Most of us have been in the situation of not being able to find our car keys at least once in our life. It is one of the most frustrating things that can happen and a potentially costly problem, especially if you don’t have a spare key and are stranded somewhere. As the car keys often are on the same keyring as your home keys, it can also be a security risk to your home, family, and belongings if the keys get into the wrong hands.
So, in this article, we’ll look at what to do if you lose your car keys.
Some Tips to Follow if You Lose Your Car Keys
Below are some you can follow when you lose your car keys:
Do Not Panic
First of all, don’t panic. It might be easier said than done, but it is essential to understand that panicking will not help the situation. In many cases, the keys are not lost, just misplaced, so you will find that calming down will help you focus on your quest to find your car keys.
Check-In and Around Your Car
Check around your car first, especially during winter if there is snow on the ground, you might not always hear the keys hitting the ground. If they are nowhere around the car, check the inside. Sometimes it’s just simple forgetfulness that the keys might be in the car. In this case, you just have to call up a locksmith that can open the car door for you.
Retrace Your Steps
Try to retrace your steps to see if your car keys may have slipped out of your pocket while walking to your car. Check the last location you know you had them at, such as your house, office, the store you just shopped at, or the restaurant you had dinner at. Thankfully, in most cases, it is just a matter of misplacement.
Do You Have a Spare Key?
If you have a spare key at home, you could call a friend or a cab to get you home and back to your car, and at least you will be mobile again.
Gather Vehicle Info
So, if you have confirmed that your car keys are nowhere to be found, you must go to either a locksmith or a dealership to replace your key. Either way, you must provide them with information on your vehicle and proof that the vehicle you are calling about is yours.
This information will help them get you the correct key for your car. There are many different makes and models and almost as many different kinds of keys, so it is vital to provide as much information as possible. They will likely ask for the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and your vehicle’s make, model, and year to identify the exact key needed.
Get a New Key
Now, depending on the age and make of your car, the key you will need can vary wildly.
- Traditional Car Key
The standard key used by the auto industry is purely mechanical; you just put it into an ignition cylinder and turn it to start your car.
If you lose it: A locksmith can come right to your location and, in most cases, make you a new key on the spot. Should you have an older or unusual vehicle, they might not be able to help, and you might have to buy a new ignition lock cylinder and key from a dealership or independent garage.
Locksmith on Demand offers 24/7 emergency services and can make a new key on the spot. We also offer ignition cylinder replacements. We will not leave until your car starts smoothly.
- Car Key Fob
Key fobs are an add-on allowing you to lock and unlock your vehicle while still using a traditional key to start your car. That key can usually also be used to unlock the doors.
If you lose it: Losing the fob itself is inconvenient, but you still have your key to unlock and start your car. Fobs are available as aftermarket products and can easily be programmed without any special tool.
- Car Key Fob And Switchblade Key
The next evolution of the fob was combining the key and fob into one piece, with a spring-loaded mechanism that has the key flick out of the fob like a switchblade.
If you lose it: These are more difficult to replace as you will have to get the key cut and the fob programmed at a dealership.
- Transponder Key
A transponder key is an ignition key with a plastic head embedded with a computer chip. Only if a wireless connection between the key and your car can be established will it allow the ignition to turn over.
If you lose it: To get a replacement transponder key, you must have your vehicle towed to a dealership, where you will have to prove ownership before purchasing a key. If the dealer has a key in stock, it will electronically pair the computer chip in the key to your vehicle.
- Smart Key
A smart key is generally associated with vehicles with a start button on the dash to start the engine. The technology in the key works with a proximity sensor in your vehicle that will detect when the key is near. Then it will allow the vehicle to be unlocked and started with the push of a button.
If you lose it: Similar to the transponder key, you will have to get your car towed to a dealership and have a new key paired to your vehicle if you don’t have a backup key.
Conclusion
Losing your car keys can be a very frustrating and time-consuming affair. Locksmith on Demand is your best choice for the replacement of car keys and ignition locks. Our experienced and skilled car locksmiths are on call to help you get back into your car and on the road. We have highly-qualified experts. We have competitive prices and we are fully equipped to help you with your car key requirements.
Contact Locksmith on Demand today at 647-477-4108 to find out how we can help you!
Frequently Asked Questions
What to do if you lose your keys and have no spare?
It depends on the kind of key you have. Locksmith On Demand can help you with key replacements on the spot for any traditional, mechanical keys.
What do you do if you lose all of your car keys?
If you have complex keys with embedded microchips, you might have to have your car towed to a dealership to get a new key that will be paired with your car. If it is a traditional, mechanical key, Locksmith On Demand will come to your location to make a new key on the spot.
Where can I get a new car key made without the original?
An experienced locksmith like Locksmith On Demand can make a new key based on the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) and your car’s information. You might have to go to a dealership to get a new key if it is an electronic key.
What does it cost to get a new set of car keys?
It strongly depends on which kind of key you require. Call Locksmith On Demand today at 647.477.4108 to find out how we can help you, and much your particular key will cost.
