How Much Does a Spare Key For Your Car Cost?
The loss of your car keys can be a huge hassle, and it's important to have an extra key in the event that you lose or break your primary one. What is the cost to buy a replacement car key?
The answer is contingent on a variety of factors. This article will help you determine whether it's worth having a spare made.
Make
The idea of having a spare key for your vehicle is always a good idea, since losing a key can be a stressful and costly experience. But the cost of having a spare key could vary depending on your vehicle's model and make and also the kind of key you have.
For instance, simple keys with no technology will be cheaper to replace since they require only a simple cut from a blank and do not require any special encoding. A key that is incorporated into a car fob, or has a chip, will need to be programmed and will be more expensive.
If you've lost your key, your first step should be to find a local locksmith with a computer that can program the type of key. Alternatively, you can attempt to save money by having a new key cut, and then programming it yourself. The procedure for doing this is outlined in your owner's manual or you can search on the internet for "how to program (your year model, make, and year) key." This may help you save up to $150.
Model
The model of your vehicle will determine the cost of a spare key. If you require a key replacement for a luxury model or premium vehicle, the cost will be more expensive. The type of materials used to make the key will also impact the price. For instance, it'll cost less to replace an uncut key than a complete key with an integrated fob. If you're looking to save money, several dealers will also cut and program keys from third-party suppliers for you.
Year
A spare car key is vital particularly if your children are still young and might be locked out of the car. There are a variety of ways to get an extra key, which includes visiting the dealership from which you bought your car, using an auto locksmith, or purchasing one on the internet. Each choice comes with its own set of costs and advantages. Before making a decision you must take into consideration the type and design of lock. Typically speaking, the more expensive the brand is, the higher the cost will be.
Type of key
Having a spare key can prevent you from being stuck in the event you lose the car keys you use for your primary. The cost of a spare key for your car could differ based on the type of lock and key that you own.
Hardware stores and locksmiths can cut mechanical keys that function by inserting the key into the ignition cylinder. They can cost just $10. 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 confirm that it is a genuine key. Dealerships are the only place that can duplicate these keys, as they have all of the equipment needed to program them.
Other advanced features, such as remote starter or mirror folding options, may also increase the total cost of replacing a key. These extra features are useful if you're prone to losing your keys or leave them in strange places however, they also increase the risk of theft. It's worth leaving a spare key in a different location and making it a habit to clear your pockets of any items you don't need before getting into your car. You can be certain that your spare key is in the right place in case you need it.
Locks
A spare car key is a smart move. You'll avoid lots of hassle by locking your keys in your car or lose them. You should keep your spare key somewhere secure and easy to find. For instance, a wall-mounted key holder or an open drawer in your kitchen are both good places to put it.
helpful hints of locks on your car can also affect the cost of replacing a spare key. The cost of replacing traditional keys that open the car door by inserting them into the lock is less than replacing smart key fobs. Smart key fobs generate an electronic code which allows you to unlock the car or start it from a distance.
If you have lost your smart keys, you'll need to go to a locksmith or dealer to get an alternative. They will have to confirm that you are the owner of the vehicle, which could require proof of ownership such as the registration or title.
In the past it wasn't a huge problem to lose your car keys. However, with the advancements in technology in cars, it's no longer as easy to find a spare. It can be costly to have a new key made by a locksmith or dealer. Here are some tips to help you estimate the cost of a new spare car key.
Dealership
It is essential to keep a spare car key handy, whether you lost your keys or were stolen. You can save money and time in the long term. It also stops you from having to call a truck in the event that you are stuck with no key. There are a variety of options to obtain a replacement key. These include dealerships, online services and locksmiths. These options differ in cost and convenience and you should investigate them before making a decision.
The type of key you require also affects the cost. Keys of the traditional type are cheap and easy to replace. More sophisticated keys are more expensive. Some features, like mirror folding, alarm activation and remote start may require special components, which are harder to find or manufacture. It's important to have an accurate record of your immobilizer code and the number of your key that will help reduce the overall costs.
Visit the dealer that sells the model of your car to purchase an extra key. You will get an appropriate key that is compatible with the vehicle's system and has been programmed correctly. It can be more expensive than other options, but it is the best method of ensuring that you have a functioning key whenever you need it. Additionally, it is usually the only method to obtain the key for certain newer vehicles.