The moment you reach into your pocket and realize you’ve lost your car keys can be a very stressful experience. Not only does it mean you’ll be late for work or an important meeting but it could also lead to a faulty ignition, which can be expensive to fix. Luckily, there’s always a solution to the problem if you know where to look. Here are a few tips for getting your vehicle back on the road in no time:

The first thing you should do when losing your car keys is to try to find them before calling roadside assistance or a locksmith. This way, you can make sure that your keys aren’t somewhere in the house or on a keychain where they’re likely to disappear again. You can also check your glove box, purse, or backpack to see if your car keys are there.

Next, you should consider your car’s type. If you drive a traditional sedan, then it’s probably safe to assume that you still have a standard metal key. This kind of key is inserted into an ignition cylinder to start the engine, and you can usually replace it with a spare key that’s in your vehicle. If your car has a different kind of key, such as a key fob or key switchblade key, you’ll need to call a professional locksmith in order to get it replaced.

While hardware stores may be able to copy keys for older vehicles, locksmiths are generally better equipped to deal with more modern vehicles. Often, they can use a special scope to capture the grooves of the lock and then recreate a new key for you on-site. This is a much cheaper option than buying a new key at the dealership, and it’s generally less hassle.

You should also be aware that a locksmith may not be able to program a replacement key for more advanced vehicles. This is because the process to program the key requires special equipment that many locksmiths don’t have. However, if you have a basic key fob or switchblade key, you can follow the procedure in your owner’s manual to make a replacement for yourself.

The last option that you should keep in mind is to contact a local automotive locksmith. They will be able to provide you with the most efficient and affordable solution for your lost car key. Additionally, they have all of the required key programming equipment and can replace almost any kind of vehicle’s keys.

The best way to avoid being stranded in the future is to have extra keys made and programmed for your vehicle. Then you will be able to have one ready for the times when yours are lost or damaged. This will also make it easier to sell your used car in the future, as buyers are more willing to buy a vehicle that comes with two working key fobs or re mote keys. This will also save you money in the long run, as you’ll be able to avoid paying for emergency services and locksmith charges. locksmith car key replacement