How to Replace a Lost Car Key
The loss of your car keys can be a major trouble. Calling your local dealer or locksmith is usually the best method to begin. To make a new key, they'll require proof of ownership along with the old one.
This is not always the most cost-effective method to travel.
Traditional Keys
Traditional metal car keys were the first type of key for vehicles. They have grooves that fit into slots within the ignition. The key is then put into the ignition cylinder and turned to start the car. If you lose a traditional key, it will cost less than other keys to obtain a replacement.
You can contact an automotive locksmith to get a new traditional key made while you are waiting. They will need to know your vehicle's make and model along with the year it was made. The locksmith may also need proof of ownership to confirm your right to purchase keys.
If you own a more recent vehicle, it's likely to have a transponder key. They cost more to replace, but they are more safe from theft. The plastic head of a transponder keys contains an electronic chip that communicates with your car's computer system to ensure that only the right key can be used to start the car.
The chips in modern transponder keys are typically programmed with a specific code when the car is sold for the first time. Some of them use rolling codes that send an individual code each time they are used, making it very difficult for thieves to duplicate the key. It is important to keep your transponder keys in a secured place if you have an automobile equipped with one.
Transponder keys last longer than traditional 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 dealership to obtain the replacement. You'll need to provide your VIN, a 17-digit number that informs the dealer about the vehicle it is compatible with.
You'll also have to provide the serial number of your car. This number is usually found on a label on the door to the driver's side or an entry in your owner's manual. It's important to have these numbers handy since they can help find your car if it is lost or stolen.
Transponder Keys
If you own a vehicle built in the past 20 years or so, it is likely that your key has transponder chips. These tiny pieces of technology are programmed for your particular car, meaning only you are able to start it. The transmission will lock your car if it detects the key does not match the code. This is to ensure that only the owner is able to start the vehicle.
They are a fantastic feature for your car as they deter theft of cars. Hot wiring is a method that thieves have employed to start vehicles. When cars started using transponder chip technology making it more difficult to steal the car since the criminal required a key that was the right one in order to send a signal to start the vehicle.
If you have a traditional key and you lose it, a local locksmith can cut you a new one on the spot and erase the old one from your vehicle's system. If you own an transponder key or fob, you'll need go to the dealer to purchase a new one. This is because the dealer needs to know your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) in order to purchase the appropriate key for your particular vehicle.
This is because they be required to verify that the key that they are ordering for you is paired with your vehicle to be able to start it and unlock your doors. You'll also have to show evidence of ownership such as your registration or title to receive the replacement key from the dealer. This could make this kind of replacement a bit more expensive, but in the end, it's worth it when you consider that your vehicle's key could have been stolen. If you're worried about the cost of replacing your car key, you should see if it is covered under your warranty or insurance. If not, you'll need to take your vehicle to the dealer to have it towed. You can also purchase the key from the manufacturer.
Fob Keys
The latest kind of car key has been designed to function as remotes, allowing drivers to open doors and start engines without needing to insert traditional keys into the ignition. These keys, also known as keyless entry or remote control keys, are generally less expensive to replace than the older traditional versions. They're not completely safe, but neither are any other electronic devices used by consumers. They're also easy for people to lose and they can cease to function over time as they are lost in your purse or pocket.
Fobs emit an electronic code that enables the driver to open and start the car. When the fob is tapped on the car's sensor, the code is read and the doors will open and the engine is started. Certain fobs include additional features such as a button that summons the car (similar to the Tesla summon feature).
If you lose your key fob, the initial thing to do is make sure that the keys aren't in the locked compartment of your purse or bag. If they aren't there, then go through your daily routine to determine the places you could have lost the keys. Check your pockets, in bags you carried in your bag, and on countertops or other surfaces. You might be able to locate your keys where you put them, or where you placed them when you went to get something.
You can buy replacement key fobs on the internet, however they need to be programmed for your vehicle. Some key fobs, like those used by Audi or Subaru, need to be reprogrammed at the dealership. G28 Car Keys is that roadside assistance organizations like AAA can often help in this regard, too.
If you do decide to purchase a new key fob, comparison shop. Some retailers will cut and program a fob bought elsewhere for less than what they charge to do the same thing at the dealer. It is also possible to replace the outer shells of some fobs that are key with the electronics in good working order. Examine your car insurance policy or auto club membership to see if you have any coverage that will cover this.
Keys that are chipped Keys
Cars have become more technologically advanced over time, which has lead to more sophisticated car keys. These newer keys cannot be duplicated by a locksmith. They require a specialized machine. This means it will be more expensive to replace lost car keys if they're equipped with chips in them.
If you lose your transponder chip or it is stolen from you, then you will need to contact the local dealership to request a replacement. This is because they keep a record of security information in their system and can pair the new chip to your vehicle without too much hassle. The process can take a few more days because the dealer has to obtain the key directly from the manufacturer.
The good news is that it's possible to have a duplicate of the transponder chip of your car by an experienced locksmith. It's more complicated than taking your car to a dealership however, you'll save a lot of cash in the end. You'll need your vehicle's VIN number to request an additional copy. You can find this number on your insurance policy or the sticker inside the driver's door jamb.
You'll also require a copy of your old key to take to the locksmith. The locksmith can then match the key cuts. If you're unable to find the old key, then look in the trunk or other places where it might be hidden. Take a look in your bags and pockets. You never know where you hid your keys, or the possibility that they fell out of your bag when you were searching for something else.
If you're unable to locate your car keys, you should immediately start looking for them. First, make sure that you haven't left keys at home or in the office. Then, take a close look at your day to determine if they may have been misplaced. After you've checked your bags and cleaned out your pockets then it's time to apply more advanced search methods.