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Auto Key Repair Near Me You can't predict when you will lose your car keys. It's always at the worst possible moment. You could contact your dealer and ask them to make you a new key, however they charge astronomical amounts of money. Plus, they may not have the kind of key you require. Lost Keys It wasn't that long ago that misplacing keys or losing it was not a big problem. Locksmiths could quickly and easily replace it. As cars become technologically advanced, so have their keys. Replacing one could be costly. Based on the type of key you have, the process for regaining access to your vehicle may be a lengthy process that could cost hundreds of dollars, according to Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. It can happen for a variety of reasons, but typically it happens when you're in a hurry or distracted and forget to look where you put your keys. It's essential to keep a spare set of keys in a secure location, and to retrace the steps you took in case you lose them. Start by thinking back to the last time you used them, and then go through every place you could have placed them. Check your pockets, the floor of your car (including the trunk) or your desk at work or anywhere else you may have been sitting. Also, think about whether you've handed a spare key away to anyone. If so, you should contact the person to inquire if your key has been located. And don't forget to check in your home, too—keys are usually found under couches or over mail stacks. If you're still looking for your keys, the next step is to determine the kind of key you have, and who you should contact to replace it. In some instances you might need go to a dealer to have a new key made especially if the one you have is equipped with a transponder chip or other technology that requires changing. If yours is traditional, a locksmith can typically cut you a new one immediately. In most cases, however you'll need your vehicle's registration, title or any other evidence of ownership to the dealership. You'll also need a copy of your photo ID and any other spare keys you may have. Transponder Keys If you own a car made in the last decade or two it's likely that your key is equipped with transponder chip. These chips are designed to prevent car thefts by ensuring that only the owner has the right to start the vehicle. The chips work by sending a signal from the key to the antenna ring around the ignition cylinder. The computer in your vehicle will then compare the “password” which is transmitted from the key, to an authorized list of codes and if the code is found to match the codes, the engine will be started. Transponder keys can be extremely useful, but they can also have some challenges in the event of losing them or getting them stolen. One reason is that they are very hard to duplicate because they are unique because they have a microchip. Only an original transponder key that has been programmed can be used to duplicate the key. This can be done by a professional locksmith the car manufacturer's local dealership, or a reputable auto shop. Many people prefer to hire experts to program transponder keys. This is because the process involves several steps and each vehicle's antitheft mechanism functions differently. A professional can also make sure that the key is properly programmed and functions in a correct manner. It is important to take care of your transponder's key so that it will continue to function properly. This means keeping it out of water or extreme temperatures and making sure you don't drop it. If you do accidentally drop your key it's a good idea to see an expert locksmith or the car manufacturer's local dealership as soon as possible to have it replaced. It's easier to replace a mechanically-operated key however, it is recommended to keep a spare transponder. This will allow you to avoid the stress and cost of having your car's computer system reprogrammed if you lose the only working key. The reason is that the anti-theft system integrated in the majority of cars will require the original keys to re-program. This procedure can be extremely long and time-consuming. Key Fobs It may seem far-fetched to consider that your key fob could be prone to failure, but it isn't entirely uncommon. Fobs contain batteries and circuits which are vulnerable to damage from a number of sources. In the event of a sudden shock, they could cause them to cease working and also expose them to liquids like water or other. Fortunately, the majority of issues that may be caused by key fobs are fairly easy to repair. First, you must check the battery. It can be replaced at a major retailer or at a hardware store that sells automotive batteries. If it's not the battery, the problem could be due to worn-out contacts inside the fob that stop it from communicating with the receiver inside the vehicle. The fob is usually made of rubbery material and covered by a electrically conductive film. The film can wear away from repeated use. You can clean these by removing the fob and disassembling it. After carefully soldering the contacts they can be reconstructed to working order. In some cases all that is needed is to reprogram the fob to reconnect it with the car's transmitter. You'll find the instructions in your owner's manual, or search online for the model of your car. If you are unable to find the instructions for the model of your car, a dealer or independent shop that specializes on your type of vehicle should be able to assist. Some vehicles, especially older ones with less advanced security systems, let owners purchase replacement fobs from specialized retailers or online vendors and follow a procedure to program them on their own. This is an affordable alternative to going to the dealer, but it's important to note that this option is only applicable for vehicles that don't need special security protocols to activate. For instance, Audi and Subaru dealerships can't use aftermarket fobs to reprogram vehicles equipped with digital encryption systems according to CR. Some aftermarket key fobs could be difficult to program into your vehicle. As such some dealers aren't willing to work with fobs from aftermarket and will only accept a new one from the manufacturer. Bluetooth Key Trackers A Bluetooth tracker, also referred to as keyfinder, is a small gadget you attach to your items such as your wallet or keys. When The Keylab connect it to your phone via Bluetooth the app on your phone will keep a connection with the tracker for as long as it is within reach. If you lose the item, you can set it to vibrate by pressing the button on the tracker. You can track the device on your phone to see an image of the last location. Most Bluetooth trackers run on rechargeable batteries. This is a convenient method to keep your device always charged, ready to locate items that you've lost. It is still important to be aware of the battery's lifespan, since these devices drain the battery faster than normal. If you are considering purchasing a Bluetooth tracker, also consider whether it encrypts the location information. Some companies don't, and you could be vulnerable in the event that your personal information is stolen if they are hacked. Luckily, most manufacturers do encrypt this data. However, you should still be sure to read the specifics of the product's page to be certain. This information could be used by a criminal to gain access to your home or car.