How Much Does a Spare Key For Your Car Cost?
It's an enormous inconvenience to lose your car keys. It's important to keep one spare in case you break or lose your primary key. What is the cost of an extra key for your car cost?
The answer will depend on a variety of factors. This article will look at the factors that will help you decide whether it's worth getting an extra key made.
Make
A spare car key is always a good idea since losing a key can be a costly and stressful experience. However, the cost of having a spare key may vary depending on your vehicle's model and make and the type of key you have.
For instance, simple keys with no technology will be less expensive to replace because they only require a simple cutting from blanks and do not require any special encoding. A key that is incorporated into a car fob or is equipped with a chip will need to be programmed, and will cost more.
If spare key fob have lost your only key, your first step should be to locate a locksmith in your area who has a tool that can program the type of key. You can also save money by cutting the key yourself and programming it. The procedure for doing this will be explained in the owner's manual or you can search online for "how to program (your year, make, and model) key." This can help you save up to $150.
Model
The model number of your vehicle determines the cost of an extra key. If you require the replacement of a key for a luxury model or a premium car, the cost will be more expensive. The cost is also affected by the type of material used to create the key. For example, it will cost less to replace a blank key than a key that is complete with an integrated 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 important to have a spare car key, especially if you have children who might lock themselves in the vehicle. There are several options to obtain an extra key, which includes visiting the dealership from which you purchased your vehicle, using an auto locksmith, or getting one on the internet. Each comes with its own costs and advantages. Before making a decision you must take into consideration the type and design of lock. The more expensive a particular brand is, the higher the price.
Key type
Having a spare key can prevent you from being left in the event that you lose your primary car keys. However the cost of having the spare car key may vary greatly depending on the type of lock your vehicle uses and the type of key you own.
Hardware stores and locksmiths can cut mechanical keys that work by inserting the key into the cylinder for ignition. The cost of these keys is just $10. The more expensive alternatives chip keys, also known as transponder keys, contain a tiny electronic chip inside the head that communicates with the vehicle to confirm it is a valid key. These types of keys can only be duplicated at dealerships, since they have the equipment required to program them.
Other advanced systems like remote starters or mirror folding can increase the cost of the replacement of keys. These additional features can be useful if you're prone to losing your keys, or have a tendency to leave them in strange places however, they also increase the chance of theft. You may want to consider leaving a spare key in a separate place and establishing a routine to clear your pockets of any items you don't need before getting into your car. You can be sure that your spare key is there whenever you need it.
Locks
Having a spare car key is a smart move. You can save yourself many headaches when you lock your keys in your car or lose them. However, you must keep your spare key in a secure location, and make sure to put it somewhere easy to find. For instance, a wall-mounted key holder or the kitchen drawer are good places to put it.
The type of lock on your vehicle can also affect the cost of replacing a key. The cost of replacing the traditional keys that unlock the car door by inserting into the lock is less expensive than the cost of replacing smart key fobs. Smart key fobs emit an electronic code which allows you to unlock the car or start it from an extended distance.
If you have lost your smart keys, you'll need to go to a locksmith or dealership to get an alternative. They will have to verify that you are the owner of the vehicle, and may require providing proof such as the registration or title.
In the past it wasn't a huge issue to lose your car keys. However, with the technological advances in cars, it's not as easy to get a spare. It can be costly to get a new key made by a dealer or locksmith. Here are some guidelines to help you determine the cost to get a replacement car key made.
Dealership
It is essential to keep an extra car key in your pocket, whether you lost your keys or they were stolen. It can save you money and time in the long time. It also prevents you from having to call a truck if you are stranded with no key. There are several options to obtain an alternative key, such as dealerships, locksmiths and online services. You must compare the cost and convenience of these options before making a decision.
The type of key you require will also impact the price. Keys that are traditional, or basic keys, are affordable and simple to replace, while more advanced keys will be more expensive. Some features, like mirror folding, alarm activation and remote start might require special components, which are harder to locate or create. It's important to have an accurate record of your immobilizer's code and the key number, which will help to reduce the overall costs.
The most reliable way to obtain a spare car key is to visit the dealership that sells your vehicle's brand. This will ensure that you have a key compatible with your car's systems and is programmed properly. It's more expensive, but you'll be certain to have a key that functions when you require it. It is also the only way to get a key for certain newer models.