A Positive Rant Concerning Replacement Car Key
How to Get a Replacement Car Key
Car keys have a habit of disappearing in pockets, in between cushions on couches, or out of sight completely. When they do, replacing keys isn't as costly or difficult as you think.
You can usually get a spare key by using your vehicle identification (VIN), located on your registration certificate or title certificate.
Lost Keys
It used to be that losing keys to your car was a huge hassle. You could go to the dealership and pay the small amount and get a new key. With the advances in anti-theft and security for cars technology the process is no longer feasible. Now, the replacement of keys for a car that have been lost can be much more expensive and time-consuming.
The kind of key you have will determine the price. The older metal "insert-and-turn" keys are less frequent in modern cars and therefore are more expensive to replace. You can identify the type of key you have in your car by looking at the key ring, or by contacting your dealer.
The next thing you need to do is determine the vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of your car. It is a unique car identification number (VIN) which is located on the door jambs or windshield washer reservoir. It can also be found in the owner's guide or on a sticker located beneath the driver's dashboard.
Auto locksmiths can often help when you have losing keys, and they are among the quickest and most affordable options for replacing car keys. You can also ask an associate at the local hardware store to make a copy of your car key. They are usually able to do this for all makes and models of vehicles provided they have the right key blanks.
You can also contact roadside assistance. They'll most likely be able to assist you with the process of losing your car keys and will usually provide a new transponder if required. Some insurance companies offer a replacement car key service as an additional benefit. The costs can be high especially if you lose an electronic key fob. The best way to avoid this is to always have an extra key on hand and keep it in a safe location.
Stolen Keys
If you are worried about your car being stolen, it is crucial to report the loss right away. This will ensure that the key isn't used by unauthorized people that could cause costly damages to your vehicle. This could include scratches on the doors or the ignition and much more. You may also file a formal police report that could assist in identifying the person who took your key.
A high-quality car-specific fob is among the best ways to safeguard yourself from theft. These key fobs are not only more secure, but also have features like trunk releases, remote engine starts, and proximity systems that permit you to lock and unlock your car by simply tapping the fob. It is advisable to always keep an extra fob in your home in the event that you lose your car keys.
A key that's not an fob is still able to be replaced however it will require longer and require more effort. The blank key has to be cut, and the key programmed to work with the security system in your car. This can be done by a locksmith who has the right tools and knowledge, but it's usually more expensive than replacing the lost key fob.
Another option is to obtain an alternative key from the dealership. This will be more expensive however it is an option that is safer because the dealer has access to special equipment that will help to prevent your vehicle from being stolen. The dealer will also have a copy of your vehicle's identification number, which is useful for filing a police report if your vehicle is stolen.
In certain instances, you might require taking your new key to a dealership to be programmed. It is usually a simple procedure, however it may depend on the specific model of your vehicle. Bring your keys and an acceptable photo ID, and an original copy of your vehicle's title or registration so that the technician can verify that you are the owner.
Key Damage
A damaged key fob can cause issues if you've got a smart car key that locks and starts your vehicle. In these cases, you'll need a replacement to ensure the key fob can do its job. It's not uncommon for smart keys to break and they have a limited lifespan. Many people have an additional car key.
If a key fob stops working, its battery is usually dead. If the battery doesn't function, you might need to replace the key fob. In this case, it is best to take the key fob into a dealership. They'll have the tools needed to make the new key fob and can reprogram it to your vehicle.
Keys naturally wear down with use but they can also be damaged in different ways as well. Accidents like dropping your key on hard surfaces or getting it caught in the door can result in dents and cracks. The damage can make it difficult or impossible to use your key in the future.
A locksmith can resolve the issue quickly and efficiently, but it's important to work with a professional who has the right qualifications. It's not advisable to attempt to repair damaged keys by yourself. This can cause further damage to your home or vehicle.
Keep your keys in a safe place when not in use to avoid this problem. This can lower the likelihood of it being stolen or lost and also help keep your key from becoming damaged by outside elements. Consider investing in a cover for your key. This will help safeguard it from accidents and weather. This will help prevent your key from wearing down or damaged completely.
Keys are missing Keys
There are few things more frustrating than misplacing your car keys. You feel like you have lost your most valuable personal item, whether they were thrown out of the supermarket by a child, tossed on the kitchen table as you ate lunch or fell out of your pockets while you were walking your dog. And when vehicle key replacement are the only way to get to where you're going, it could be a true emergency.
Take a deep breath before you panic, and try these suggestions.
Check immediately where you typically place your keys, or at least the last time you had them. Sometimes, they "drift" to the side or are lost beneath something, so make sure to look in those places first. Then move to the next location, and then on. You might be surprised to find them in places you never expected.
Write down your car's VIN number (vehicle identification number) and the key number. You'll need this information to contact your locksmith or dealer. You can find your VIN on the driver's side of the door or stamped on a metal plate that is on the dashboard. It's also in the owner's manual.
If you have an extra key, reach for that one. One of the best ways to ensure you don't lose your car keys is to have an extra. You may have hid it in a safe place at home, or you might have entrusted it to your roommate or a family member.
You should also try calling the police in your area to see whether they've handed over keys. You could also ask around your school or workplace. You never know when someone has found your missing keys and is willing to give them back to you.