Finding yourself saying “I lost my car keys” can be pretty dreadful. This kind of thing just throws your day right off its tracks. Fortunately, there is something you can do if this has happened to you and you in yourself reading this. Trust me, doing the things suggested here is much more helpful than having a freakout.
It’s so annoying when your car key is lost. There’s no other time when one appreciates or regrets their decision regarding spare keys so much. If you don’t have a spare key, there are still some things you can do.
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If you are locked out of your car and you cannot access it to drive with it, that is one of the worst lockout situations to be in. In this scenario, you can’t even start your vehicle. You’re just stranded and unable to do anything. Or so you thought.
What should you do?
First things first: having a temper tantrum is not going to help resolve the situation in any way. Relaxing and keeping your wits about you is the best way to get back on track toward conquering car lockout. Being calm and clear-headed is often overlooked, but many times people get their best ideas when they have a calm mind in the face of danger.
What type of key have you lost?
It was simple when you had one physical key to get into your car. Now with all of these advancements in technology, not all keys are created equal. The type of key that you had (but lost) is important information, as knowing this will put you in track to getting your new one.
Transponder Key<span style=”font-weight: 400;”> – If your car is relatively new (manufactured during or after the late ’90s) it’s likely that your key was a programmed transponder key. With a transponder key, the car is linked to the key individually for heightened security. This means when you press that button, your car goes beep beep, ya feel me? Anyway, transponder keys can be a pain to replace, but you’ll have to do what you have to do.
Keyless Entry Remote – Key fobs are often paired with transponder keys. Some newer car models do away with the key entirely for a completely keyless access system. There are many advantages to keyless car access… except when you’ve lost your car keys and you don’t have a spare.
Traditional Car Keys – Traditional car keys don’t offer much for security, but they are the old faithful of all car keys. These keys are easy to replace and duplicate, and they’re the best type of key to having when you’re up the creek without a paddle.
Lost car keys, no spare?
Now that you’ve taken some time to consider what kind of key you’ve lost, it’s time to take action steps toward resolving the problem. Get ready to troubleshoot!
1. Search Your Immediate Area Again
For one, take some time to thoroughly search your immediate area. Before you say that ‘I’ve lost my car keys’ give yourself enough time to search around. Many people write things off as lost before taking enough time trying to find the missing item (in this case, car keys.) you may have just put them down someplace or forgot where you stored them. Don’t throw in the towel or call a locksmith before checking your inside pocket.
2. Check Your Vehicle
Now that you’ve checked all local areas for your keys, it’s time to check your car. Locking keys inside the car is a very common occurrence.
3. Gather the Necessary Vehicle Information
If the last step didn’t help you might be looking into calling a locksmith or a dealership. In order or any third party to help you, they’ll need certain information about your vehicle. Be prepared to tell them what kind of key replacement you need and the car model you need a replacement key for. Have your VIN {vehicle identification number} ready if you’re asked.
4. Choose Between The Dealer & The Locksmith
If you’ve lost your keys and you don’t have a spare, a meeting with the dealership or locksmith is in your future. Unless you know someone with the skills and tools necessary to help you, you’re not getting out of this mess without paying a little fee. There are advantages and disadvantages for both choosing the dealership and choosing a locksmith – what, did you think we were biased? Take a look below at the pros and cons of both.
If you own a much older car, the locksmith is the way to go. A locksmith can easily provide you with a new key for a steal compared to what a dealership would’ve charged you. If price is really a concern and your car is really old, a visit to the hardware store would work, but as you lack the original key a hardware store cannot help you.
Your local locksmith may not be able to handle the intricacies of a newer model key. In this case, you may want to call the dealership.
5. Pay Attention To Cost and Reliability
Do not let the lower cost of an option sway into making a decision that is not reliable. It’s fine to explore creative solutions, but don’t be so hard set on not spending coin that you make a bad situation get worse and last longer.
6. Ask To Have An Additional Spare Key Made
Since you’re getting a new key anyway, why not make the smart choice and have that spare key taken care of now rather than later? You’ve already been through the pain of not having a spare – why go through it again? You know better now! Having a spare key is one of the smartest decisions you can make as an owner of a vehicle. It may seem like a spare key is meaningless, but you’ll sure hope that you have one in the event of a car lockout. There are so many situations that a spare key can come in handy in. Sure, it’s an investment now, but isn’t it worth avoiding a headache later?
Conclusion
I hope that reading this gave you some insight into what to do when you find yourself saying “I lost my car keys”. Invest in a spare key, and remember – don’t panic!
