How to Replace a Lost Car Key
It can be a huge trouble to lose your car keys. The best option is calling your local locksmith or dealer. To create a replacement key, they'll need proof of ownership and the old one.
Full Posting is not always the most cost-effective way to travel.
Traditional Keys
Metal keys for cars used to be the most commonly used. They have grooves on both sides which fit into a set of slots in the ignition. The key is placed into the cylinder of ignition and turned to start the car. It is less expensive to replace a traditional key than other kinds.
You can call an automotive locksmith to have a brand new traditional key made while you wait. They will need to know the model and make of your vehicle and the year it was manufactured. The locksmith might also require proof of ownership to confirm your rights to purchase a key.
If you have a recent car, it's likely that you have a transponder key. These are a bit more costly to replace than traditional keys, but they're more secure against theft. The plastic head of a transponder keys contains an electronic chip that communicates with the car's computer system to make sure that only the correct key is able to start it.
When the car is sold the chips inside transponder keys will be programmed using a code. Some of them employ "rolling codes" that transmit an entirely different code each time they are used, making it very difficult for thieves to duplicate them. It is recommended to keep your transponder keys in a secure location if you own an automobile equipped with one.
Transponder keys last longer than conventional metal ones, but are more expensive to replace in the event of the loss. You'll need to call your dealer to request an alternative transponder key in the event that you lose one. You'll need to provide your VIN (a 17-digit number) which tells the dealer what vehicle it is compatible with.
You'll also need to provide the serial number of your car. This number can be found on a sticker that is placed on the driver's door or the owner's manual. These numbers are crucial as they can help you find your vehicle in the event that it is stolen or lost.
Transponder Keys
If you own a vehicle made in the past 20 years or so, it is likely that your key contains a transponder chip. These tiny pieces of technology are programmed to the specific car, so that only its owner can start it. To ensure that the correct key is used to start your car, the transmission will lock if it detects that the code on your key does not match its code.
These keys are a great feature for your car because they discourage car theft. Traditionally, car thieves could just touch two wires and use them to start your car in the process called hot wiring. However, once cars began using transponder chips, it became much more difficult to steal them since the person who steals them must have the correct key to send the signal needed to start your vehicle.
If replacing lost car keys have an old-fashioned key and lose it, a locksmith local to you will cut you a new one on the spot and delete your old one from your vehicle's system. If you own a transponder or a fob, you'll need visit the dealership to purchase a new one. The dealer will require your VIN (Vehicle ID Number) to order the right key for your vehicle.
This is because they need to ensure that the key they are ordering for you is compatible with your particular vehicle in order to begin it and unlock your doors. You will also need to show evidence of ownership such as your registration or title to receive the replacement key from the dealership. This kind of replacement might be a bit more expensive, but it's worth it if you think about the possibility that your vehicle key was stolen. If you're concerned about the cost, check whether your warranty or insurance will cover the cost. If not, you'll have to take your car to the dealer to have it towed. You can also order the key from the manufacturer.
Fob Keys
The most recent kind of car keys are designed to act as remotes, allowing motorists to open the doors and start the engine without needing to insert a traditional key into the ignition. They are also referred to as remote control or keyless entry keys, are typically cheaper to replace than the old traditional type of keys. But, like all pieces of consumer technology they're not a guarantee of durability. They are also easy to lose and can stop working as they move around in your pocket or bag.
Fobs emit an electronic code that enables the driver to unlock and start the vehicle. When they are pressed against a sensor inside the vehicle, it detects that code and enables the doors to open and the engine to start. Certain fobs come with additional features, for instance, a button that calls the car (similar to the Tesla summon feature).
If you lose your key fob, the first thing to do is ensure that your keys aren't in a locked bag or purse. Then, if they are not there, go through your day and consider where you may have lost the keys. You can also check your pockets, in any bags you may have had, or on surfaces such as counters and other surfaces. You might be able to locate your keys in the place they were left or even briefly placed them when you went to purchase something.
You can purchase key fobs replacements on the internet, however they need to be programmed to your specific vehicle. Some, like the ones used by Audi and Subaru, require visiting a dealership for them to be reprogrammed according to your particular key. 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 cut and program the fob they purchase elsewhere for less money than they would for the same thing at the dealer. Certain key fobs may be replaced by replacing only the outer shell, leaving the electronics in good order. Check your car-insurance policy or auto club membership to see whether you have coverage that will cover this.
Keys that are chipped Keys
Cars have become more technologically advanced over time which has resulted in more sophisticated keys for cars. These keys can't be duplicated by a locksmith. They require a specific machine. This means it could be more expensive to replace lost car keys when they are equipped with a chip inside them.
You will need to contact your local dealer in the event that you lose or get it stolen. They can do this since they keep an archive of your security information and can connect the new chip with your vehicle with no hassle. The process may take a few extra days as the dealer needs to obtain the key directly from the manufacturer.
The good thing is that it's possible to get a duplicate of your transponder chip key by an expert locksmith. The process is a bit more complex than taking your car to the dealer, but it will save you a significant amount of money in the end. You'll need your car's VIN number to get an additional copy. The VIN number can be found on your insurance policy or on the sticker on the driver's side of the door jamb.
You will need to bring a copy of the old key along. This way, the locksmith can match the key cuts. If you can't locate your old key, try searching in the trunk or other areas. You can also look in your bags and pockets. You don't know if you put your keys in a place or if you accidentally knocked them out of your bag when trying to find something else.
You must immediately begin looking for your car keys if you cannot locate them. Start by checking to make sure you haven't left them at home or in the office. Then, take a careful look through your entire day to determine if you could have misplaced them. After you've inspected your bags and emptied your pockets, it's time to use more sophisticated search techniques.