Replacing Lost Car Keys to a Car
You lose your car keys and you feel like your whole day (and evening) is lost. It's not always as bad as it appears.
If you have the original key, or prove ownership of your vehicle through presenting an official registration or title you can replace the key fairly cheaply and easily.
Create an entirely new key
It is never good to lose your car keys. It can cause you to feel stressed and angry. It can also prevent you from getting to where you need to be on time. There are steps you can take to prevent this from happening. The first thing to do is contact locksmiths to have a new key created. They will be able to cut you the new key. The cost of the new key will depend on the model and make of your vehicle.
The most basic key is a car key. It is a metal key that fits into the ignition cylinder to start your car. The key is easy to duplicate and you can get locksmiths or even a hardware store do it. If lost keys of car own an older car, you may need to visit your dealer or manufacturer to purchase a replacement key.
If you have an advanced key, such as an electronic key or a remote key, you'll need to change the programming of your vehicle to work with it. This process can be expensive and can take a long time. You will require a copy of the registration or title to prove that you own the vehicle. The dealer will then program the new key to work with your car.
In the event of a car key lost, it's ideal to keep a spare. You will always be punctual when you have an extra key. If you lose a key, make sure to search for it thoroughly and store it somewhere where it will not be taken.
Keys lost in cars were not a problem in the past, since most people had two sets of keys. However, as cars evolved in terms of technology, so has the cost of replacing them. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle you can anticipate spending a few hundred dollars or more.
Find an auto locksmith near you to save money. They can supply you with a new key and save you from paying for a new key at the dealership. Go through your owner's manual to locate the VIN, that is used to identify the year and model of your car. The VIN is usually located on the dashboard of the car that is driven by the driver, or on a sticker inside the windshield. You'll need this number to purchase an additional key. You can also search for it on your engine block, trunk lid or door frame. You can also locate the number on your registration or insurance card. It can be found by pressing the buttons on your car keys or by contacting your automaker.
Make sure you have a new key programmed
If you have ever lost your car key, you know the importance of replacing it as soon as possible. Also, make sure the new key is properly programmed to stop anyone else from using your car. If you need a new car key, it's best to visit an auto locksmith or dealer. However there are a few things you can do yourself.
There is no guarantee that you will not lose your car keys, but it's important to have a spare on hand. You can purchase the key fob from most hardware stores and most auto parts chains. These devices typically have key fobs that have an internal microchip and can work with your vehicle's ignition. They are available for most kinds and models of automobiles however, you must check the owner's manual for specific instructions.
Consider buying a Bluetooth tracker for your car keys if you ever lose them. These devices are attached to your keychain and emit a signal that is tracked on your smartphone. They can be useful in the event that you lose your keys at the supermarket or when you forget where you put them. You can then open your app and see where your keys have been put in.
A professional locksmith, or dealer will have a device that can program a key for your car. This is a complex procedure that must be carried out properly by a trained technician. You may damage your car's electronic system if you try to do it on your own.
Certain car manufacturers employ technology that requires dealers to create an entirely new key. This is to stop thieves from gaining access to your vehicle using the key they stole. In these cases you must make contact with the dealership to request replacement of the key.
In some vehicles you can program a new vehicle key by yourself. The first step is to find the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). It can be found on all documents that pertain to your vehicle. It is typically found on the title and registration, but it is also available on your insurance card.
Once you have your VIN and have it, you can use it to determine the key programming code. To do this, you'll require a functioning second key. Place the old key in the ignition and then insert the new key. You'll need to move fast, because you only have just a few seconds left to complete the procedure. When the security lamp goes off, the key will be successfully programmed.
It is crucial to remember that you should not attempt to reprogram your car key if it has been reported as lost or stolen. This is a serious offence that can result in penalties, fines and even jail time.
Cut a new key
It was a major issue when you lost your car keys. This is still true in the case of a modern vehicle with programmable key fobs. They're much more complicated to use than standard keys and make it almost impossible for someone else to start your car even if you're not present. That's why it's important to keep a spare key and a method to locate it like a gimmicky key chain or long lanyard, to reduce the chance that you'll lose your key.
If you lose your key, it may be repaired at a dealership or an automotive locksmith depending on the type of key it is. The most common kind is a key made of steel that you insert into the cylinder of ignition to start your car. If you have this type of key, you can usually obtain a replacement from the hardware store or locksmith, and it's affordable to do so.
A lot of newer cars are equipped with transponder chips that make it difficult to duplicate or copy keys. To replace a lost car key with a transponder chip you'll need to go to the dealership where you purchased your vehicle and provide proof of ownership, like the registration or title. The dealer will pair a brand new car key with your vehicle. Once it's programmed, the key will function just as the original.
If your car is fitted with a conventional key, you can often have a new one made at a local locksmith for less than $50. If you have a key with transponder inside then you'll need to go to the dealer to have it re-paired to your vehicle, which could cost upwards of $200.
If you're in a hurry you can also visit an Ace Hardware store and have a new key made for about 50% less than you'd spend at the dealership. But, you'll need bring a key that is working and the blank key to have it copied. A trained associate will trace your key's contours and then cut it in-house using a precise machine. They will then program your new key into your vehicle. This could take a few minutes or even more depending on your vehicle's model and model.