It can be a very stressful and frustrating experience to lose your car keys. You can’t start or access your car without your keys. This leaves you stranded. In Leicester, there are a few options for replacing your car keys as quickly and affordably as possible. This guide from carkeyleicester.co.uk will walk you through the process of car key replacement in Leicester and provide tips for avoiding key losses in the future.
Assess The Situation
Check all of your bags, pockets, drawers, sofa cushions and anywhere else you may have lost them. Check all your bags, pockets and drawers. Also, check under the sofa cushions. It’s time to replace your keys if you cannot find them. You must file a police report if you suspect your keys were stolen. This will help you prove the theft, in case they are later used to commit crimes or found.
Contact Your Dealership
If you bought your car from a dealership, contacting them is often the fastest way to get a replacement key made. Dealerships keep records of VIN numbers and key codes, making it easy for them to cut and program a new key. However, dealership key replacement tends to be more expensive than other options, with costs ranging from £120-£300. You’ll need to weigh the convenience against the price.
Use A Locksmith
Your best bet for affordable, quick car key replacements in Leicester is to use a local auto locksmith like those featured on carkeyleicester.co.uk. Locksmiths have the equipment to cut transponder chip keys on site and program them to your car. This saves you the towing or travel expenses of the dealership. Locksmiths also tend to offer more competitive rates than dealers, typically between £80-£120. Look for an experienced locksmith with positive reviews to handle your car key replacement.
Choose between Original Keys vs Aftermarket Keys
Locksmiths can replace your key with either an original one from your automaker or an aftermarket duplicate. Original manufacturer keys are more expensive but may come with a longer warranty. Aftermarket keys are cheaper but may not last as long. Discuss the pros and cons of each with your locksmith to decide which is right for you. Get any warranties or guarantees in writing.
Program & Synchronize The New Key
Once the new key is cut, the locksmith will use diagnostic equipment and an onboard port in your car to program and synchronize the key. This allows the key to communicate with your car computer and start the engine. The locksmith programs the key to match your VIN. Some locksmiths like those on carkeyleicester.co.uk can even program keys using just your VIN, without having your car present.
Dispose of Old Keys
If you get your original keys back, make sure you dispose of the old keys safely by destroying them thoroughly. You don’t want anyone finding them and using them to access your vehicle. It’s also wise to remove any address tag or identifying features on your new keys. Only carry your car keys when needed to prevent loss or theft.
Address Underlying Issues Take some time to reflect on how you lost your keys in the first place. Did you leave them on a restaurant table or at a friend’s house? Was your purse or pocket picked by a thief? Identifying patterns can help you be more mindful about keeping track of your keys in the future. Some steps to avoid key loss include keeping keys on a lanyiner or carabiner, carrying them in a zippered pocket or bag, and designating a spot at home to keep them.
Consider Added Security Features
You may want to have some extra security measures enabled when you get new keys made through carkeyleicester.co.uk. Options include having your VIN etched onto the keys to aid identification if they are lost, installing key locator devices, adding GPS tracking to your key ring, and enabling extra antitheft measures like a kill switch. Discuss deterrents like this with your locksmith.
Stay Calm & Act Quickly
While replacing lost car keys is inconvenient and can be costly if you use a dealership, there are established processes in place via companies like carkeyleicester.co.uk to get you back on the road quickly. Their auto locksmiths in Leicester can cut and program new keys within an hour in many cases. By staying calm, assessing your options, and acting swiftly, you can resolve a lost key situation with minimal disruption to your life.
Additional Services from CarKeyLeicester.co.uk
Beyond car key replacement, carkeyleicester.co.uk also offers other services related to lost keys, including:
Lost Keys – If you lose your keys somewhere outside your home, the locksmiths can assist with retrieval or replacement.
Refurbish Car Keys – For damaged but still functioning keys, the locksmiths can repair and restore keys to like-new condition.
Unlock Cars – If you accidentally lock your keys inside your car, the locksmiths can safely gain entry and retrieve them for you.
By turning to the experts at carkeyleicester.co.uk for any of your car key needs, you can save money and resolve issues promptly. Keep their number handy in case those keys ever go missing.
FAQs
Q: How much does it cost to replace car keys in Leicester?
A: Through a locksmith, expect to pay £80-£120. Dealerships typically charge £120-£300.
Q: How long does it take to get new car keys made in Leicester?
A: Most locksmiths can cut and program replacement keys within an hour. Dealers may require making an appointment and waiting a day or two.
Q: Can locksmiths program new keys using just the VIN?
A: Some locksmiths like those at CarKeyLeicester.co.uk can program new keys using only your vehicle VIN number, without your car present.
Q: Is it better to get OEM or aftermarket replacement keys?
A: OEM keys are more expensive but come with the automaker’s warranty. Aftermarket keys are affordable but may not last as long.
Conclusion
Losing your car keys causes inconvenience and stress. But by remaining calm, evaluating your options, and acting quickly, you can get replacement keys made in Leicester in no time through an auto locksmith service like CarKeyLeicester.co.uk. Their experts can cut, program, and sync new keys at competitive rates, often within an hour. Be proactive about not losing keys in the first place. But if you do, call the knowledgeable locksmiths at CarKeyLeicester.co.uk to get you back on the road promptly.
