Cars are a staple in our modern lives. But sometimes, unexpected hassles occur. And perhaps losing your car keys is right at the top of the most frustrating things that can happen. Worse is when you can’t find the spare key when you lose the primary set of keys.
So what can you do in a situation like this? Here are some essential steps to resolve your problem:
Check your house; then check again
The first thing to do is calm down. You won’t be able to think clearly if you’re too anxious. And while you might have done it already, you have to recheck your immediate surroundings. Look inside your bags, drawers, and containers, plus places where you have been and may have dropped the keys. It’s tedious, but checking multiple times will save you a lot if the keys end up being somewhere in the house.
Check the car interior
Now that you’ve searched for it and still could not find it, your keys may be inside the vehicle. Peek through it to see. If they are indeed inside the car, you will need to call a locksmith to open the car door without damaging the locks. Don’t try to force your locks. You’ll only risk more damage if you don’t have the right tools and know-how to unlock the car. Mobile locksmith Altadena providers can assist right away for emergency calls.
Know what type of car keys you have
With so many advancements in our vehicles, keys have also enjoyed a lot of tech modifications.
Traditional key: this is probably the most familiar type of key, predating the more advanced electronic types. If you lose this type of key, you only have to create a duplicate to use on the car. There’s no internal electronic system to reprogram. The disadvantage with this type is that this type of car lock is the easiest to breach.
Transponder key: this type is what’s usually seen in modern vehicles. The key is programmed with a transponder chip that sends signals to the engine control unit (ECU). This upgrades the security system of a traditional key because it requires an electronic pairing process from the key to the engine. That being said, losing or damaging this type of key can be more costly on your end.
Keyless remote: Also called a key fob, this type of key uses a unique code communicated from the remote to the car. Since only your key fob can provide the code, it offers another layer of protection from theft. The key fob also makes it more convenient to open and lock your vehicle. However, like the transponder, if your key fob gets lost or damaged, you’ll incur a more significant expense compared to replacing traditional keys.
Now that you’ve identified the type of car key your car has, you’ll need to relay that info to the locksmith, along with the car registration details such as vehicle identification number, the make or model, as well as the car manufacturing year.
Opt for an auto locksmith
If you’re at the crucial point of needing professional help with your lost car keys, there are two options. You can either contact the dealership or acquire the services of an auto locksmith. If you have an older car model with traditional keys, a locksmith can easily replace the key. But if you have a newer vehicle, getting a key replacement involves a more specialized repair. Check with your dealership for their rates.
Dealerships usually overcharge, so expect a huge bill. A more sensible option is to get a locksmith experienced in car key replacement and key programming. Auto locksmith companies usually charge less than dealerships and produce faster results.
Before you experience any hassle or emergency, check out South Pasadena Lock. We are among the most trusted mobile locksmith Altadena. If you need help with car key replacement and repair, we can resolve the problem safely and immediately. Call us any time of the day for more information.
