So you’re on the way out the door or ready to jump in the car to go home… you reach into your pocket and realise your car keys aren’t there.
A terrible feeling of dread comes over you. Trust me, I have experienced this myself after having lost my car keys.
I had placed them on a shelf in a shop to look at something only to forget that I had put them down and walked off!
Having only remembered once I returned to my car and the keys were no where to be found.
Luckily for me I realised my foolishness and returned to the shop to find my car key still sitting on the same shelf where I had left it.
If you aren’t as lucky as me and need a replacement then keep reading…
1. PANIC
Don’t panic – which is easier said than done. The moment you realise you have no idea where your car keys are, panic sets in.
Combine that with running late, battling kids and the feeling of panic heightens.
The best thing to do here is to try and keep calm. This will help you in trying to retrace your steps and hopefully locate your car keys.
This leads us to the next point.
2. NOT LOOKING PROPERLY
Have you actually looked everywhere – no matter whether it’s car keys, wallet, phone. It’s always found in the last place you look. If you’re at home make sure you check the obvious places as well as the places you would never think they would be… maybe even the fridge! It is worth noting that once replacement car keys are programmed to your vehicle the old set will not work. This is because they have been booted out of your cars immobiliser.
3. SMASH THE CAR WINDOW
Never smash the window to try and gain entry to your vehicle. (unless in Emergency situations such as a child or animal locked in your vehicle) You will likely end up paying more to your insurance company then you would to your local Automotive Locksmith. Not to mention cause yourself unnecessary inconvenience in the long run.
4. ENGAGE AN UNLICENSED AUTOMOTIVE LOCKSMITH
Using an unlicensed Automotive Locksmith to replace your car keys could be disastrous. Not all Automotive Locksmiths are correctly licensed to perform work on your vehicle. Programming new car keys to your vehicle is not always simple. Many cars these days are keyless entry, smart keys and some cars even require removal of the cars computer and immobiliser systems for programming. In NSW an Automotive Locksmith must hold a Motor Vehicle Repairer License. They must also have a Tradesperson Certificate to perform this type of work. If they are not correctly licensed and they damage your vehicle this could end up costing you dearly. They may even void your New or Extended Car Warranty. A Master Locksmith License is not ‘fully licensed’ to perform this type of work, they must hold the Motor Vehicle Repairer License.
Click here for more info on NSW law https://ablis.business.gov.au/service/nsw/motor-vehicle-repairers-licence/16723
Click here to see if your local Automotive Locksmith is licensed https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/check-motor-vehicle-repairer-licence
5. GO BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP
Yes your local dealership can replace your car keys however this comes at a cost. Not only will you end up paying more for your car keys but you will likely have to have your vehicle towed and will wait weeks to have the job completed. Chances are you may even find that the Dealership will engage an Automotive Locksmith to perform the job anyway.
Well, there you have it. Our Top 5 mistakes people make when they lose their car keys. If this does happen to you, contact your local Automotive Locksmith, ensure they are correctly licensed and get them to come to the rescue.
It is also a great idea to have a spare key in safe place in the home. It will save you money and provides great peace of mind. Give us a call to arrange coding a spare key for you.
Give us a call at Mobile Car Keys or better yet save our number in your phone so you always have it on hand 0409 008 999. Mobile Car Keys is a Specialist Automotive Locksmith. We operate as a fully mobile service on the Central Coast NSW. We offer car key replacement, car key duplication and vehicle entry services to all makes and models. Being a mobile specialist in this field allows us to offer better service to our clients and pride ourselves on being the most effective and affordable option for car key services.
For a free quote please check out our Key Finder Page.
