Planning on taking that long-needed road trip? Unfortunately, you’re not driving anywhere without your car key, which is likely how you arrived here. Don’t worry too much just yet, because there are many ways you can regain access to your car even without your key! So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the various methods for regaining your mobility!
Time to Backtrack
Now before you make any hasty decisions, take a moment to stop and thoughtfully consider the possible locations you could have left your keys. Did you perhaps leave them in another coat pocket? Or maybe they’re resting in the fridge when you mistakenly swapped them out for a sandwich. Whatever the case, be sure to retrace all of your steps to see if your car key is really lost or just misplaced.
Also, stop to think if anyone else had previous access to your lost car key. The keys could be resting with a family member. Ask your close acquaintances to see if they know the whereabouts of your car key. In a more unfortunate situation, someone could have swiped your keys without you noticing. If this was the case, then perhaps you may want to look into contacting a locksmith to prevent any unwanted break-ins.
Call a Locksmith
If there’s no hope of finding your lost car key, then getting in touch with a locksmith may be your only other viable alternative. Begin the search by finding reputable locksmiths in your area. When you’ve narrowed down your available choices, give them a ring to see if they offer automotive locksmith services.
When contacting them, be prepared to inform them of vital information regarding your vehicle to help them find a solution for you. This could be things like the model and the year of car you drive and the type of key used for your car. With this, take a look at the specific services and methods they offer for situations where you are locked out of your car.
To provide you with an understanding of the typical services offered by automotive locksmiths, let’s examine some of the services that you can expect to find.
Locksmith Services for Lost Car Keys
Trying to regain access to your vehicle can be achieved through various methods that do not involve breaking your window. Although these methods may not be as exciting, they effectively allow you to regain entry into your car.
1. Professional Lockout Services
If you’ve locked your keys inside your car, you may need to contact a locksmith to inquire about lockout services. This type of service involves using certain tools like air wedges and slim jims to regain access. A skilled locksmith can do this without damaging your car’s lock or exterior.
2. Key Duplication
I know what you’re thinking – how can you duplicate a key if it’s lost? Well, you can if you can provide a VIN and proof of ownership for your car. An automotive locksmith can use this information to produce a key replacement for your car.
Alternatively, if you have a spare key, they can duplicate this instead. They will then proceed to use key-cutting machines to create a replica of your car key from a key blank, matching in shape, size, and cut as the original.
Along with needing a spare key, it needs to be in good condition and not worn out too excessively for key duplication to work. Lost car keys replacement costs may vary, but are typically influenced by the model and year of the car along with the type of keys used for your car.
3. Transponder Key Programming
Transponder key programming can be seen as hacking your own car’s locking system (ethically, that is). A transponder key is just a fancy word for the electronic keys that are often used with newer model cars. There is an RFID microchip installed within the key that communicates with the car’s immobilizer system.
Once communications are made and the transponder is recognized, this handshake between your car’s immobilizer and the transponder allows for your engine to start.
This process begins by creating a key blank that matches your car’s lock. Even without the original key, you can provide the car’s VIN and proof of ownership to the automotive locksmith for them to create a working key from a blank using your car’s identification number.
A microchip will then be made and placed within the new key; the microchip will have matching data parameters of your car’s computer system, allowing it to be recognized by your car as if it were the original car key.
4. Key Extraction Services for Broken Keys
If by “lost your keys”, you meant “broken my keys in my car’s door lock”, then there are ways to fix that issue as well. Locksmiths typically have extraction tools that they can use to grip the broken key from the inside and pull it out.
This is not always guaranteed to work for cases where the key is deep within the lock. If the key cannot be extracted or the lock became damaged from the key, the technician may then need to replace the lock or perform additional locksmith services to ensure proper functioning.
Prevention Tips
The best way to deal with a lost car key is to avoid the situation in the first place! Here are some tips to prevent your keys from getting lost or broke.
1. Keep a spare key.
Take the time to duplicate your original key so that you won’t have to worry so much about losing your car key. Keep the spare in a safe spot so you’d always have access to it.
2. Use a key-chain.
Having a key-chain can prove to be both fashionable and useful for keeping track of your keys. Choose a key-chain that’d you would be able to recognize easily so that you’d be quick to identify it.
3. Be mindful of your keys.
Mentally jot down every time you use your keys or put them down. Make it a routine to always put your keys in the same spot so that you will never have trouble finding them.
4. Check your pockets.
Every time you enter or leave another location, be sure to check your pockets to ensure that your keys are always on you.
5. Avoid using excessive force.
Keys are tough, but they’re not invincible. Therefore, it’s important to try not to be so hard on your key. If you need to use excessive force to unlock your car, then perhaps your key may be worn out or you need to look into replacing your locks.
6. Regularly maintain your keys.
Regularly inspect your keys and locks by a locksmith to make sure that they function properly and do not need any repairs.
7. Use electronic key finders.
Invest in an electronic key finder or tag for your keys so that, if they are ever misplaced, you can readily reveal their location.
Key Takeaway
You can’t have a good ‘key takeaway’ without your keys in the first place! If your car keys are lost and you’ve already retraced your steps, there are numerous services offered by locksmiths to help get you back on the road.
However, prevention is an important first step in avoiding any headaches. So, the next time you set down your keys, keep a mental note of their location or invest in a key-chain to prevent unwanted stress!
Never get locked out of your car again with the help of Alexius Denver’s Locksmiths!
Sometimes, we can’t help losing our car keys! If you find yourself in need of a locksmith in Aurora CO, visit or contact us so that we can help open the doors that are important to you!
