How to Get Spare Key For Car
Losing your car keys can be extremely stressful. There are helpful hints can replace them.
The first step is to locate them yourself. Check all your bags and pockets and then look around the house.
Before you go to the dealership or locksmith be sure to bring evidence of ownership like your vehicle registration or title. This will save you money.
1. Contact Your Dealership
It is a good thing to have an extra key for your car, as losing them can be expensive and stressful. There are still a variety of ways to get an extra key for your vehicle, even though it's not as easy as it was before.
The simplest way to obtain an extra car key is to call the dealership. Dealerships keep track of security information for every vehicle, and they can locate your key quickly in their database. However, they will require a key for you and join it to your car. This can cost anywhere from $200 to $500, depending on the location, dealership and model of your car.
Another alternative is to have a locksmith make you the standard key. This is a less expensive alternative to going to the dealer, especially in the case of an older vehicle that doesn't have an upgraded key. It's also important to verify your car's warranty, insurance policy or auto club membership to determine whether they'll cover an entirely new key fob.
Today's vehicles have a more sophisticated key, which is more expensive to replace than a standard key. They have a transponder chip that communicates with the vehicle's system to unlock and start the engine. If you lose your smart keys, they will need to be connected to your vehicle. This is only done by the dealership.
If your vehicle is leased, your dealer might require that you return two sets of keys or key fobs at end of the lease. It is important to have a second set of keys and key fobs in the event that this occurs.
A spare car key is more expensive than it was in the past however it's still worth it to prevent the stress and costly repairs in the future. It's best to be prepared for any situation. Keep a spare key in a safe place and know what you should do if your keys are ever lost.
2. Call a Locksmith
It's no secret losing your car keys can be a nightmare. It can be a bit frustrating to discover that you've forgotten your spare car key in the backseat of your vehicle, whether you're at the gas station or grocery store, or returning home from work. Luckily, there are a few ways to replace your keys without having to pay the locksmith or dealership.
If you have an old lock, such as a double-edged key or a double-edged key, you can purchase an alternative one at your local hardware store for less than $10. However, you will have to provide proof of ownership, such as the registration of your vehicle or title. It may be more difficult to replace a key which is more technologically advanced, such as a smart key or a remote fob. You might have to contact an individual locksmith or the manufacturer to have an entirely new key.
Transponder keys are used in a majority of modern automobiles. They have to be programmed into the car's computer. This can be done by a locksmith, but will cost more than replacing the standard key. You can also try to reset your key following the directions in the owner's manual, however, it can be difficult and time-consuming, and isn't always successful.
By having a designated place to store your keys you will reduce the chance of them getting lost. You can place a bowl or a key holder on a table near your door. You can also keep a key ring with you at all times, so that you know where your keys are. You can also tidy up your office or home, as a messy space can make it more likely that you will lose things. Keep in mind that even if the keys aren't lost, you may lose them. It's crucial to have a backup plan in the event that this happens. It's better to be prepared rather than be stranded on the side of the road!
3. Call for a Towing Service
If you are the type of person who regularly loses your car keys It's recommended to purchase a spare. They are simple to store and are inexpensive, and will save you a lot of stress in the future. Many of the latest vehicles come with safety features that make it harder to secure yourself. Check out the latest inventory at Longo Toyota to find a car with this feature, or think about changing your vehicle to one that has it.
There are many ways to replace your car key however the exact procedure will differ based on the type of key and the manner in which it was lost. If you have a traditional key that is not digitally programmed a locksmith can replace it. If you have a smart key however, it could be a much more involved process. The dealer will have to check your VIN and provide proof of ownership to get you an alternative key, which can take a few weeks.
Most car rental firms do not keep spare keys on their premises, but will assist you in resolving the problem. Hertz offers a lost-key service as part its premium roadside assistance plan. However this service isn't provided when you don't purchase additional roadside protection.
If you're unable to receive assistance from your rental company or in the event that you don't have an emergency roadside service plan in place then you'll have to call an emergency locksmith or towing service. Both can allow you to get back in your car and back on the roads, but they each have distinct advantages and disadvantages. It is essential to research both options and keep the contact information of both providers at hand in case of need. Avoid losing your keys by all means. This means that you must always keep them in the same spot.
4. Call a Repair Shop
When you lose your car keys, it's always better to have a strategy for how to get back in the vehicle. It wasn't that long ago that misplacing or losing your key was just an inconvenience, but now it can actually be an issue. The good news is that if you're aware of it, getting a spare car key isn't as difficult and expensive as it used to be.
It is first necessary to identify the type of key your vehicle uses. Traditional keys, with just an electronic shank that is inserted into the ignition cylinder, are generally simple to replace. A basic key that does not have a chip will cost around $10-$12. The most recent vehicles come with keys with security chips into them that need to be reprogrammed into the car to unlock doors or to start the vehicle. Keys replacement for these vehicles can cost as much as $200.
The process of changing the chip's programming is complicated and requires special equipment. This procedure can also be performed by a locksmith, however you must ensure that they have the appropriate equipment and expertise.
Another option is to go to a key cutting shop like AutoZone where a staff member will pick up a working key and trace its contours. The key cutting shop will then be able to cut a key that is in line with the original's cut. The only drawback is that you won't be able drive your vehicle until you have the new key cut and programmable to the vehicle.
If helpful hints want to try this method, ensure you bring the working key along with your driver's license and proof of ownership. A locksmith or dealer will be able to decode the VIN on these documents to locate the code required to connect a key to your car.
You can also save money on the cost of programming by having a an entirely new key cut, then trying to reset it yourself. The instructions are available in the owner's manual or online.