You don't know when you will lose your car keys. And when it happens, it's usually at the most inconvenient time.
You could consider calling your dealership to get an entirely new key for you, but they typically charge astronomical amounts of money. In addition, they may not have the key you require.
Lost Keys
A few years ago, losing or misplacing a car key wasn't a big deal. You could get an replacement quickly and easily at a locksmith. As automobiles have become more technologically advanced so have their keys. Replacing a key could be costly. Depending on the kind of key you own, the process for regaining access to your vehicle could take several steps and cost hundreds of dollars, according Richard Reina, training director at CARiD.
It can happen due to a variety of reasons, but the most common is that it happens when you are caught up in a rush or distracted and forget to check where you placed your keys. It is essential to keep a spare set keys in a safe place and to go back through the steps you took in case you lost them.
Begin by reminiscing about the last time you had them, and then go through all the places where you could have placed them. Take a look in your pocket on the floor of the car (including the trunk), at your office desk or wherever you could have been sitting, such as a restaurant table in the middle of lunch or waiting for a ride-sharing service to pick you up.
Also, consider whether you have given the spare key to anyone. If so, you should contact them to inquire if they have found yours. Make sure you look around your home, as keys are often hidden under couch cushions or on top of mail stacks.
If you're not able to locate your keys, the next step is to determine the kind of key you have and who you should contact to replace it. You may need to visit the dealer in order to get a new one, especially if it has an electronic transponder or another technology that requires to be changed.
A locksmith can usually make you a replacement key on the spot if you have an old-fashioned key. In most cases, however you'll need your vehicle's registration or title or any other evidence of ownership to the dealer. You'll need to bring an ID photo and any spare keys you may have.
Transponder Keys
If you own a car built in the past decade or two it's likely that your key comes with transponder chip. These chips help stop car thefts by making sure that only the owner of the vehicle can start it. The chips function by transmitting a message from the key to the antenna ring that surrounds the ignition cylinder. The computer in your car will then match the "password" which is transmitted by the key, to a list of authorized codes and if the code is found to match, the engine will start.
Transponder keys are extremely useful, but they can also have some challenges when it comes to losing them or having them stolen. They are, for one, very hard to duplicate because they are unique because they have a microchip. Only an original transponder keys that has already been programmed can be used to duplicate the key. A professional locksmith or a local dealer of the manufacturer of the car or a reputable store can do this.
While it is possible to program a few transponder keys yourself, most people prefer to hire a professional to do the task. It is because the process requires several steps and every vehicle's antitheft system functions differently. A professional can also verify that the key is properly programmed and works properly.
It's important to take care of your transponder key to ensure that it can continue to function properly. It is essential to keep it away from water and extreme temperatures, and avoid dropping it. If you do drop your key it's best to see a professional locksmith or dealership for the car manufacturer as soon as possible to get it replaced.
Although it's less difficult to replace mechanical keys but you should always have an extra transponder key. You will avoid the hassle and cost of having your car's computer reprogrammed in the event that you lose the only key. The reason for this is that the anti-theft systems built in most vehicles will require the original keys to re-program. This process can be very time-consuming.
Key Fobs
It's not easy to think that your key fob is susceptible to malfunction, but it's not uncommon. Fobs are packed with circuits and batteries that are susceptible to damage from many sources. Sudden shocks can cause the batteries to cease functioning and also expose them to liquids like water or other.
Fortunately, a lot of problems that can arise from key fobs are fairly easy to repair key. First, examine the battery. This can be easily replaced at a large retailer or a hardware store that sells automotive batteries. If the issue isn't with the battery, it might be a problem with worn-out contacts in the fob that prevent it from connecting to the receiver inside the vehicle. These are typically composed of a rubber-like material, and coated with an electrically conducting film that can wear off over time from repeated use. It is possible to clean them by removing the fob, and disassembling it. After carefully soldering the contacts, they can be restored to working order.
In some cases you may find that reprogramming the fob in order to reconnect with the car's receiver is all that's required. You can usually locate the instructions in the owner's guide, or on the internet for the model of car you own. If you're unable to find instructions for your specific model of car, a dealer or an independent shop that is specialized in your type of car should be able to help.
Certain vehicles, particularly older ones with less advanced security systems, let owners purchase replacement fobs from specialist stores or online sellers and follow a process to program them by themselves. This is a less expensive alternative to visiting a dealer. However it only works with vehicles that don't require special security protocols. For instance, Audi and Subaru dealerships cannot use aftermarket fobs in order to reprogram vehicles using digital encryption systems, according to CR.
Some aftermarket key fobs might be difficult to program into your vehicle. Some dealers won't accept aftermarket fobs, and instead prefer to use a new one from the automaker.
Bluetooth Key Trackers
A Bluetooth tracker (also known as a key finder) is a small gadget that you can attach to your items like keys or wallet. Once you connect it to your phone via Bluetooth, the app running on your phone will keep an active connection to the tracker for as long as it is within reach. If you lose track the object pressing a button on the tracker will cause it to ring so you can locate it. You can track the device on your phone to see a map showing its last location.
Most Bluetooth trackers have batteries that are rechargeable. Based on the model, this can bring convenience to your life as you can keep one device charged and ready at all times to locate items that you've lost. However, you'll need be aware of the battery's life as these devices can drain the battery faster than regular.
Another aspect to consider when buying a Bluetooth key tracker is whether it can encrypt your location information. Some companies don't and you could be vulnerable if your company is hacked and your data is stolen. Luckily, most manufacturers do encrypt this data. However, it is important to read the small print on the product's website to be sure. This information could be used by a criminal to gain access to your car or home.
