Here's How To Replace Your Lost ATV Keys

You wake up one morning and want to take your ATV out for your next off-roading adventure. After packing up and getting ready to hit the trails, a sinking feeling overtakes your stomach because you can’t find your ATV keys.

Few things are as stressful as losing keys, particularly the ones to your favorite toy.

Replacing your lost ATV keys is a process and requires several steps to get you back to roaming the outdoors.

Has losing your ATV keys stressed you out? Here are several things you can do to replace them and return to enjoying the outdoors.

Reach Out To The Dealership
Call a Locksmith
Order Your New Key Online
Local Auto Part Stores
What Not to Do
Avoiding Losing Your Keys
The Final Word

Reach Out To The Dealership

Although it may be a little embarrassing, try calling your dealership to see if the ATV dealership has spare keys on hand or if they can cut a new one for you.

Before you head to the dealership, you’ll need to write down your VIN, which you can find stamped on the vehicle’s frame in most cases.

Getting a replacement key is usually inexpensive, but the price varies based on the dealer and your ATV’s model.

But one thing to note is that some manufacturers assign numbers to ATV keys, so if your dealership asks you for the key number, replacing your key could add an extra challenge.

Also, if you have an older ATV model, there is a possibility that the dealership may no longer carry the key you need. If you know that your model is older, keep this in mind before you make a trip to the dealership.

Call a Locksmith

While most people think locksmiths can only unlock car doors or get you back into your home, they can help. Some situations require reaching out to a locksmith to help get your ATV moving again.

Some locksmith companies specialize in replacing ATV keys, which can be helpful when you can’t get your key from a dealer.

Depending on the model of your ATV, calling a locksmith may require you to remove the ignition switch, which can come with an entirely new set of keys for your ATV. The need to remove the ignition switch is based on the year, make, and model of your ATV and the locksmith company’s guidelines for the situation. Calling ahead and asking all the necessary questions

Order Your New Key Online

Surprisingly, you can find ATV keys for some models at online retailers. Depending on the make and model of your ATV, you may be able to order a new one on sites such as Amazon and eBay.

This brings the added convenience of not having to leave your home for your ATV key replacement, provided you have all the information needed to conduct your search, including the VIN and key number (if necessary).

Local Auto Part Stores

Sometimes, going to your local auto parts store can help get you back to ruling the trails again. While many auto part retailers don’t make replacement ATV keys, you can get a new ignition with its own set of keys.

What Not to Do

Despite what you may read online, trying to bypass or hotwire your ATV after losing your keys isn’t the best idea.

Many people believe that hotwiring ATVs is a simple way to get back to the trails, but you may end up doing the situation more harm than good.

Not only are you risking damaging your vehicle, but you could also be putting yourself at risk. Trying to bypass the ignition exposes you to electrical hazards that can be dangerous, particularly if you have no idea what you’re doing.

Avoiding Losing Your Keys

Your ATV keys are annoying, but they can happen to us all. Taking the necessary precautions can make you more bearable. Placing your ATV keys in an area where you know you’ll remember is a crucial part of keeping up with them.

A designated drawer in your house
In your car’s glove box
On a key hook on the wall
On your everyday key set

Of course, where you place your ATV keys depends on your preference and what works best for your lifestyle.

Also, when you return from an outdoor excursion, you should first put your key back in its designated place. While it can be tempting to start doing other things when you get home, taking the step to put your key back in place can save you headaches down the road.

The Final Word

The best way to get back on the road is to get professional assistance, whether you go to your dealership, call a locksmith, order online, or check out a local auto parts store. Taking shortcuts is a surefire way to lengthen the process and create more headaches for yourself.

Using the steps above, you can ensure that you get your ATV back up to speed to enjoy the outdoors again.