10 Top Mobile Apps For Car Key Lost
How to Find a Car Key Lost
If keys to your car are lost, it's a big issue. Replacing keys can cost several hundred dollars depending on the type of key and what features are included.
For traditional keys made of metal you can usually locate a replacement at an hardware store or locksmith. For smart keys, you'll need locate your vehicle identification number (VIN) and then visit an auto dealer to purchase a new one and have it paired to your vehicle.
Identifying your keys
The most stressful thing that could occur to any driver is losing their car keys. When you reach into your bag or pocket and cannot find keys, it's difficult to know what to do. To locate your keys, it is best to remain in a calm state and follow a step by step approach.
Begin by identifying what kind of car key you have. If you have a traditional mechanical key that operates the locks it is possible to have a locksmith make a copy at an affordable price. You can also get a replacement key with a dealer however, it's usually more expensive.
The majority of modern cars have a smart key which activates a sensor in the car to allow keyless entry and ignition. These keys are more difficult to lose because they have built-in features that keep the track of the location of the key. If you have a smart key, it's crucial to ensure that you keep it in your pocket at all times or it will be hard to find.
Check your usual hiding places first before relocating to a different location. Check your pockets in your coat as well as in your shoes and in any bags you've carried around throughout the day. You could also consider walking back through the day and following your steps to determine where you may have lost the key.
You should contact a dealer or locksmith for assistance if have exhausted all options, but you are still unable to locate your car key. They'll make a replacement for you, provided that you can prove ownership. You can also go to Home Depot to have a basic key copied if you're driving a model which doesn't have transponder chips.
Even if you don’t lose your keys frequently it's an excellent idea to keep a spare key on hand. There are a number of ways to do this but the majority involve giving a duplicate to a trusted friend or family member. Another alternative is to purchase the Bluetooth key tracker that can be put on your keys and linked to an app that will tell you where your keys are at any time.
Making an Copy
A key is an essential component of a car and it's easy to lose. Many car owners are in situations when they lose their keys or have them stop working at the most inconvenient time. If it's at a gas station, or when loading groceries into the trunk or after a long day at work the loss of keys can be very stressful and annoying.
If you have an extra key, it can be a lifesaver during these situations. If you don't have an extra key it is possible to easily and cheaply make duplicate keys at many hardware stores or locksmiths. It's also recommended to keep an extra key in your wallet, just in case!
Many people believe that they need to go to the dealer to get a brand new car key. However, this is not always true. The complexity of the key and the type you have will determine how it works.
Modern cars have keys that are more than just steel blades. They are equipped with chips that require programming to start the car. These are not the kind of keys that you simply cut at a self-service kiosk at the mall, and they do not work with other keys.
The easiest method of making an exact copy of a key is to go to your local AutoZone and let an associate use a machine to detect the contours of the key, then match it up to an uncut key and cut it for you. This is a very simple procedure, and will only take a few minutes to complete. Some locations even have a tool that can program the key for your particular model of vehicle.
You can also purchase copies of your car keys at family-owned hardware stores, big chain stores for home improvement and even some grocery stores. It is important to note that these copies are only suitable for the doors and ignitions of your vehicle and not the remote keys. You should contact an expert locksmith to duplicate a smart key, or a dealer's chip key. The keys must be created by a professional who has the appropriate equipment and tools.
Replacement
There are several options for getting a replacement car key when it is lost. You can go to the dealership that sells your car or you can go to an automotive locksmith. Each option will cost you a different amount. It also depends on the type of key your vehicle is equipped with. Some cars have the basic double-edged key while others are more complex.
You can get the list of locksmiths for cars in your local area by conducting an online search. You need to find an auto locksmith that is specialized and has an auto division. You can then contact them to inquire about making an original key. Some of them have mobile units that can visit your location and create a key on the spot. This is a great option for when you already have keys that do not come with a chip.
A lot of cars today have keys that are tiny electronic device that lets you lock and unlock your vehicle from a distance. The fob can also be used to start your engine and control some other features in your car. A fob is easily lost. There are ways to prevent this from happening, for example keeping a spare fob in your pocket.
The dealership can replace your car keys for you However, they could be expensive. They may also charge you an extra fee for this service, which is the reason many prefer to go with an automotive locksmith instead. Some of these companies are specialized in replacing car keys. This can be a cheaper alternative than going to a dealer.
If you own a smart key, you'll have to bring your car back to the dealer to have it replaced. The dealer will need to program your new key. This usually involves opening/closing doors, or turning off/on lights and electronics. You will be asked to supply the VIN number of your car along with a photo ID as well as any other keys you have.
what to do if lost car keys of a car keys is always a source of frustration, but it can be even more so if you are on a tight schedule and you need to get somewhere. There's no need to be worried. Make sure you look for your keys with care and get an identification label for your keys to make them easier to locate and also to think about buying an extra fob to prevent this occurring again.
Get Assistance
Sometimes, we're distracted or in a hurry and end up losing keys to our cars. When you drop them in the river while fishing or leave them in an eatery while you're out for a meal, these types of accidents happen and can be a hassle to manage. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to avoid these scenarios from happening in the future and to minimize the damage when they do occur.
It is recommended to always have a spare set of keys readily available. This can help avoid the difficulty of retracing your steps or paying for costly locksmith services. Another option is to invest in an electronic key-finder that can help you find your lost keys quickly. These tags can be purchased on the internet for a reasonable price.
If you have a car which use keys that are mechanical it is possible to get a new key cut at a number of hardware stores for only a few dollars. However, a lot of cars today utilize key fobs with a lot of technology integrated into. These can be very expensive to replace in the event of losing them.
If you have roadside assistance coverage and the insurance company will pay for a locksmith to come out and create an original copy. Based on the type of key you have it could be cheaper than the cost of creating a new key at a dealership.
You can also contact the dealership where you purchased your car to inquire whether they can help you create an entirely new key. It can be more costly than hiring a locksmith, but it is more stress-free to work with a dealer you are familiar with.
The final alternative is to have locksmiths deprogram the old key so that it doesn't work anymore. This is a risky procedure, so it's probably best to hire a professional to do this for you. Certain locksmiths can perform this without having to remove the key, but it is usually easier to let the dealership do it so you can be sure it's done correctly.