlocking doors, re-starting the motor, and triggering security systems for vehicles. Fobs also come with a small metal key in them that can be used to open the doors or close the ignition in the event that the key fob is unable to operate properly.
Most of the time, you're better off visiting a dealer. A dealer is capable of creating a replacement car key fob that's programmed to your vehicle by using the VIN number that is on file, and you'll also have the added reassurance of an electronic backup.
It's also important to know that the majority of modern car keys can't be replaced by a locksmith in a corner, because they require advanced technology that locksmiths do not have. In reality the cost of replacing a car key fob could range from to $400 or more depending on your make and model.
Replace the battery first if the key fob isn't functioning correctly. A lot of manufacturers have instructions on how to do this on their website or in the owner's manual, and hardware stores and big-box retailers also sell cheap key fob batteries.
Another possibility is that the key fob in your car was not working due to an issue with the software. In that scenario it is possible to get it working once more by resetting all the keys in your car according to the owner's manual's instructions (or searching for one online).
You can also ask an auto locksmith to carry out the reprogramming of your remote fob. This process usually takes about a minute and will spare you from paying for a new car key fob.
Smart Keys
You can't imagine anything worse than reaching into your pocket or bag to discover that you've lost your car keys. It can create stress, anxiety and even panic.
It's good to know that replacing lost car key your car keys isn't as expensive or difficult as they used to be. This is especially true if you're using fobs to open and start your car. Fobs can also come with other options, like a trunk opener or remote engine starters, which make it easier to enter and drive.
Smart keys are the most sophisticated key type and offer drivers an abundance of convenience. They activate a proximity detector in the car, which lets you to unlock and lock your door with tapping or pressing a button on your phone. You can also remotely start the engine to warm up or cool the interior prior to entering. The majority of newer vehicles come with a smart key as the default choice.
The same technology that makes smart keys more practical also increases the chance of losing them. You can take steps to prevent losing a smart key by keeping it in your pocket, or by having a backup fob. However, if you lose yours, you'll need to contact your dealer or auto locksmith who offers fob replacement to get a replacement.
The positive side is that smart keys were designed with specific scenarios in mind. If you misplace your key in the trunk, for example it will still function as long as the vehicle battery is fully charged. If you lose your smart key while on a trip and don't know where it is, many systems will notify the driver that the car is at risk of being locked.
If you're in search of a car key fob replacement You can get in touch with a company like Keyway Lock Service to get an alternative key quickly and quickly. You can also request your local dealer to order a replacement key for you, however it could cost more than having an auto locksmith do it.