10 Things Your Competition Can Inform You About Spare Key Car

Lost Car Key With No Spare? Here's What to Do

Sometimes, we forget keys to our cars when we are working up a sweat. It is important to keep an extra car key in an area that is secure.

Before calling a locksmith, or the dealer where you purchased your car, you'll require some details about your vehicle. This includes the VIN number of your vehicle.

Check your surroundings

It occurs to everyone, whether you're returning home from an exercise session, or catching up with an acquaintance for a cup of coffee. Do not panic when it happens. Instead, retrace your steps. Depending on the location you dropped the key, you may need to wait and go back to the area.

If you're unable to find the keys, it may be time to contact a locksmith. Gather the information that a professional needs to help you. Include the model and make of the vehicle you own, as well as the type of key that you lost. Modern cars are equipped with transponders, also known as remote keys fob, which differs from the older keys.

Start by examining your pockets. If you are at home, check the backpack, purse, or bag where you put your keys. Also, look around areas that are cluttered, such as desks or tabletops. Then, reminisce about your day in your mind. Did you reach in your pocket to get something else, only to pull out your keys? This is more frequent than you think. At the end of this, you may be able to pinpoint exactly where the keys disappeared. If not, you can move on to the next step.

Make sure you check the vehicle

It wasn't long ago that losing the key to your car was not a big deal, as it was kept as one spare car key maker. Locksmiths could create the replacement key quickly and easily. Nowadays things are a bit more complicated. The car keys are more complicated and expensive to replace in case they are lost.

You'll need to first determine which type of car key you have. There are two main types of keys: traditional keys and keyless fobs. Traditional keys are entirely mechanical and require to be inserted into an ignition lock cylinder in order to start your vehicle. Fobs, on the other hand emit an electronic code which is subsequently verified by the vehicle's ECU when you use the key to open or start the engine.

If you have an old-fashioned key it's likely that you'll be able to contact an emergency locksmith and obtain a new one. But if you lost a fob that is keyless, you'll need to visit the dealership of choice to get a replacement programmed for your car. This can take some time, and you'll need to provide proof of ownership (registration or spare car keys title) in order to do so. The dealer will also need to erase the existing chip in your car's system, and pair it with a brand new one.

Call for a locksmith

Even the most vigilant among us can forget the key. We've all done it at some point: you're out on a quick errand, slamming the door, and then reaching for your purse or wallet to pay for your errand. In a second, you realize that your keys are missing. It's a common occurrence that can cause you to delay your appointment or even delay your departure to work.

It's crucial to keep your spare car keys in a secure place so you don't have to run around and look through all the usual spots. If you've spent hours searching your pockets, bags and the toybox of your toddler's toys for your keys but have in search of them, it might be time to contact the experts.

The VIN number is required by car locksmiths for the creation of new keys for modern cars. They also require proof of ownership. This number can be found either on the driver's doorpost or on a plate on the dashboard of the driver's side.

Dealerships are also able to replace lost car keys, however they might not have the modern technology to program your key fob for the specific vehicle you own. A locksmith for cars has all the equipment needed to perform this service on site. They can also use trackers purchased from the aftermarket to assist you in finding your lost car keys.

Contact the dealer

A few years ago it was the case that losing or misplacing car keys wasn't such an issue because you could simply call your local dealer to get a replacement. As cars became technologically advanced as well, so did the keys, and replacing them now will cost money, particularly if you don't have an extra.

The replacement of your key at the dealership is an option, but they'll need to be able to provide you with a new key based on your VIN number, and then have it programmed into your vehicle. However, this isn't always the case, and it could cost you a lot, depending on the policies of the dealer or how to get spare key for car much your key will cost.

Contacting a locksmith is a different option. They are often able to create an alternative key for your car, without the original, or at least assist you in getting into your vehicle. They'll also charge much less than a dealer and come to you.

You can even go to an hardware store that has an employee-operated code-cutting device, but again they may need to be capable of providing you with the key's information, which is typically found on the inside of your car keys spare or in the owner's manual. This isn't a guarantee as they'll require you to program the key for your vehicle. This can take several days.