What To Do When You Lose Your Car Keys
If this happens to you as a Honda owner, we can help! Call our parts department at 585-299-2696. 1. Retrace your steps
Your first act is to retrace your steps. When did you last have your keys in your hand? What did you do next? Chances are, your keys aren’t actually lost, they’re just not where they usually are, and a bit of thorough searching will have them back in your hand in no time.
If you’re at home, check the pockets of the jacket and pants you wore the last time you drove. Check the bag you used the last time you left the house. Even check places you wouldn’t usually put your key, like in your shoe if you went running. Finally, look around where you normally put your keys when you come inside; maybe they fell on the floor behind the entryway table.
If you aren’t at home, check every pocket and take everything out of any bags you have on you to make sure your keys aren’t hiding under something. Once you’ve emptied your pockets and bags, check under the car. If your car is unlocked, check the inside thoroughly, especially the driver’s side floor.
If you still can’t find your keys, walk back through your day. Maybe you set them on a counter somewhere or reached into your bag to pull out your phone, knocking your keys out of the bag.
If you’ve had a good look around and still haven’t located your keys, it’s time to move on to the next step.
2. Know what type of car key you need
Once you’re sure you can’t locate your keys, it’s time to think about what kind of key you need, as that will determine how to get it replaced.
If you have a traditional key, a locksmith can make you a replacement key without the original on the spot. If you have a more technologically advanced key, you’ll probably need to get a tow to a dealership and order a replacement from them. If that’s the case, be prepared to provide proof that you are the car’s owner, like the registration, title or purchase paperwork.
Traditional car keys
You probably have a traditional key if your car was made before the ‘90s. These are standard keys without any special features. You simply put them in the ignition and turn the key to start the car.
An automotive locksmith can make you a new key while you wait.
Key fob
Key fobs became popular in the ‘90s as an extra feature to allow keyless entry into the vehicle. These plastic casings are often rectangular or oval with battery-operated buttons that unlock and lock your car and, in some cases, set off an alarm or open the trunk.
Since these key fobs don’t turn the car on, you’ll still have a traditional key. In that case, you don’t need to replace the fob, but if you want to, you can purchase a key fob online and program it yourself. While you can order aftermarket key fobs, be aware that some models may not be compatible, and you’ll need to order directly from the dealer.
Switchblade key
A key fob with switchblade key has all the elements of the key fob plus a key that is tucked into the fob itself. You pull the key out to put it in the ignition, and then tuck it back into the casing like a switchblade when you aren’t using it. This key style became popular because it’s more compact than the key fob and traditional car key combination.
In this case, losing the key fob means losing the key, so you’ll need to get a replacement. If you want a key fob and switchblade key, you’ll need to get your car to the dealership and order a replacement directly from them. If you don’t care about the switchblade key feature, an automotive locksmith might be able to make you a replacement key, and you can order a separate key fob later.
Transponder key
Transponder keys have an element that wirelessly connects to your car, and the engine will only start if that connection is established and the key is in the ignition like a traditional key.
While this feature keeps your car safe from theft, an automotive locksmith will not be able to help you if you lose your keys. Instead, you’ll need to tow your car to the dealership.
Smart key
Smart keys are the most popular keys for new vehicles today. This type of key activates a proximity sensor in the car, allowing keyless entry and keyless ignition. It’s the most convenient key, except when you lose it. Like the transponder key, only a dealership can replace a smart key.
3. Call a locksmith or roadside assistance
Once you know what kind of key you need, you’ll want to gather a few more pieces of information: - Your vehicle identification number (VIN)
- The year, make and model of your car
- Car registration, title or purchase paperwork to prove ownership of the vehicle
If you need a traditional key replaced, call an automotive locksmith. They will drive to you and make a car key on the spot, even if you don’t have the original.
If you need a more technologically advanced key, like a key fob, key fob with switchblade key, transponder key or smart key, call roadside assistance instead of a locksmith. They will tow your car to the dealership for you.
A dealer may not have the type of key you need on hand, in which case they’ll need to order it, so you may be without your car for a few days.
To read the full article, click HERE.
Article credit: aaa.com |
3/15/72 - 9/27/23
It is with profound sadness that the staff at Ralph Honda share the passing of Trish Wright. Trish worked at Ralph Honda for over 19 years and during that time she has earned the respect and admiration of every Ralph Honda employee to walk through our doors. Her knowledge and commitment to her work was unmatched. Trish possessed the uncanny skill to approach each day with compassion, grit, resilience, and always her own humorous wit.
When the auto industry was most tumultuous Trish was at her best. With deadlines, backorders or limited staff Trish always managed to guide the service department smoothly and effectively. It surprises no one who knew Trish of her devotion to all those less fortunate. She was known to take in injured animals, many from the wild, and nurse them back to health. Over the years Trish was the proud owner of 3 Wolfhounds, a Rottweiler, a Shih Tzu, pigeons & cats and often spoke of them lovingly. Trish was a strong woman of faith and lived her life on her own terms and in the service to so many others. All of us at Ralph Honda who were witness to Trish's, compassion and concern for others are sadden by her passing but will be comforted by the memories of this incredible woman. Rest in peace Trish.
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