If you’ve ever lost your car keys before, you’re definitely aware that this ordeal can take hours out of your day—especially if you lose your only key. Not only will you be locked out of your car and need to get back in, but you will have to get a replacement key made as well. Depending on your vehicle’s make, model, and year, you can either go to your local dealership or hire a locksmith San Jose for car key replacement.
Remain Calm
Although it can be difficult to stay calm in a situation like this, it’s imperative that you try to. Since you have no spare key, you will be locked out and will be rendered stranded and immobile. That’s enough to make anyone panic! However, remaining calm can help you keep your head clear so you can plan your next steps and avoid doing something irrational (like breaking a window).
Look For Your Keys
This may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people overlook this step. Many have a tendency to think that they’ve misplaced their keys when in reality they haven’t taken the time to look for them. Take a few minutes to search your immediate area. Check in places where you’d normally keep your keys, such as in a purse, near your wallet, or on a key rack. There’s also a chance that you put your keys down someplace and forgot them. In situations like this, it helps to look in places that might seem unlikely. Taking the time to look for your keys can save you a lot of time and money in the long run.
Check Your Car
Once you have established that your car keys are not in your immediate surroundings, check your car by looking through the windows. Since one of the leading causes of car lockouts is forgetfulness, there’s a chance that you left your keys inside your car. If you see your car keys in your car, you won’t have to get a replacement key made (although it’s still a good idea to get a spare). However, you’ll still need to call a locksmith San Jose to get you back into your car. If you’re not so lucky, continue reading.
Gather Vehicle Information
In order for a dealership or locksmith San Jose to help you out when you’ve locked yourself out of your car and have no spare, they will ask you to provide them with as much information as you can. You will need to tell them what type of key you need (traditional, transponder, or key fob), provide them with your vehicle identification number (VIN), as well as the make, model, and year of your car. This information can be found on insurance cards or the car registration document. If you keep these documents in your car, a professional can still take a look at the lock to determine the necessary replacement key.
Get a Key Replacement
If you lost your keys and have no spare, you will need to get a replacement key made. The locksmith that you hire to get you back into your car will most likely be able to make you a key on the spot, depending on the make, model, and year of your vehicle. If your car is on the older side, calling a locksmith will allow you to bypass the dealership’s expensive costs. However, since car dealerships have a monopoly on certain modern cars, you may have to settle on contacting your dealer to obtain a replacement key.
Get a Spare Key
While getting a replacement car key, you should take the opportunity to get a spare key made as well. It might seem like a costly addition at the time (especially if you need to get the key programmed as well), but having a spare key will save you a lot of trouble if you ever lose your car keys again!
Call Real Time Locksmith
Real Time Locksmith is a reputable locksmith company that serves San Jose and the surrounding areas. If you find yourself locked out of your car and have no spare key, give us a call and we will send a locksmith San Jose over to you immediately. After we unlock your car we can make you a replacement key and a spare key on-site. At Real Time Locksmith, we work quickly and efficiently to ensure that you go back to your busy day ASAP!
