How to Keep Your Car Keys Safe and Secure
Every driver or vehicle owner fears losing their car keys. It can be a huge hassle and inconvenient, especially if you have a meeting or appointment to get to.
Locksmiths can make replacement keys at a lower cost than dealerships. They are also able to make keys for different kinds of vehicles, something that dealerships aren't able to do.
How to get an extra key
Not long ago, misplacing your keys to your car or locking them inside your vehicle was no big deal. You could go to the dealership and purchase the replacement key. But as cars have become more technologically advanced, so has their hardware, making it more difficult and expensive to replace lost or stolen keys. It's a good idea to invest in a spare key, to ensure you have the chance of getting back on the road quickly in the event of an emergency.
If you're ready to buy new keys, the first thing to do is locate a locksmith who can work with your specific car. Locksmiths can easily duplicate keys if your vehicle is locked with a standard lock or one that is not connected to a fob, electrical piece or other electronic device. If the key in your car has a transponder, you will be required to bring it to the dealership.
Depending on the brand and model of your car, you may need to prove your ownership of the car before the locksmith can begin working on your key. So, be sure to keep your registration or title in hand. Be prepared to give the year model, make, and model of your vehicle, together with the key code or identification number.
You can cut a basic key for your old car at home, but be sure to use a fine triangular file and a sharp scribe. This method will not allow you to make a smart-key however, it will allow you to unlock the doors and turn on the ignition.
Most locksmiths have the necessary equipment to cut a transponder chip key. If you give them the appropriate details, they can program your key to fit in your vehicle. You can also ask a car dealer for the key number and immobilizer code, but you'll probably end with a higher cost than you would at a locksmith.
It is best to keep a spare car key in a safe place and not in your pocket. It's easy for you to forget about something like this, and you don't want to risk losing it at a gas station or in a parking area.
Keep your keys in a safe location
In the last couple of decades, car keys have evolved. From just a single piece made of metal, to laser-cut keys that flip and today, smart keys. The latest keys are more convenient and secure but are also more difficult to track. Fortunately, there are some easy steps you can take to help ensure that your key won't be lost or stolen.
Keeping your keys in a secure place is crucial, particularly when you're leaving your office or home for the day. If your keys are scattered all over the place, it's easy for you to forget where they are. So make sure you have a plan to keep them organized. Make use of a keybox that has locks and place it in a safe place, like a cabinet in your office or home. You can also buy an lockable case for your pocket or purse to keep your keys secure.
It's always an excellent idea to have a spare car key in case you lose yours. Locksmiths can repair your key for a fraction of what dealerships would cost, which makes them an affordable option. Locksmiths can utilize a tool called a scope to scan your key to duplicate it exactly. The locksmith can then either program your smart key or cut a new key.
Another reason to select a locksmith instead of a dealer is that they can make keys for all kinds of automobiles and makes and dealers might only be able to create replacements for the specific mobile car key locksmith model you own. Furthermore, you can reduce time by hiring a locksmith to make your replacement key, as they generally have shorter wait times than dealerships.
Losing your keys can be extremely frustrating and terrifying. You may rush to work or home to search for keys, but the chances are very slim that you'll find them. Be careful about the place you keep your spare or fob, because most thieves know the typical hiding places. Try to use a unique place for your spare or fob, and also consider RFID/Faraday bags for more protection.
The process of obtaining a lockout service
Car lockouts occur when you least would can put you in a precarious situation. In these instances, many people panic and make quick decisions that can lead to costly problems down the road. A professional NYC locksmith can help you get back into your car without causing further damage. They can even help you get a new key if you've lost your key.
The majority of car lockouts happen when you lose your keys or lock it inside your vehicle. This can be a stressful experience, particularly if there are small children or vulnerable adults in the vehicle. Keep your keys in a secure location to avoid a car lockout. If you're unable to do so, you can contact a car lockout company. These specialists can open your car and take out any items that are locked in the glove box or trunk.
The attempt to unlock your car using a makeshift tool can lead to further problems. For example using a coat hanger or bobby pin could cause damage to the window or lock mechanism. You could also injure yourself while doing it. You may have to go to the ER for stitches when you break your window completely and you won't be able to get into your car afterward.
If you have a key that is traditional that you have, an auto locksmith can typically cut it for you while you are waiting. They can also cut a replacement key for you should you require. A traditional key is a single piece of metal with an oval shape and battery-operated buttons to unlock and lock your vehicle.
Transponder keys are more complicated and require a locksmith in order to copy the keys. They have a small chip that can communicate with the car's security system and activate various features. Many keys are programmed to stop working if duplicated incorrectly. This prevents thieves from stealing your car by simply jimmying up the lock.
If you're an active member of AAA and AAA, they can provide you with emergency lockout assistance for free which is one of the best ways to be safe during a car lockout. You can also use pay-per-mile auto insurance from Metromile which provides drivers with low rates and ease of use. Drivers can save up $741 per year with this unique form of car insurance.
How do you replace a lost key
It's a great idea to have a spare car keys if you are prone to misplacing your keys. This will allow you to avoid the stress of being locked out or having to make an expensive replacement for your vehicle. There are many options to get this done such as visiting a locksmith or going to an auto-parts store. But it's important to note that the key you buy might not work with your car.
The keys used to start cars for the majority of the 20th century were made of simple metal. The keys were not extravagant and could be easily copied at a hardware or locksmith store. The keys used to start modern vehicles have a chip embedded in the plastic head of the key. It communicates with a transponder in the ignition. This means they cannot be copied. However, these are still quite simple for locksmiths to program.
Most of these newer keys also have a flip key. You'll need a locksmith who specializes in this type service to duplicate these keys. A professional locksmith will have the equipment and tools to accomplish the task. They will need to know the year and make, model, and year, as well as the VIN.
You could also try to get a key replacement yourself with kits. These kits come with tiny metal pieces with hooks that can be attached to the key and pulled away. The kit could also include small plier-like tools that can grasp both sides of the key and break it up. This is not recommended since it could be risky.
You can also request your local dealer to cut and program the new key for you. They'll need the VIN number of your vehicle to determine the right key code, which will be used to unlock the car's lock cylinder. But this can be expensive and time-consuming, particularly if the dealership doesn't have the exact key for your particular model. Locksmiths can complete this much more quickly and precise.