How Much Does a Spare Key For Your Car Cost?
It's a huge inconvenience to lose your car keys. It's important to keep one spare in case you lose or break your primary key. How much does it cost to get a spare car key?
The answer will depend on a variety of factors. This article will examine those factors to determine if it's worth getting an extra key made.
Make
It is always a smart idea to keep a spare car key since losing a car key can be costly and stressful. But the cost of having a spare key can differ depending on the model and make and also the type of key.
Basic keys, for example keys that do not have any technology are less expensive to replace since they require a simple cut from the blank. They also don't require 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 you've lost your sole key, your first step should be to locate a locksmith in your area who has a machine that can program the type of key. Alternatively, you can attempt to save money by having the new key cut and programming it yourself. You can find the procedure in the owner's manual, or search online for "how do I program (your year model and year of manufacture) key." You could save up to $150.
Model
The model of your vehicle determines the cost of a spare car key. If you need the replacement of a key for a luxury model or a premium car, the cost will be more expensive. The kind of material used to manufacture the key will also impact the cost. It is more affordable to replace a blank key than the key that has an integrated key fob. Many dealers can cut and program a third-party key for you if you'd like to save money.
Year
It is essential to have a spare car key, especially if you have young children who could lock themselves in the vehicle. You can obtain an extra car key in various ways, such as going to the dealership where you purchased your car from or employing an auto locksmith, or purchasing one from the internet. Each method comes with its own cost and advantages. It is important to consider the type of key you want and the lock type before making a choice. The more expensive a brand is, the greater the price.
Key type
Having a spare key can prevent you from being stuck in the event you lose the car keys you use for your primary. However, the cost of a spare car key can differ greatly based on the lock type your vehicle is using as well as the type of key you have.
Hardware stores and locksmiths can cut mechanical keys, which operate by inserting the keys into the ignition cylinder. They can cost less than $10. The more expensive alternative, transponder or chip keys, are equipped with a tiny electronic chip inside the key head that communicates with the vehicle to verify it is a valid key. These kinds of keys can only be duplicated by dealerships, because they are equipped with the technology required to program them.
Other advanced systems, like remote starters or mirror folding options, could be a factor in the overall cost of a new key. These extra features can be useful if you're susceptible to misplacing your keys or place them in a strange location however, they also increase the likelihood of theft. You might want to think about keeping your spare keys in a separate place and making it a routine to clear your pockets of anything you don't require before you get into your vehicle. You can be sure that your spare key is in the right place in case you need it.
Locks
A spare car key could be a smart choice. You'll avoid a lot of trouble by locking your keys inside the car or lose them. You should keep your spare keys in a safe place and easily accessible. You can leave it in a key holder that is on the wall or in a drawer in your kitchen.
The type of lock that you put on your vehicle can affect the cost of replacing a key. Keys that are traditional, which slide into a lock and then open the doors of your car and are more affordable to replace than smart key fobs, which emit an electronic code that allows you to unlock the car or start it from an extended distance.
If you have lost your smart keys, you'll need to visit a locksmith or dealer to obtain a replacement. The experts will need to confirm that you are the owner of the vehicle, and may require proof such as the registration number or title.
In the past it wasn't a huge problem to lose your car keys. With the technological advancements of automobiles, it's no longer as simple to find a spare. You'll need to either visit an auto dealer or a locksmith to have a brand new key made for you and it can be expensive. Here are some suggestions to assist you in estimating the cost of purchasing a new spare car key.
Dealership
It's important to keep an extra car key in your pocket, whether you lost your keys or were stolen. It can save you time and money in the long time. You will also avoid having to call for a tow when you are stuck without a key. There are several options for getting keys that can be replaced, including dealerships, locksmiths, and online services. It is important to compare the costs and convenience of these options before making a decision.
The cost will also be contingent on the type of key that you require. Keys of the traditional type are cheap and simple to replace. Keys with more advanced features are more expensive. Certain features, like mirror folding, alarm activation, remote start, and alarm activation, could require special components that are more difficult to find or manufacture. Keep a record of the immobilizer code, as well as your key number. This will help you to save money.
The most reliable method to get an extra car key is to go to the dealer that sells your vehicle's brand. You will get an appropriate key that is compatible with your vehicle's system and has been programmed correctly. It is more expensive, but you will be sure to have a key that works in the event that you require one. make a spare key near me is also usually the only method to obtain the key for certain more recent vehicles.