Replacing Lost Car Keys
Lost car keys are a frequent issue that can be very frustrating. The most cost-effective, efficient and fastest method of getting an additional key is to contact an auto locksmith who is specialized in automobiles.
You will not need to provide proof of ownership. This will save you time and money over having to visit the dealer.
Basic Keys
In the past, losing car keys was not a big issue. And in many cases, it still not a major issue. As automobiles have become more technologically advanced and so have keys, and the replacement of a lost car key is more complex and costly than it was before.
If you've lost your keys or someone has taken them, you can generally find a way to get a new one, but the procedure for getting them can differ according to the kind of car you have and the type of key you own. If you're using a traditional key or a fob key, for example, the process will differ, and the price will vary.
Traditional keys are purely mechanical and work by inserting them into the ignition lock cylinder in order to start the vehicle. A locksmith for automotive can repair these keys and often will be capable of making an entirely new key on the spot. To accomplish this, they'll require proof of ownership like the registration or title.
The majority of traditional key sets can be used with key fobs. These key fobs act as remotes and permit you to control certain functions of your vehicle. To replace an ordinary key with a keyfob you'll need to go to an auto-locksmith professional who has the right equipment to cut the key to fit your car model and program the code.
In certain instances, it may be possible to buy keys and key fobs online for less than the cost you would pay at your dealer. However, it's important to research the type of key you own and shop around before making a purchase online as not all stores have the appropriate equipment to fit all makes of cars.
You'll need to go to the dealer to replace a smart key. These keys behave like remote controls, and require a button be pressed to start the car. They 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 come with them. Some older vehicles still have keys made of metal. However, the majority of newer automobiles come with transponder keys. This kind of key is equipped with an embedded microchip that must be programmed to work. This makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate and hot wire.
Transponder keys are also known as chip keys. They get their name from the embedded electronic chip in the head of the car key. lost car key with no spare have become the standard for many newer models of cars and are designed to prevent vehicle theft by making it impossible to start your car without the proper key. The key's immobilizer is activated by the transponder, which sends a signal when used.
You can have your transponder key copied by an automotive locksmith. lost keys to car no spare is straightforward, but it will cost you more than if you were to purchase a replacement key for a non-transponder. This is because the locksmith will have to repair the cylinder of the key's cuts and also take the mechanism apart before they can make a duplicate.
Even if it is not possible to have a spare key, your locksmith at the automotive store can create an alternative key that isn't transponder-based. This key will permit you to unlock and operate your car. They can do this by analyzing the information contained in the transponder on your lost key and then copying it to a new blank key. The key will need to be programmed to the immobilizer on your car however, at least you won't need to deal with the trouble of trying to start it.
It's important to keep it in mind that although transponders can deter car theft, nothing is impervious to theft. Even with this technology, thieves have discovered ways to get stolen vehicles to start. If you own a luxurious car or a family sedan, make sure you keep an extra key in a safe place.
Fob Keys
Created to do more than unlock and start the car, modern-day high-tech key fobs also double as convenience devices, and even as theft deterrents. All this functionality comes at cost. Fob keys cost more than traditional car keys and are more difficult to replace in the event of being damaged or lost.
Fobs send radio signals with encoded code to a receiver in the vehicle. The receiver then performs functions such as locking or unlocking doors, re-starting the motor, and activating vehicle security systems. Fobs also come with a small metal key inside that can be used to open the doors or close the ignition in the event the key fob is unable to function properly.
Although 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 create an alternate key fob for your vehicle that is programmed using the VIN number that is stored in a file. Additionally, you'll have the added security of a mechanical back-up.
That said, it's important to know that the majority of modern car key fobs can't be repaired by a corner locksmith because they require sophisticated technology that locksmiths do not have. The cost of replacing a car key fob today can be up to $400, depending on the brand and model.
Replace the battery first if the key fob doesn't work properly. Many manufacturers include instructions on how to do this on their website or in the owner's manual, and hardware stores and big-box retailers also sell affordable key fob batteries.
A software problem could be the reason why your remote key fob in your car has stopped working. If this is the case, you may be able to resolve the issue by resetting the keys in your car according to the instructions included in the owner's manual (or looking online for one).
A locksmith can also re-program your key fob remotely. This process typically takes about a minute and will spare you from paying for a new car key fob.
Smart Keys
There's nothing more embarrassing than reaching into your pocket or bag and finding the keys to your car. It can cause anxiety, stress and even panic.
It's good to know that changing your car keys isn't as costly or complicated as they were in the past. This is especially true if you're using fobs to open and start your vehicle. Fobs can also come with additional features, such as a remote engine starter or trunk openers that help you drive and access the vehicle.
Smart keys are the most advanced key type and provide drivers with an abundance of convenience. They activate a proximity detector in the car, which lets you to lock and unlock your door with just one tap or a push on your phone. You can also remotely start the engine to heat or cool the interior prior to entering. Many newer cars come with smart keys as the default choice.
Unfortunately the same technology that makes these keys more convenient for you can also increase the risk of them being lost. While there are ways to prevent a lost smart key, including keeping it with you or having a backup fob, you will need to call your dealership or locate an auto locksmith that offers fob replacements to get an additional one.
Smart keys are designed to work in specific situations. If you misplace your keys in the trunk, for instance it will still function for as long as the car battery is fully charged. If you have lost your smart key and have no clue where it's located it will be alerted by the system to the driver if the car is at risk of becoming 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 an additional one quickly and quickly. You could also contact your local car dealer to order a new key for you, but this could be more expensive than hiring an auto locksmith assist you.