Every day, we deal with various common stress points—the long line you have to endure at the coffee shop or the high number of cars on the road as you rush in for work. In fact, these minor and major situations can easily take a toll on your mental well-being and affect you throughout the day. However, one of the biggest stressors that are now becoming more common (unfortunately) is losing one’s car keys and not having a spare.
Imagine the tension you have to go through, from looking for the keys to realizing that you’ve lost them and have no spare keys. To make it worse, you’re probably stuck in a parking lot with no plan. If you find yourself in such situations, what should you do? This is the first step you must take: calm down! Remember, panicking will not help in any situation.
Identify The Key You’ve Lost
After the panic has subsided, and you can think clearly, now is the time to identify the key you lost. Here are three common types of keys that you should know about:
- Transponder keys: These are mostly used for modern vehicles, where they are likely keyless entry remotes. This key is different from a traditional key because of the pairing process. Albeit this key provides better security, it’s a huge pain when it’s lost.
- Keyless entry remotes: Also known as key fobs, they provide maximum security. However, it’s hard when you lose this because the replacement isn’t as cheap as traditional car keys.
- Traditional car keys: They are a staple of older cars. Although they may not offer much security, they are still the best to have when you’ve lost them because they are easier to replace and duplicate.
Get Necessary Vehicle Information
When you have identified the type of car keys you have, you will need to gather the necessary vehicle information for a dealership or a local locksmith service to help you. This is because the information you provide about your vehicle will help them get the right key to open your vehicle. Be specific on your car model, and provide your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), make, model, and year. You can find this information on insurance cards or the car registration document.
Choose A Locksmith
The quickest way to have your car unlocked is by calling a locksmith, as they have the skills and equipment to open your car door. Ask for a quote for this service, and be aware of some locksmiths who may try to upcharge you when they arrive.
Have A Spare Key Made
After going through all the hassle of opening your car door, the next thing you need to do is have a spare key made for your vehicle. You don’t want this to happen again to you, right? This is why you must sort out your extra car keys first and place them where you can have easy access.
Conclusion
Losing your car keys with no spare is one of the worst experiences to go through, especially when you’re far from home. Most of the time, a locksmith is the perfect person to call in such situations. However, you need to make sure you hire a reputable one that can get the job done. At the same time, don’t forget to sort out your spare keys after the incident to prevent it from happening again!
Are you looking for a reliable local locksmith service in Cincinnati, OH? Allied Lock & Door is a full-service locksmith shop that can help you with any of your emergency car key troubles. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help!