Some Of The Most Common Mistakes People Make When Using Replacing Lost Car Key Replacing Lost Car Keys

It is a very common issue to lose your car keys. This can be extremely frustrating. Contacting an auto locksmith that is specialized in car keys is the quickest and most cost-effective way to get a new key.

You don't have to show proof of ownership. This will save you time and money versus having to visit the dealer.

Basic Keys

It used to be that losing keys to your car wasn't an issue and, in many cases, it still isn't. As automobiles have advanced and so have their keys. The process of replacing a missing car key is more difficult and expensive.

Whether you've lost your keys, or someone has stolen them there is usually a way to get an alternative one, however the exact procedure can differ depending on the kind of car you have and the kind of key you have. The process and cost will differ based on whether you have a key fob or traditional keys.

The traditional key is purely mechanical, and functions by inserting it into the lock cylinder for ignition to turn on the vehicle. A locksmith for automotive can change these keys and often will be capable of making a new one on the spot. To do this, they'll need proof of ownership like the registration or title.

The majority of traditional keys are also compatible with key fobs which act as remotes that permit you to perform certain functions inside the vehicle. To replace the standard key with a keyfob you'll need to go to an auto locksmith professional who has the right equipment to cut the key to fit your car model and program the code.

In some cases, it may be possible to buy replacement keys and key fobs online at only a fraction of what you'd pay at your dealer. It's important to shop around and research the kind of keys you have before making an online purchase. There are many shops that do not have the appropriate equipment for your particular car model.

If you have a smart key that functions more like a remote and requires an action button in order to start your car, you'll need to go to the dealership for an alternative. These keys are expensive to replace but are usually covered by the warranty on your vehicle.

Transponder Keys

As cars have become more technologically advanced, so do the keys that come with them. A lot of older cars still have metal keys. However, most modern cars come with transponder keys. This type of key has a microchip that needs to be programmed in order to function. This makes it harder for thieves to duplicate it and hot wire.

A transponder is also known as a chip key, and gets its name from the electronic chip embedded in the head of the key. These keys are now common on the majority of modern models of automobiles. They prevent vehicle thefts by making it impossible for a car to be started without the right key. The key's immobilizer is activated by the transponder that sends a signal when used.

If you have a spare transponder then you can contact an auto locksmith to have it cloned. The process is fairly simple, but the cost will be higher than if you simply needed to have a new transponder key made. This is because the locksmith has to fix the cylinder's cuts and take the mechanism apart before they can make the duplicate.

Even if you do not have a spare key, your locksmith at the automotive store can create one that isn't transponder-based. The key will allow you to open and operate your vehicle. The locksmith can do this by copying the data from the transponder on your lost key and putting it on a blank key. The key will still need to be programmed to respond to the immobilizer of your car but at the very least, you won't have to go through the hassle of trying to start it.

While transponder keys do aid in stopping car theft, it's important to remember that no device is foolproof. Even with this technology, thieves have discovered ways to get stolen vehicles to start. So, if you own a luxury car or a trusted family car, it's recommended to keep a backup key in a safe location.

Fob Keys

Modern key fobs are made to do more than just start and unlock the car. They also function as convenience devices, and even deter theft. All that functionality comes with a price. Fob keys cost more than traditional car keys and are more difficult to replace in the event of being they are lost or damaged.


Fobs transmit radio signals that have encoded codes to a receiver inside the car, which performs a function like locking or unlocking doors as well as starting the engine and activating the car's security system. Fobs have a small key inside which can be used in the event the fob doesn't function properly.

While some experts suggest keeping a backup key in case of theft, most of the time your best option is to go to a dealer. A dealer can make an alternate key fob for the vehicle that is programmed with the VIN number that is recorded on a file. Additionally, you'll have the additional security of a backup system that is mechanical.

That said, it's important to understand that most modern car keys can't be repaired by a locksmith in a corner, because they require sophisticated programming equipment that most locksmiths do not have. In reality the cost of replacing a modern car key fob can range from to $400 or more depending on the type of car and model.

If your key fob isn't functioning correctly, you should first replace the battery. You can find information on how to replace the battery on numerous manufacturers' websites or in your car's owner manual. Hardware stores and big-box retailers offer key fob batteries.

Another possibility is that the key fob in your car was not working due to an issue with software. If this is the case, you may be able to fix the issue by resetting the keys on your car according to the instructions included in the owner's manual (or searching online for one).

A locksmith can also re-program your key fob remotely. This process typically takes a few minutes and saves you from paying for an entirely new car key fob.

Smart Keys Keys

There are few things worse than reaching into your purse or pocket and finding you've lost your car keys. It's a feeling of despair that can lead to anxiety, stress, and even anxiety.

Thankfully, replacing your car key isn't as difficult or costly as it used to be particularly if you own fobs that require an unlock code to start the car. Fobs may also have additional features, such as a remote engine starter or trunk opener, which make it easier to drive and access the vehicle.

Smart keys are the most advanced key type and offer drivers an abundance of convenience. They activate a proximity sensor in the vehicle, which allows you to lock and unlock your car door with a tap or a button on your phone. You can also start the engine remotely to heat or cool the interior prior to entering. Smart keys are standard in many newer cars.

However, lost my car key that makes keys more convenient for you also increases the chances of losing them. You can prevent losing a smart key by always having it with you, or by having a backup fob. However, if you lose yours, you'll need to contact your dealer or an auto locksmith who offers fob replacement to obtain a replacement.

The good thing is that smart keys were made with specific case scenarios in mind. If you leave your keys in the trunk of your car it will continue to function in the event that the battery is fully charged. If you lose your smart key and don't have a clue where it is located it will be alerted by the system to the driver if the vehicle is at risk of becoming locked.

You can easily and quickly get a replacement car key fob by contacting a firm like Keyway Lock Service. You could also request your local dealer to purchase a new key for you, but this could be more expensive than hiring an auto locksmith to assist you.