What Should You Do If Your Car Keys Go Missing?
Many people keep their keychain with them at all times, in case the unfortunate occur that our car keys are lost or stolen when we least expect it.
Being stuck outside your car with no way to get in or start it can be a terrifying experience. Calling a taxi home and having spare keys with you can help get things moving along, but for some people this might not be possible and they might not have access to one at all. What should you do then?
Are you in search of a new vehicle but have lost all your keys? Don’t fret if this is the case for you.
Car manufacturers did not install sophisticated anti-theft systems in their vehicles until relatively recently. Vehicles had a simple traditional key and lost keys were easy to replace.
Today, nearly every car on the roads has a transponder/chip key system. Sometimes, it even comes with additional security features. Having just any old key will no longer do; to enable your car to start, it must be programmed with your original key – which requires special tools and expert programming knowledge.
Though replacing car keys may seem complex, there are still options available. Ultimately, you have two choices: have your car towed to a dealership or call on a mobile automotive locksmith near you. Both options can provide you with a spare key for your car.
First, visit your nearest dealership.
If you need new keys for your car, a nearby dealership is always your go-to solution. They keep track of your vehicle’s security so they can quickly locate it in their database and provide you with an extra key within minutes.
When purchasing new car keys, an official dealership is your best bet. They possess all of the necessary equipment and expertise to program your key fob. Plus, you can be certain that you’re receiving an original OEM factory transponder rather than a counterfeit version.
This solution is not widely used since dealerships usually charge more for transponder keys and key fobs. Furthermore, you must always set up an appointment in order to have your car towed.
For the second option, contact your local locksmith.
Many people are unaware that locksmiths can also make keys for cars. This misconception is widely held, but you can save up to 50% by calling a local specialist for all lost-key situations.
Car locksmiths are an excellent option because they usually offer mobile emergency service and will come directly to you whenever you require their services. With such rapid response times, waiting for a technician to arrive won’t take long at all.
A knowledgeable car locksmith typically has the most up-to-date equipment for programming car keys and can create duplicate keys or keyless entry fobs on site, just like a local dealer can.
Your local locksmith will likely offer you a lower price than the dealership for replacement keys. Locksmiths are capable of replacing car keys that have been lost through cost-effective methods.
For local locksmith services, this is an ideal option.
- You don’t want to or cannot tow your vehicle.
- You want to save on car keys.
- In an emergency situation, however, you will need to replace those transponder keys right away.
How can I locate a reliable car locksmith in my vicinity?
While it can be tempting to call a local locksmith for convenience and cost efficiency, finding qualified automotive locksmiths can be challenging. Many will offer their services even if they lack expertise in this field.
It is essential to hire a professional locksmith whom you trust and who will do an excellent job. Here are some tips for avoiding unprofessional locksmiths.
Prices with uncertain boundaries and wide price ranges.
A true car key expert won’t try to hide anything; every vehicle is different, but their job remains unchanged. Locksmiths typically know how much they’ll charge per key fob or transponder key, and charge competitive prices when quoting. With just some information about your vehicle and which transponder keys it has, you can usually receive a quote via phone or email within minutes.
Low service calls, such as those for 10$, 29.99$ and 35$ are often indicative of an issue.
Make a good impression by appearing too good to be true. Scammers in locksmithing are creating an issue by using bait-and-switch pricing schemes, leading customers to pay too much for simple jobs like lockouts. Marketplace’s YouTube investigation provides more details about locksmith scams, plus tips on how to avoid getting scammed.
False advertising: Not local service
Are they a local company? Subcontractors are often employed by nationwide call centers, often at higher costs for lower quality services. If someone answers the telephone promptly with their company name and takes your call without waiting for a technician to return it, you can tell if this is a local business.
What is the most reliable way for a locksmith to replace car keys that have been lost?
By law, a locksmith must arrive on-site to verify your ownership. Bring along proof of ownership, an ID document that identifies you and your vehicle number (if applicable), so the process can move more quickly. Don’t worry if your registration is locked inside; professional technicians can easily unlock it for you.
Once you provide all necessary documents, a locksmith can begin work on your vehicle. There are various methods for regaining car keys; it all depends on what type of key you have and the type of security system installed in your car.
Do you think your car remote key, key fob or keyless entry remote has gone missing? There are several potential solutions.
Remote control of car keys is possible with key fobs. Standard remotes lock and unlock, but manufacturers offer additional features like remote control and trunk button. Some models even come with both transponder keys and switchblades. Reprogramming many car remotes without connecting to a diagnostic machine is usually straightforward; however, for certain vehicles such as General Motors you will need to connect a programr for any programming needed. A professional automotive locksmith should be able to assist you here; alternatively you could save money by checking online if your car’s remote can be programmed yourself!
Have you misplaced a Push-To-Start (Smart Key) car key? Here’s what to do:
Dealerships sometimes attempt to lure customers in by promising that they can generate new smart keys for their car, though this usually involves either resetting your modules or replacing them with brand-new ones. Unfortunately, this is not usually a cost-effective solution and they aren’t the only ones capable of providing such keys. If your vehicle has a push-start button, an experienced automotive locksmith can make you a new key at an affordable price. Prices usually fall below what you would find at your local dealer and the job will be done with high quality craftsmanship. Car programmers with extensive expertise are necessary for these jobs. In most cases, using OBD-2 protocol is enough to complete the task; however, in some cases a specialist may need to remove one or more modules from your car in order to obtain correct security components for your key. As this task can be hazardous, it’s best to hire an experienced professional for this task.
It is wise to have a spare key made.
By having a duplicate key, you can avoid being in this unfortunate situation again. Special equipment is used to duplicate keys and match them with master keys. With an extra set of hands, you can ensure your safety at all times and prepare for emergencies.
Related Articles:
https://www.guideautomotive.us/your-car-keys-are-lost
https://www.goautomotive.us/avoid-a-scammy-automotive-locksmith
https://www.autotransportdealers.com/melbourne-car-locksmith-to-avoid-car
https://www.autospeedy.co.uk/tips-on-hiring-a-car-locksmith
https://www.advisorauto.co.uk/automotive-locksmith-could-save
https://www.caraccidentlawpros.com/choose-a-professional-auto-locksmith
