Replacing Lost Keys to a Car

Nothing disrupts your day like losing your car keys. You start retracing your steps and wonder if they fell into a crack or were left by the barista at the coffee shop.

Replacing keys lost can be costly, depending on the kind of car you own. You may need take your vehicle to a dealer or pay an locksmith.

What to Do?

We all get so busy working on school drop off and pickup and work, grocery store trips dinner dates with our friends, and a myriad of other things on our to-do lists that things can get lost. It could be anything from your most cherished pair of sunglasses to your keys or debit card. And one of the most frustrating and annoying things to lose is your car keys.

It's best not to panic if you lose your keys. You will likely be able to find them somewhere close by, especially in case they're lying on the ground or on the seat. If you've determined that the keys are not in your purse or wallet You can contact a locksmith or visit the dealership. The dealer will require your vehicle identification number (VIN), so they can purchase and connect your new key electronically with your car. It could take a few days.

A traditional double-edged car key is quite simple to replace lost car keys or make duplicates of. You can usually get them made at a local hardware store with just a VIN and evidence of ownership (like the registration or title) and many locksmiths for cars are also able to make it on site. Key fobs are more difficult to replace lost car keys, as they have security features that can be linked up with your vehicle. They also require a dealer purchased key.

Keyless ignition keys

Many new vehicles feature keyless ignition systems, which have the traditional metal insert car keys replaced by a tiny electronic device known as fob. Key fobs can open your doors and start the engine, but it must be located in close proximity to the vehicle to be able to do this. The system is different between models, with push buttons, rocker-type switches that need to be turned over, and rotary switches that must be rotated similar to the way a traditional ignition switch is turned with the use of a key.

Although keyless ignition can make it easier to access and exit your vehicle, it's not without its disadvantages. Some drivers have abandoned their cars running in enclosed spaces, such as garages. In some instances this has led to carbon monoxide poisoning or rollaway accidents.

There are ways to avoid this. Certain keyless systems can sound an alarm or blare the horn if key fobs leave the car when the engine is running. Certain systems also turn off the engine if you remove the key fob out of the range of.

Certain models also require you to push a button or turn a dial to "park" the vehicle before you shut off the engine. This will allow you to ensure that your car is completely off and the parking brake is activated. Look through your owner's manual for detailed instructions on how to operate your model's keyless entry system.

Standard Keys

We've all been there: you reach for your bag or pocket and you can't find your keys. Your plans for the evening -- changing into your favorite sweats and eating pizza, binging your latest show -- are in doubt.

Luckily, the traditional key is still in use. These keys, which are made of plain-cut metal are easy to replace with an locksmith for your automobile if you have an official form of identification or a valid ID. They are also much harder to be stolen than the latest types of keys for cars. They are less likely to get lost keys in car or accidentally locked in your car.

The drawback to traditional keys is that they have no tracker like many smart keys. They are more prone to theft and lost. However you can purchase aftermarket trackers to help find them in the event that they are lost or stolen.

If your car has an tibbe-type key, a cylindrical key that is more challenging to duplicate than traditional car keys, it's important to know that only the dealer can make a new replacement. If you lose your tibbe keys, you will need to call roadside assistance and they will tow your vehicle to the dealer to get an alternative. However, if you only have a standard key, an automotive locksmith can drive to your location and locksmith give you a new one right there.

Key Fobs

Modern key fobs are extremely difficult to lose, and can be costly to replace. They come with a remote that locks or unlocks the car door with a transponder that allows features like push-button beginning. A majority of them come with a switchblade that allows you to tuck in the key blade when you're not using it.

Replacing the standard key is typically easy enough for a locksmith in the auto to do and may cost as low as $10. For more sophisticated key fobs however, it is necessary to use a special device to reprogram the replacement or spare key to be compatible with your vehicle. These machines are typically only available through certain dealerships, and may be an additional. Some key fobs also need a specific combination of button presses or turns on the remote to perform the function. There are instructions in the owner's manuals of some models or on the internet.

Most car dealers and automotive locksmiths are equipped to handle this kind of job. Examine your car's warranty or insurance policy as well as your auto club membership to see whether it covers replacement of your key fob. If not you can still prepare to pay the cost by having a second fob programmed prior to the time. Also, having a spare could help you avoid being without a car if your fob or keys go missing.