How to Replace a Lost Car Key
Losing your car keys could be a huge problem. Usually, the best way to begin is by calling your local locksmith or dealer. They will require proof of ownership as well as the old key in order to create a new key.
This isn't always the most cost-effective way to travel.
Traditional Keys
Metal keys for cars used to be the most commonly used. They have grooves that fit into slots in the ignition. The key is then inserted into the ignition and turned to start the car. If what do you think have lost a traditional key it is less expensive than other keys to replace them.
You can get a traditional key made by an automotive locksmith while you are waiting. They will need to know the make and model of your car, as well as the year of its manufacture. The locksmith may also require proof of ownership in order to verify your rights to purchase keys.
Transponder keys are more common in vehicles that are newer. They are a little more expensive to replace than conventional keys, but they're more safe from theft. The plastic head of the transponder key is equipped with an electronic chip which communicates with the computer system of your vehicle to ensure that it can only be initiated with the appropriate key.
The chips that are used in modern transponder keys are generally programmed with a specific code when the car is sold for the first time. Some use rolling codes that send a different code every time it's used, making it difficult for thieves to duplicate them. If you own a contemporary car with a transponder key that you keep, make sure to keep it in a secure place.
Transponder keys last longer than conventional metal keys, however they are more expensive to replace in the case of an eventual loss. If you lose a transponder lock, you'll need to contact the dealer to request the replacement. You'll have to provide your VIN (a 17-digit number) that tells the dealer which car it's compatible with.
You will also need to provide your car's serial number. The serial number is usually found on a sticker that is placed on the door of the driver or on the owner's manual. These numbers are crucial as they can assist you in finding your vehicle in the event that it is stolen or lost.
Transponder Keys
If you own a vehicle manufactured in the past 20 years or so, it is likely that your key has transponder chips. These tiny bits of technology are programmed to your particular car, so that only its owner is able to start it. To make sure that the correct key is used to start your car, the transmission will lock if it detects that the code in your key is not compatible with its code.
These keys are ideal for your car because they can deter theft of cars. Hot wiring is a method that car thieves have used to get cars started. However, when cars began with transponder chips, it became much more difficult to steal them because the thief needs to have the correct key to send the signal needed to start your car.
Luckily, if you have a traditional key and you lose it, a locksmith in your area can cut you a new one right away and delete your old one from your vehicle's system. If you have a transponder key or a fob, you'll have to visit the dealership to replace it. This is because the dealer must 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 purchase for you is compatible with your car to be capable of starting it and unlock its doors. You'll also have to provide proof of ownership, such as your registration or title in order to receive the replacement key from the dealership. This kind of replacement might be a little more expensive but it's worth it when you consider the possibility that your car key was stolen. If you're worried about the cost of replacing your lost car key, you should whether it is covered by your warranty or insurance. If not, you'll need to bring your car to a dealer to have it towed, and get the key from the manufacturer.
Fob Keys
The newest kind of car keys are designed to function like remotes, letting drivers open the doors and start the engine without having to insert traditional keys into the ignition. These keys, also known as remote control or keyless entry keys, are typically less expensive to replace than the old traditional type of keys. They are not indestructible however, nor are other electronic gadgets for consumers. They are also susceptible to theft and stop working as they move around in your bag or pocket.
Fobs emit a code electronic that allows drivers to unlock and start their vehicle. When the fob is placed on an inside sensor it reads the code and the doors open and the engine is started. Certain fobs come with additional features, such as a button that calls the car (similar to the Tesla summon feature).
If you lose a key fob, the first step is to ensure that your keys aren't in a locked bag or purse. If they're not in your possession, look through your day and see where you may have lost them. You can also check your pockets, in any bags you might have or on surfaces like counters and other surfaces. You may be able find your keys where you left them or briefly put them in your bag when you went to get something.
You can purchase replacement keys on the internet, but they must be programmed to work with your particular vehicle. Some, like the ones used by Audi and Subaru need visiting a dealership for them to be reprogrammed according to match your specific key. The good news is that roadside assistance companies such as AAA can often help in this regard, too.
If you do decide to purchase a new key fob, comparison shop. Some retailers will program and cut a fob purchased elsewhere for less money than they would charge for the same thing at the dealer. Certain key fobs may be replaced with just the outer shell and leave the electronics in good condition. Check your car-insurance policy or auto club membership to find out if you have any coverage that covers this.
Chipped Keys
In the past few years, automobiles have become increasingly technologically advanced. This has led to more sophisticated keys. Contrary to traditional keys that could be duplicated at the locksmith, modern keys require a specially-designed machine to duplicate. It is more expensive to replace the lost car key using chip.
If you lose your transponder chip or it is stolen from you, then you'll need to contact the local dealership to get an alternative. They can do this since they keep a record of your security details and can connect the new chip to your vehicle with no hassle. The process can take a few days, however, since the dealer must purchase the key from the manufacturer and it will likely take some time to receive it.
The good news is that it is possible to have a duplicate made for the transponder chip of your car by an expert locksmith. It is a little more complex than taking your car to a dealer however you'll save a lot of cash in the end. To get an additional key, you will need the VIN number of your vehicle. This number is located on your insurance policy, or on the sticker on the driver's side of the door jamb.
You'll need to bring a duplicate of the old key with you. This way, the locksmith can match the cuts made by the key. If you are unable to find your old key, then try looking in the trunk or other places where it could be hidden. You can also search your bags and pockets. You never know where you put your keys or the possibility that they fell out of your bag while you were searching for something other.
It is imperative to immediately start searching for your car keys if they aren't there. find them. To begin with, check to make sure that you did not leave keys at home or in the office. Then, carefully review your entire day to determine the possibility of having lost them. After you've checked your bags and emptied your pockets then it's time to apply more sophisticated search techniques.