At least once in your lifetime, you will find yourself rummaging through your purse, pockets, retracting your footsteps because you can’t find your car key. In most cases, you don’t realise you have lost your keys until you have to get into the car. Unfortunately, once you have lost them, there is not much you can do which is usually why people get so frustrated. But instead of calling the dealership because you are super mad that your insurance doesn’t cover lost keys, go a smarter and less expensive way and call an auto locksmith.
What to do first
Losing your car keys can always be very stressful. All of a sudden you realize that you can’t go where you need to go. But has the world come to an end? What do you do? Keep in mind that there’s no need for panic, the first thing to do is to stay calm, if the keys are really lost and you have checked your pockets already (you feel me, right?), a locksmith can usually get you back into your car within 10-30 minutes once they arrive. He can help you with cheap car key replacement.
The Benefits Of Hiring An Auto Locksmith
What a lot of people don’t realise is that auto locksmiths are the ones to contacts when you need any type of auto locksmith services so you don’t have to deal with the dealership. Anything from the general lock and key services to replacing your keys, auto locksmiths can do it all, it is as important as your car insurance. Here are some of the things an auto locksmith can do for you:
- Car key replacement
- Emergency car lockout
- Laser-cut keys
- Key Replacement
Just like any other car key, every key is unique to the vehicle that it belongs to. But most newer generation cars come with a remote instead of just a set of standard keys.
Different Types of Keys Cost Differently
Nobody loses their keys on purpose, it is always a series of unfortunate events. But when it does happen people automatically want to go to the dealership and get a replacement which is accompanied by a big bill. Back in the day when cars were unlocked just by keys, losing it was more than an inconvenience rather than an expense. All you need to do is take a trip to the local locksmith and get a duplicate. As vehicles are evolving so are the keys, which makes it harder to steal cars, but it also makes it harder to get a copy of your key. Most cars nowadays use remote fobs to secure the vehicle and turn it on. If you lost your key and you don’t have the budget to go to a dealership, call your local auto locksmith to replace them.
- Flip key/switchblade key:
This is a key that you use when the fob is not in use. Usually, there is a small button that you press to release the key. They are simple to use but they are one of the priciest ones when you have to order them from a dealership.
- Sidewinder key:
This one is one of the most expensive keys as it includes a transponder chip. But that doesn’t mean that you should go directly to the dealership when you lose it, a proper auto locksmith will be able to make you a new one from much cheaper and sometimes it will even be a faster option. Something to keep in mind while choosing an auto locksmith is to pick a trusted one rather than looking for the cheapest one.
- Smart key
Most cars nowadays have different smart keys that unlock, lock and start your engine without having to insert the key into the car or door. They work by using a radio pulse generator that is found in the key housing and it corresponds with the inner workings of your vehicle. As they are so complicated to recreate, they are one of the priciest keys to replace, especially when you go directly to the dealership.
How Long Will It Take To Get A Spare Of Your Car Keys?
Depending on what type of key you had, it will determine how long it will take to make a new one. Generally, auto locksmiths are very fast and they carry a wide range of key blanks. That means that they will usually have your key ready within the same day.
All in all, the best and quickest way to access your car again without having to spend an obscene amount of money on it is by calling an auto locksmith. They will provide you with all the information that you need to know and the replacement set. Always make sure that you are choosing a trusted locksmith, it is better to pay a bit more money than have a stranger with a key to your car.
