Call a Mobile Locksmith in Toledo, OH When You Lose Your Car Keys!
October 21, 2017 5:08 pm Leave your thoughtsLosing your car keys can be a stressful (and potentially expensive) experience. The technology for car keys has greatly evolved over the last decade or so, with many vehicles now allowing for keyless ignition and entry. This means most car keys are now essentially miniature computers you carry around with you, which can cost a few hundred dollars to replace because of the wireless transmitters and encrypted chips.
Here is an overview of the steps you should take if you lose your car keys and need to call a mobile locksmith in Toledo, OH.
Older car keys
If you have an older car key without the same level of technology as many of today’s vehicles, the process of replacing it will not be quite as difficult.
First, write down the VIN for your vehicle, which is typically located on the driver’s side dashboard, and sometimes visible through the windshield. In other cases, it is located near the rear window wells, on the front of the engine block, in the doorjamb or trunk, or on the frame of the vehicle near the windshield washer. Write down the make, model and year of your vehicle as well, which will help you to determine the exact type of key you will need to get for your vehicle.
At this point, you will need to call a mobile locksmith in Toledo, OH. They will give you the best deal on a new key (probably half as much as it would cost from the vehicle manufacturer or dealer). The locksmith will open up your car and then make you a new key. The older the vehicle, the better chance a locksmith will be able to replace the key quickly.
A good locksmith is also able to make you a new key fob, depending on how sophisticated that fob was. Otherwise, you may need to look for discounted keys or key fobs online.
Newer electronic keys
Replacing a newer, high-tech key can be a more complicated prospect. First, check to see if replacing that key is covered by your car insurance or vehicle warranty. In some cases, particularly new or high-end vehicle keys may only be able to be replaced by the manufacturer or dealer. You’ll need to bring all the vehicle information and a valid photo ID to the dealership in this case.
If you think there is a chance a locksmith can help, you can visit the locksmith and have him or her create a new electronic key. If your key has a transponder, you will probably be able to get a new one from a locksmith.
The final option is to get an aftermarket replacement key. You can typically find these keys online.
In any of these cases, you will need to have the key cut and programmed for your vehicle.
For more information about the steps you should take if you lose your car keys, contact a skilled mobile locksmith in Toledo, OH. The team at Toledo Lock & Key LLC is ready to provide fast, reliable service—call today to learn more!
Categorised in: Locksmith Services
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