How Much Does a Spare Key For Your Car Cost?
The loss of your car keys could be a major hassle and it's crucial to have an extra key in the event that you lose or break your primary one. But how much does an extra key for your car cost?
The answer will depend on several factors. This article will help you determine whether it's worthwhile to have a spare made.
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It's always a good idea to keep a spare car key, since losing a key could be expensive and stressful. The cost of a spare car key varies according to the make and model of your car and also its type.
Basic keys, for instance ones that don't contain any technology are less expensive to replace since they require the simple cutting of a blank. They also don't need specialized encoding. Keys that are integrated into a car fob or is equipped with a chip will need to be programmed and will cost more.
If you lose your only key, the first step is to find an locksmith who has an equipment that can program the type of key you want. You can also save money by cutting the key yourself and programming it. You can find the procedure in the owner's manual or on the internet for "how do I program (your year, make, and model) key." You could save up to $150.
Model
The model of your vehicle determines the cost of a spare car key. If you require a key replacement for a luxurious model or premium vehicle the price will be higher. The cost is also influenced by the kind of material used to create the key. It is less expensive to replace a blank than one with an integrated key fob. A lot of dealerships will cut and program a key from a third party for you if you'd like to save money.
Year
It is crucial to have an extra car key especially if you have children who could be locked in the car. You can obtain a spare car key many ways, including visiting the dealership that you purchased your car from or by hiring an auto locksmith or ordering one online. Each choice comes with the associated costs and advantages. Before making a decision you must take into consideration both the type and type of lock. The more expensive a particular brand is, the more expensive the cost.
Key type
Having a spare key can help you avoid being stuck in the event you lose the car keys you use for your primary. The cost of an extra key for your vehicle can vary depending on the type lock and key you have.
Locksmiths and hardware stores can cut mechanical keys, which work by inserting the key into the ignition cylinder. These keys cost as little as $10. The more expensive alternative, transponder or chip keys, contain a tiny electronic chip inside the head that communicates with the vehicle to confirm it's a valid key. Dealerships are the only place where you can duplicate these keys, since they are equipped with all the equipment needed to program them.
car key replacement online advanced systems such as remote starters and mirror folding can also make it more expensive for the replacement of keys. These extra features can be useful if you're prone to losing your keys or leave them in strange places, but they can also increase the chance of theft. You may want to consider leaving the spare key in a different location and making it a habit to clear your pockets of all items you don't use before getting into your vehicle. This way, you can be certain that your spare key will be in your possession whenever you need it.
Locks
Having a spare car key is a smart idea. You'll avoid a lot of trouble when you lock your keys inside the car or lose them. However, you should always keep your spare keys in a secure location, and make sure to put it somewhere easy to find. It can be put in a key holder on the wall or in a drawer in your kitchen.
The type of lock you have on your vehicle can affect the cost of a replacement key. The cost of replacing traditional keys that open the car door by inserting into the lock is cheaper than the cost of replacing smart key fobs. Smart key fobs emit an electronic code that enables you to unlock your car or start it from a distance.
If you lose your smart key, you'll have to visit an establishment or locksmith for the replacement. The experts will confirm that you have ownership of the vehicle. This may require you to present proof like the title or registration.
In the past the time of car keys being lost, it wasn't a huge deal. With the advancements in technology of automobiles, it's not as simple to find a spare. You'll have to go to an auto dealer or a locksmith to have a brand new key made for you and it could be costly. Here are some tips to help you figure out the cost to get a replacement car key made.
Dealership
It's important to keep an extra car key on hand regardless of whether you lost your keys or they were stolen. It will save you money and time in the long run. You'll also not have to request a tow in the event that you're stuck without a key. There are a variety of options to get a replacement key. These include dealerships, online services and locksmiths. You should compare the price and ease of these options before making a choice.
The type of key you require also affects the cost. Keys that are traditional are inexpensive and easy to replace. More sophisticated keys are more expensive. Some features, such as mirror folding, alarm activation and remote start, may require specific components that are more difficult to locate or make. Keep a log of the immobilizer code, and also your key number. This will help you to save money.
The most reliable way to find an extra car key is to go to the dealer that sells the brand of your car. This will ensure that you have a key compatible with your car's systems and is programmed properly. It's more expensive, but you will be sure to have a key that works when you require it. It is also typically the only method to obtain a key for some newer vehicles.