How to Find Your Lost Car Key Replacement

It's a fact of life that everyone loses car keys at some point. It happens more frequently than most people realize, and it can be a major problem.

Fortunately the replacement of lost car keys is fairly simple depending on the kind of key you own. The most basic keys can usually be made at an area hardware store, provided you have the VIN number or proof of ownership.

Retract your Steps

It's a hassle to lose your car keys, particularly when it occurs during a busy time of the day when you have to go somewhere. It's not the most unpleasant thing that can happen. There are several ways to locate your car key replacement.

The first thing you have to do is to retrace your steps. You can do this by returning to the places you've been and looking around, at both your home and work. This will help you find the keys, telling you where you last saw them.

If you're unable to locate your car keys after retracing your steps you'll want to call an auto locksmith or a local locksmith to get help. They'll be able to make a new key for you and also decode the existing locks on your vehicle, so that only the new key is able to start it. They'll also wipe the old key from your vehicle's system, so even if someone does gain access to it the key, they won't be able to drive your car.

Before you contact a locksmith or dealer, ensure you have your vehicle identification number (VIN) available. This is the number located on your driver's door panel or dashboard, and it will inform them of the car you drive so they can create a new key to match.

Making Use of Your Memory

If you lose your car keys, you may feel panicky. Try to keep your cool. This will allow you to think clearly and conduct a thorough search. Close your eyes, relax and make use of your memory to recall the location where you last saw your car keys last. If you're struggling to remember where they were, retrace your steps once more and look for any clues that could have surfaced.

If you're having no luck you can contact a local locksmith or dealership for assistance. You'll need to provide them with details about your vehicle and the security system that it uses and they'll be able make a replacement key that will pair with your security chip. They can also give you tips on how to avoid future key losses.

Verify Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

In the past the idea of losing or misplacing your car keys wasn't a huge issue. Call your local locksmith to find a replacement car key. As cars become more high-tech and sophisticated, so have their keys, making them more difficult and expensive to replace. It's essential to have an extra car key or to know the cost of a replacement in case you lose yours.

The first thing to do when you lose a car key is to ensure that the key you lost is actually missing. Examine the pockets of your pants or jacket as well as the back of your car, and other places that you may not normally check for, like the inside of a shoe or purse. Go through the owner's manual to see if it has any specific instructions on how to reset the key in case it stops working.

If you've checked everything and Everyone loses their keys at some point. It could happen at the most inconvenient times, such as at a gas station or loading groceries into your trunk. Although it's simple to locate your keys again, it can be a very stressful situation if you don't have a spare set at home or with your family.

There are still alternatives to purchase an alternative key in the event that you've lost car keys how to replace the original. The process depends on the type of key you own and your vehicle.

For instance, if have a standard key that goes into an ignition lock cylinder it's relatively simple to get a locksmith to make an immediate replacement. This is less than $200 and can be completed much quicker than purchasing one from a dealer.

You'll need to visit the dealer if you own an electronic remote with an external transmitter. The dealer will be able to locate your information and send you the right key at a lower cost than if you went to locksmith.

A locksmith might also be able create a replacement key using the VIN of your vehicle, so long as you have proof of ownership such as your registration or title. This is a much cheaper alternative than going to a dealer. However, it might not be possible in the case of a vehicle that is older or expensive.

The best way to prevent losing your keys is by having a spare. Keep it in a secure location, like your home in order to not have to worry about leaving it in a place when you leave your vehicle. It's also important to check your purses and pockets regularly, especially if you wear a jacket or coat with large pockets. Don't forget to look at places you'd never reach, such as the inside of your shoes if you have on runners. Also, make sure to double-check the trunk of your car if you put keys there. It's easy to forget you left them there and they could easily be stolen if a driver takes off in your vehicle.