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It's almost impossible to know when you might lose your car keys. And when it happens, it's usually at the most un-cooperative time.
You might consider calling your dealer to have a new key made for you, but they usually cost a lot of money. In addition, they may not have the type of key you require on hand.
Lost Keys
Not too long ago, misplacing or losing the car key wasn't a big deal. Locksmiths could quickly and affordably replace it. But as cars have gotten more technologically advanced, so do their keys, and changing one could be a costly endeavor. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, says that depending on the type of key you've got the process of regaining access can be a lengthy process and can cost hundreds of dollars.
It can happen due to a variety of reasons, but the most common is that it happens when you are caught up in a rush or distracted and fail to check where you placed your keys. This is why having a backup in an appropriate location is important, and why it's crucial to retrace your steps in case you lose keys.
Start by thinking back to the last time you had them, and then check all the places where you could have placed them. Look in your pocket on the floor of your car (including the trunk) or on your office desk, or anywhere you might be sitting at, such as at a table in a restaurant during lunch or while waiting for a ride-sharing service to pick you up.
Also, think about whether you've given an additional key to someone. If so, you should contact them to see whether they've discovered yours. Make sure you look around your house, as keys are usually hidden under couches or on top of mail stacks.
If you can't find your keys, it is important to identify the type of key you own. Then, you can contact someone to get it replaced. In certain cases, you may have to go to the dealer to get a new key made in particular if it has a transponder chip or another technology that requires changing.
If yours is an old-fashioned key, a locksmith can typically cut you a new one on the spot. In most cases, you'll need to bring the registration or title of your vehicle or other evidence of ownership to the dealership. You'll need to bring an ID with a photo and any spare keys that you might have.
Transponder Keys
It's almost certain that the car key is equipped with a transponder. These chips are designed to prevent car thefts by making sure that only the owner has the right to start the vehicle. The chips work by sending a message from the key to the antenna ring that surrounds the ignition cylinder. The computer in your car will check the "password" sent from the key to a list of codes that are authorized, and if it matches the code, the engine will fire up.
Transponder keys are extremely useful, but they can also be a problem if they are lost or stolen. They are difficult to duplicate due to their unique microchip. The only method to duplicate the transponder's key is using an original that's already programmed. This can be accomplished by a professional locksmith, the car manufacturer's local dealership, or a reputable auto shop.
Although it is possible to program a few transponder keys on your own, a lot of people prefer hiring professionals to do the job. This is because there are many steps involved, and each vehicle's anti-theft system functions in a different way. A professional can also ensure that the key is properly programmed, and is working properly.
Transponder keys should be taken care of to ensure they continue to perform as they should. It is essential to keep it out of extreme temperatures and water and to avoid dropping it. If you accidentally drop your car key, it is best to replace it as soon as you can by visiting an authorized dealer in your area or a professional locksmith.
It's easier to replace a mechanically operated key, but you should always keep an extra transponder. You'll avoid the hassle and cost of having your car's computer reprogrammed in the event that you lose the only key. The reason is that the anti-theft system integrated in most vehicles will require the keys that were originally programmed to re-program. This process is very time-consuming.
Key Fobs
It's not easy to imagine that your primary fob could malfunction, but it's uncommon. Fobs are made up of batteries and circuits, which are susceptible to damage by a variety of things. Sudden shocks can cause the batteries to cease functioning in addition to exposure to liquids like water or other.
Many of the problems with key fobs are easily resolved. The first thing to look into is the battery, which can easily be replaced at an hardware store or large retailer that sells automotive batteries. If the issue isn't related to the battery, it could be an issue with damaged contacts inside the fob, which prevent it from communicating with the receiver inside the vehicle. The majority of them are made of rubber-like material and coated with an electricity conducting film that wears off over time from repeated use. They can be cleaned by taking the fob and disassembling it. Then, by carefully soldering contacts back in place can bring them back to their original state.
In some cases all that is needed is to reprogramme the fob to connect it to the car's transmitter. This is usually accomplished through a procedure which can be found in the owner's manual, or by conducting an online search for your specific model of car. If you're not able to find instructions for your specific model of car, the dealer or a shop that specializes in the type of car you have will be able to help.
Some cars, particularly older models with less sophisticated security systems, allow owners to purchase replacement fobs at specialized stores or online sellers and then follow a procedure to program them themselves. This is an affordable alternative to visiting a dealer however it is important to keep in mind that this option is only applicable on vehicles that don't require special security protocols to activate. According to CR, Audi and Subaru dealers cannot use aftermarket keys to reprogram cars with digital encryption.
It's also important to note that some key fobs from aftermarket sources may be difficult or impossible to program for your vehicle. Some dealers will not accept fobs from aftermarket suppliers, and instead prefer to use a brand new one from the automaker.
Bluetooth Key Trackers
A Bluetooth tracker, also referred to as a keyfinder, is a tiny device that you attach to your personal items like your wallet or keys. The app you install on your phone will keep a connection to the tracker for as long as the device is within reach once you connect it via Bluetooth. Once you lose track of the item pressing the tracker's button will trigger it to ring, to let you know where it is. You can also make use of the tracking feature on your phone to see a map of its last location.
Most Bluetooth trackers are powered by batteries that are rechargeable. Based on the model, this can bring convenience to your life since you can keep a device charged and available at all times to locate items that you've misplaced. However, you must be aware of your battery life, as these devices drain the battery quicker than standard.
When buying a Bluetooth tracker, you should also consider whether it encrypts the location information. Some companies do not, so you may be vulnerable if the company is hacked and your data is stolen. Luckily, most manufacturers do encrypt this data. You should still read all the fine print before purchasing any product. This information could be used by a criminal to gain access to your home or car.