How Much Does a Spare Key For Your Car Cost?
It's a huge inconvenience to lose your car keys. It's essential to keep a spare in case you break or lose your primary key. What is the cost to buy a replacement car key?
The answer will depend on a myriad of factors. This article will help you decide whether it's worthwhile to have an extra.
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It's always a good idea to keep an extra car key since losing a car key can be costly and stressful. The cost of the spare car key is according to the make and model of the vehicle and its type.
For instance, simple keys with no technology will be less expensive to replace as they only require a simple cutting from blanks and do not require any special encoding. However, a key that is fitted with a car fob or has transponder chips will have to be programmed by specialists and can increase the cost.
If you have lost your sole key, the first step is to locate a locksmith in your area who has a tool that can program your type of key. You can also save money by cutting the key yourself and programming it. You can find the process in your owner's guide or on the internet for "how do I program (your year, make, and model) key." You could save up to $150.
Model
The model number of your vehicle determines the cost of an extra key. If you require a key replacement for a luxurious model or a premium car, the cost will be higher. The cost is also affected by the kind of material used to create the key. For instance, it will cost less to replace the key with a blank one than a complete key with an integrated fob. Many dealers can cut and program a key from a different company for you if you prefer to save money.
Year
A spare car key is vital, especially if your children are young and could lock themselves inside the vehicle. There are several options to obtain a spare key, including going to the dealership where you purchased your automobile, utilizing an auto locksmith, or getting one online. Each option comes with its own costs and benefits. You should take into consideration the type of lock and the type of lock before making a choice. The more expensive a particular brand is, the higher the cost.
Type of key
Having a spare key can prevent you from being left in the event you lose your car keys. The cost of having a spare key for your car could vary depending on the type lock and key you have.
Traditional purely mechanical keys that work by inserting them into the ignition cylinder can be cut down for just $10 at the hardware store or locksmith. Chip keys, also known as transponder keys, are more expensive and feature a small chip that communicates to the vehicle to confirm the authenticity of the key. Dealerships are the only places where you can duplicate keys, as they have all of the necessary equipment needed to program them.
Other advanced systems, like remote starter or mirror folding options, may be a factor in the overall cost of a replacement key. These extra features are useful if you're susceptible to losing your keys, or place them in a strange location however, they also increase the likelihood of theft. You may want to consider leaving a spare key in a different location and making it a habit to take out any items you don't need before you get into your vehicle. You can be sure your spare key is in the right place when you need to use it.
Locks
A spare car key could be a wise choice. You'll save yourself many headaches by locking your keys inside the car or lose them. However, you should always keep your spare key in a safe place, and ensure that you place it in a place that is easy to find. For spare car key replacement cost -mounted key holder or an open drawer in your kitchen are good locations to store it.
The type of lock you have on your vehicle can also affect the cost of replacing a key. Keys that are traditional, which slide into the lock and open the doors of your car are less expensive to replace than smart key fobs that emit an electronic code that allows you to unlock or start the car from the distance.
If you lose your smart keys you'll have to visit a locksmith or dealership to get a replacement. The experts will confirm that you have the vehicle. It may be necessary for you to present proof like the registration or title.
In the past the time of car keys being lost, it was not a big deal. With the advancements in technology of cars, it is not as easy to get a spare. It can be costly to get a new key made by a locksmith or dealer. Here are some guidelines to help you determine how much it will cost to get a spare car key made.
Dealership
It's important to keep an extra car key in your pocket in case you lose your keys or they were stolen. You'll save time and money in the long run. It also helps you avoid having to call a tow truck in the event that you are stuck without a key. There are a few options for getting keys that can be replaced, including locksmiths, dealerships, and online services. You must compare the cost and convenience of these options before deciding.
The cost will also be contingent on the type of key you require. Keys that are traditional are inexpensive and simple to replace. More advanced keys are more expensive. Certain features, like mirror folding, alarm activation and remote start, may require specific components, which are harder to locate or make. Keep a log of the immobilizer's number, and also your key number. This will help you to save money.
Visit the dealer that sells the model of your vehicle to obtain a spare key. You'll receive keys that are compatible with your vehicle's system and is programmed correctly. It can be more expensive than other options, but it is the most reliable method to ensure that you have a functioning key whenever you need it. It is also the only method to get an authentic key for certain modern models.