replacing Lost car key Lost Car Keys

Keys for cars that are lost are a common issue that can be very frustrating. Contacting an auto locksmith that has a specialization in car locksmiths is the fastest and most cost-effective way to get a new key.

You won't need to show proof of ownership. You will save time and money by not having to go to the dealer.

Basic Keys

In the past, losing car keys was not an a major problem. In many cases, replacing lost car key it is still not. As cars have become more advanced and so have their keys. The replacement process for a lost car key with no spare car key has become more complicated and costly.

If you've lost your keys, or someone has stolen them it is likely that you will find a way to get an alternative one, however the procedure for getting them can differ according to the type of car you drive and the type of key you have. If you're using an old-fashioned key or fob key, for example the process will be different and the cost will differ.

Traditional keys are purely mechanical and operate by inserting them into the ignition lock cylinder to turn on the vehicle. Keys of this kind can be replaced by an automotive locksmith, who is usually in a position to make a new key on the spot. To accomplish this, they'll require proof of ownership like the registration or title.

Most traditional key sets are also compatible with key fobs, which act as remotes that allow you to operate specific functions within your vehicle. If you want to replace a standard key with a key fob, you'll need to go to an auto locksmith professional who has the tools to cut the key and program the code to your particular car model.

You might be able to purchase replacement keys and key fobs for less than the price you pay to your dealer. It's important to research and shop around the kind of keys you have before making an online purchase. Not all shops will have the appropriate equipment for your particular car model.

You'll have to visit the dealer to replace a smart key. These keys behave like remote controls, and require a button to be pressed in order to start the car. These keys are among the most expensive to replace, but they are usually covered under the warranty on your car.

Transponder Keys

As cars have become more technologically advanced, so do the keys that accompany them. While many older vehicles still utilize regular metal keys however, the majority of newer vehicles include a transponder keys. This kind of key is equipped with an embedded microchip that must be programmed in order to work. This makes them harder for thieves to duplicate and makes them much harder to heat wire.

Transponder keys are also called chip keys and get their name from the embedded electronic chip inside the head of the car key. Keys like these are now standard on most newer models of cars. They stop theft of vehicles by preventing the car to be started without the right key. The transponder on the key sends a signal to the immobilizer of your car when it is used, and this is what allows it to start.

You can have your spare transponder key cloned by a locksmith for cars. The process is simple but it will cost you more than if you purchase a replacement key for a non-transponder. This is because the locksmith has to repair the cylinder of the key's cuts and then take the mechanism apart before they can create an identical key.

The good news is that even when you don't have a spare key, your locksmith is likely to be able of making you a non-transponder key that will unlock and operate your vehicle. The locksmith can do this by copying the information from the transponder of your lost key onto a blank key. The key will still need to be programmed to the immobilizer in your vehicle however, at the very least, you won't have to go through the trouble of trying to start it.

While transponder keys do assist in preventing theft of cars, it's important to remember that no device is foolproof. Even with this technology, thieves have discovered ways to start stolen vehicles. If you're driving a high-end luxury vehicle or trusty family sedan, it's always recommended to keep a spare key in a safe location.

Fob Keys

Created to do more than just unlock and start the car, modern-day high-tech key fobs also double as convenience devices and even thieves deterrents. But all that functionality comes at a price key fobs are more expensive than traditional car keys and more difficult to replace if lost or damaged.

Fobs transmit radio signals with encoded codes to a receiver inside the car, which acts as a lock or unlocking doors and starting the engine and activating the vehicle's security system. The fobs contain a tiny key that is embedded within them that can be used in the event the fob is not functioning correctly.

While some experts suggest keeping a backup key handy to prevent theft but, in the majority of cases the best option is to visit a dealer. A dealer is able to create a replacement car key fob that's programmed to your vehicle using the VIN number that is on file, and you'll also have the added reassurance of a mechanical backup.

It's also important to understand that most modern car key fobs can't be repaired by a corner locksmith due to the fact that they require advanced technology that locksmiths don't have. The cost of replacing lost keys to a car a car key fob could be up to $400, depending on the brand and model.

Replace the battery first if the key fob doesn't work properly. Many manufacturers provide instructions on how to do this on their website or in the owner's manual, and hardware stores and big-box retailers also sell low-cost batteries for key fobs.

Another possibility is that your car's key fob was not working due to a software issue. If this is the case, you may be able fix the problem by resetting the keys on your car according to the directions included in the owner's manual (or searching for one online).

You can also ask an automotive locksmith to do a remote reprogramming on your fob. This procedure typically takes just only a few minutes, and it will save you from having to pay for an entirely new car key fob.

Smart Keys

There are few things worse than reaching in your bag or pocket and finding that you've misplaced your car keys. It can create stress, anxiety and even panic.

Fortunately changing your car key isn't as expensive or complicated as it used to be and especially if you have fobs that require an unlock code to start the vehicle. Fobs may also have additional features, such as remote engine starters or trunk openers that allow you to drive and get into a vehicle.

Smart keys are the most advanced keys type and provide drivers with an abundance of convenience. They activate a proximity sensor in the vehicle, which allows you to unlock and lock your car door using the touch of your phone. You can also remotely start the engine to cool or warm the interior before entering. The majority of newer vehicles come with smart keys as the default option.

The same technology that makes smart keys more practical also increases the chance of losing them. You can take steps to prevent losing a smart key by having it on hand, or by having an extra fob. However, if you lose yours, it is best to contact your dealer or auto locksmith that can provide fob replacement to get a replacement.

The good news is that smart keys were designed with specific scenarios in mind. If you put your key in the car's trunk, it will continue to function for as long as the battery is fully charged. Likewise, if you misplace your smart key during a ride and aren't sure where it is, most systems will alert the driver that the car is at risk of being locked.

You can easily and quickly get a replacement car key fob by contacting a company like Keyway Lock Service. You could also request your local dealer to order a new key for you, but this may be more expensive than having an auto locksmith assist you.