Replacing Lost Car Keys
It is a common problem to lose your car keys. It can be a hassle. Contacting an auto locksmith that specializes in cars is the quickest and most cost-effective method to get a new key.
You don't have to show proof of ownership. This will save you time and money versus visiting the dealer.
Basic Keys
It was the case that losing keys to your car wasn't a big deal, and in many cases it isn't. As automobiles have advanced and sophisticated, so have keys. The procedure of replacing a lost car key has become more complicated and expensive.
You can purchase an alternative key in the event that you lose yours or if someone steals the keys. The procedure will differ according to the type and model of the car you use and also the kind of key. If you have a traditional key or a fob for instance the process will differ and the cost will also differ.
The traditional key is mechanical, and operates by inserting it into the lock cylinder for ignition to turn on the car. These types of keys can be replaced by an automotive locksmith who will usually be able to create keys immediately. They'll need to see evidence of ownership, such as the registration or title in order to be able to do this, though.
The majority of traditional keys can be used with key fobs. Key fobs work as remotes and permit you to control certain functions of your vehicle. To replace a basic key with a key fob, you'll need a professional auto locksmith who has the equipment to cut the key and program the code to your specific car model.
In some cases it's possible to buy replacement keys and key fobs online for a fraction of the price you'd pay at your dealer. It's important to research and shop around the kind of keys you have before making a purchase online. Some shops may not have the correct equipment for your car model.
If you own a smart key, which functions like a remote and requires a button to be pressed in order to start your vehicle, you'll have to visit the dealer in order to get a replacement. The keys are costly to replace, but are usually covered by the warranty on the car you own.
Transponder Keys
As cars have become more technologically advanced, so too are the keys that accompany them. Many older vehicles still have metal keys. However, the majority of newer cars come with transponder keys. This type of key features an embedded microchip that must be programmed to function. This makes it harder for thieves to duplicate the key and hot wire.
A transponder key is called a chip key and is named from the electronic chip placed inside the head of the key. These keys are now the standard for most newer car models and are designed to protect against vehicle theft by making it impossible to start a car without a key. The key's immobilizer function is activated by the transponder, which transmits a signal when it is used.
If you have a spare transponder keys then you can contact an automotive locksmith to get it cloned. The process is fairly simple, but the cost will be more expensive than if you just needed to have a new transponder key made. The locksmith must make sure that the key cylinder is repaired and then disassemble the mechanism before they can create the duplicate.
The positive side is that if you don't have an extra key, your locksmith should be able to make you a non-transponder-only key that will unlock and operate your vehicle. The locksmith can accomplish this by copying the information from the transponder on your lost key onto an uncut key. The key will need to be programmed to respond to the immobilizer of your vehicle however, at the very least, you won't have to go through the difficulty of starting it.
It is important to keep in mind that while a transponder can help prevent car theft, nothing is 100% secure. Even with lost car keys , thieves have discovered ways to start stolen vehicles. If you own a luxurious car or a family car, keep a spare key in a secure place.
Fob Keys
Modern key fobs are designed to do more than start and unlock the car. They also serve as convenience devices, and even deter theft. But all that functionality comes with a price: Fob keys are pricier than traditional car keys and are more difficult to replace in the event of loss or damaged.
Fobs transmit radio signals using an encoded codes to a receiver in the vehicle. The receiver then performs functions like locking or unlocking doors, re-starting the motor, and triggering security systems in the vehicle. Fobs also come with a small metal key in them that can be used to open the doors or lock the ignition, in case the key fob is unable to function properly.
While some experts suggest keeping a physical backup key handy to prevent theft but, in the majority of cases, your best bet is to visit a dealership. A dealer can make an alternative key fob for the vehicle that is programmed using the VIN number that is stored in a file. You'll also get the additional security of a backup system that is mechanical.
It's also important to understand that most modern car key fobs can't be replaced by a corner locksmith due to the fact that they require advanced technology that locksmiths don't have. The cost of replacing the car key fob can be as high as $400, dependent on the manufacturer and model.
Replace the battery first in case your key fob doesn't work correctly. Many manufacturers include instructions on how to do this on their website or in the owner's manual. Hardware stores and big-box retailers also sell affordable key fob batteries.
Another possibility is that your car's key fob has stopped working due to an issue with the software. In that scenario it is possible to get it to work once more by resetting all the keys in your vehicle according to the instructions of the owner's manual (or searching for one online).
You can also request an auto locksmith to carry out an update to your remote fob. This process usually takes only a few minutes, and it will save you from paying for an entirely new car key fob.
Smart Keys
There aren't many things more frustrating than reaching into your pocket or bag and finding you've lost your car keys. It can create stress, anxiety and even anxiety.
It's a good thing that replacing your car keys aren't as difficult or expensive as it used to be. This is especially true if you're using fobs to open or start your vehicle. Fobs also have additional features, such as a trunk opener or remote engine starters, which can make your car easier to enter and drive.
Smart keys are the most advanced keys type and provide drivers with the most convenience. They activate a proximity sensor in the vehicle, allowing you to lock and unlock your car door with a button or tap on your smartphone. You can also remotely start the engine to warm or cool the interior prior to entering. Many newer cars come with smart keys as the default choice.
The same technology that makes smart keys more convenient also increases your chances of losing them. You can prevent losing a smart key by having it with you, or by having a backup fob. If you lose yours, you'll have to contact your dealer or auto locksmith that can provide fob replacement services to get an alternative.
The good thing is that smart keys are designed with specific scenarios in mind. If you forget your key in the trunk, for example it will work as long as the vehicle battery is fully charged. If you lose your smart key during a journey and aren't sure where it is, most systems will notify the driver that the car is in danger of being locked.
If you're looking for an alternative to your car key fob you can contact a company such as Keyway Lock Service to get a new one quickly and quickly. You can request your local dealer to send you a new key, however, it could cost more than hiring an auto locksmith.