How Much Does a Spare Key For Your Car Cost?
It's an enormous inconvenience to lose your car keys. It is essential to have one spare in the event that you lose or break your primary key. But how much does a spare key for your car cost?
The answer is contingent on a variety of factors. This article will look at those factors to determine if it's worth having an extra key made.
Make
The idea of having a spare car key is always a good idea, since losing a key can be a costly and stressful experience. The cost of an extra car key varies according to the make and model of the vehicle, as well as the type of car.
For instance, simple keys that contain no technology will be cheaper to replace as they require a simple cutting from an empty piece of paper and do not require specialized encoders. A key that is integrated into a car fob or is equipped with a chip will need to be programmed and will cost more.
If you've lost your key, the first step should be to find a local locksmith with a computer that can program your type of key. Alternatively, you can try to save money by having the new key cut and then programming it yourself. The process for doing this will be explained in your owner's manual or you can look online for "how to program (your year model, make, and year) key." This may help you save around $150 or more.
Model
The model number of your vehicle will determine the cost of the spare key. If you require the replacement of a key for a luxurious model or a premium vehicle the price will be higher. The type of materials used to make the key will also impact the cost. For instance, it will cost less to replace the key with a blank one than a complete key that has an integrated fob. If spare key maker want to save money, many dealerships will also cut and program third-party keys for you.
Year
It is important to have an extra car key, especially if you have young children who might get locked out of the car. You can get a spare car key several ways, including by visiting the dealership that you purchased your car from, employing an auto locksmith, or purchasing one on the internet. Each option comes with its own set of costs and advantages. Before making a decision, you should consider the type and style of lock. The more expensive a brand is, the higher the cost.
Key type
A spare key can prevent you from being left in the event you lose your primary car keys. However the cost of the spare car key may differ greatly based on the type of lock your vehicle is using as well as the type of key you have.
Traditional purely mechanical keys that work by inserting them into the ignition cylinder, they can be cut for less than $10 at the hardware store or locksmith. The more expensive alternative keys, also known as transponder keys or chip keys, have a small electronic chip inside the key head that communicates with the vehicle to verify it is a valid key. Dealerships are the only place that can duplicate these keys since they are equipped with all the necessary equipment to program them.
Other advanced systems such as remote starters or mirror folding can also make it more expensive for the replacement of keys. These additional features can be beneficial if you are prone to losing your keys or have a tendency to leave them in strange places, but they can also increase the chance of theft. Consider putting your spare keys in a different location and make it a habit of emptying your pockets prior getting into your vehicle. You can be sure your spare key is available in case you need it.
Locks
A spare car key could be a wise decision. You'll save yourself many headaches when you lock your keys inside the car or lose them. You should keep your spare key somewhere secure and easy to locate. For example an affixed key holder on the wall or a drawer in your kitchen are great locations to store it.
The type of locks you use on your car can also affect the cost of replacing a spare key. The cost of replacing the traditional keys that open the car door by inserting them into the lock is less expensive than the cost of replacing smart key fobs. Smart key fobs transmit an electronic code that allows you to open the car or start it from a distance.
If you lose your smart key, then you'll need to go to a dealership or locksmith for an alternative. They will have to confirm that you're the owner of the vehicle, which may require proof such as the registration or title.
In the past the time of car keys being lost, it was not a big deal. With the technological advancements of automobiles, it's not as easy to get an extra. You'll need to either visit an authorized dealer or locksmith to get a new key made for you and it could be costly. Here are a few tips to aid you in estimating the cost of a new spare car key.
Dealership
Whether you lost your car keys or were stolen, it's important to keep a spare key on your side. You can save money and time in the long term. It will also save you from having to call for a tow when you find yourself stranded without a key. There are a few alternatives to get a replacement key, including locksmiths, dealerships and online services. It is important to compare the costs and ease of these options before making a choice.
The kind of key you require also affects the cost. Traditional keys are relatively cheap and simple to replace. More advanced keys are more expensive. Certain features, like mirror folding, alarm activation, and remote start, may require specific components that are more difficult to locate or make. It is important to keep an inventory of your immobilizer's code as well as the number of your key which will help reduce the overall costs.
The most reliable way to obtain a spare car key is to go to the dealership that sells your vehicle's brand. You'll receive keys that are compatible with your vehicle's system, and that has been programmed correctly. It may cost more than other alternatives, but it is the most reliable method to ensure that you have a working key when you need it. It is also the only way to obtain an authentic key for certain modern models.