What Should I Do If I Lose My Car Keys?

 

You work a lot, do a lot of research and then decide on buying a car and then end up losing your keys. But since cars have already become much more technologically advanced, their keys as well have become even more expensive to replace.

Tragedy, isn’t it?

Depending on what model and year vehicle you’re driving, replacing a stolen or lost key may involve several steps and even more money. So bad, right?

It is always preferable to have a replacement and spare key at some place known and safer for you so that you avoid such horrific situations.

There are different types of keys for different cars and the mobile locksmith Jacksonville Fl have certain tips and tricks for what to do when they go missing.

1.     Car Key Fob

These are extremely convenient to local and unlock your vehicle but people still tend to unlock the doors in the traditional way even to start the car they use the traditional ones.

If you lose this you can still use your traditional key to unlock and start it. These fobs are readily available as the aftermath products and are even easily programmable, you don’t need any special tool for them.

You can even find these online, at auto parts stores, or with a car locksmith in Jacksonville Fl.

2.     Car Key Fob and Switchblade Key

After the detached fob was released, these auto manufacturers combined a two-in-one mechanism that would lock and unlock a vehicle with spring loaded key which folds into it, like a switchblade.

If you lose it, while it's pricier than a plain fob an aftermarket fob with switchblade keys costs around $125 in order to replace.

These again are found in dealerships where they might be cut and programmed on site and alongside are available online too or with the mobile locksmith Jacksonville Fl.

 

3.     Traditional Car Key

The standard traditional car key is purely mechanical, put into an ignition cylinder, and turn to start your car. If you lose this one, you can call a car locksmith in Jacksonville Fl who would come and make a new key on the spot.

In certain cases, if the locksmith is unable to make a new key you might need to buy a new ignition lock cylinder and key from the original dealer or an independent car repair shop.

4.     Transponder Key

These were introduced in the mid-1990s to prevent thefts. Transponders are ignition keys that have a plastic head embedded with a computer chip, thereby relying on the wireless connection between key and car before they will engage the ignition.

If you lose it and do not have a backup key you will need your vehicle towed to the dealership with proof of your ownership, then the dealer might be able to electronically pair the new computer chip with your vehicle.

5.     Smart Key

This is also known as “Keyless ignition” this is associated with vehicles that have a start button on the dash. This technology is operated via a proximity sensor in the vehicle that automatically knows when the smart key is kept nearby.

This then unlocks the vehicle and allows it to be started with a push of a button. If you lose this one, just like the transponder one you have to take this as well to the dealer with your own proof and then order a key and have it paired with your vehicle.

These are one of the costliest keys and cost a lot to replace.