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 purchase a spare car key?
The answer depends on a variety of factors. This article will examine these factors to determine if it's worth getting a spare key created.
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The idea of having a spare car key is always a good idea as losing one can be a costly and stressful experience. But the cost of having a spare key may vary depending on your vehicle's make and model and also the kind of key.
Basic keys, like ones that don't contain any technology are cheaper to replace as they require the simple cutting of the blank. They don't require special encoding. Keys that are integrated into a car fob or has a chip will need to be programmed, and will cost more.
If you 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. You can locate the procedure in your owner's guide or on the internet for "how do I program (your year model and year of manufacture) key." You could save up to $150.
Model
The model of your car influences the cost of the spare key. If you require a key replacement for a luxury model or premium vehicle, the cost will be higher. The cost is also affected by the kind of material used to make the key. For example, it will cost less to replace an uncut key than a complete key that has an integrated fob. A lot of dealerships will cut and program a key from a third party for you, if you want to save money.
Year
It is essential to have an extra car key especially if you have children who may get locked out of the car. You can purchase a spare car key many ways, including going to the dealership where you purchased your car from, hiring an auto locksmith or purchasing one on the internet. Each choice comes with its own set of costs and advantages. Before making a choice, you should consider the type and design of lock. Generally speaking the more expensive the lock, the higher the cost will be.
Key type
A spare key will help you avoid being left stranded if you lose your main car keys. However the cost of the spare car key may vary greatly depending on the type of lock your vehicle uses and the type of key you own.
Traditional mechanical keys that function by inserting them into an ignition cylinder, they can be cut for just $10 at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store. Transponder keys or chip keys are more costly and include a small chip that communicates to the vehicle to verify that the authenticity of the key. Dealerships are the only ones where you can duplicate these keys because they have all the necessary equipment to program them.
Other advanced systems, such as remote starters and mirror folding can also increase the cost of the replacement of keys. These extra features are beneficial if you are prone to misplacing your keys or leave them in strange places but they also increase the risk of theft. You might want to think about placing your spare keys in a separate place and making it a routine to take out all items you don't use before getting into your car. You can be sure that your spare key is in the right place in case you need it.
Locks
Having a spare car key is a smart idea. It will save you a lot of stress if you lose your keys or lock them in your car. But, it is important to keep your spare keys in a secure location, and leave it somewhere that is easy to find. You can put it in a key holder placed on the wall or in a drawer of your kitchen.
The type of lock you have on your vehicle can also affect the cost of replacing a key. Traditional keys, which are inserted into a lock and open the doors to the car and are more affordable to replace than smart key fobs, which emit an electronic code that lets you unlock the car or start it from a distance.
If you lose your smart key, you'll need to go to a dealership or locksmith for an alternative. The experts will confirm that you own the vehicle. It may be necessary for you to present proof such as the registration or title.
In the past it wasn't a huge deal to lose your car keys. However, with the technological advances in cars, it's not as simple to get an extra. It can be expensive to get a new key made by a dealer or locksmith. Here are a few tips to help you estimate the cost of a brand new spare car key.
Dealership
It is essential to keep a spare car key handy, whether you lost your keys or they were stolen. You'll save money and time in the long term. You will also avoid having to request a tow in the event that you find yourself stranded without a key. You have a few options to obtain a replacement key. These include dealerships, online services and locksmiths. These options differ in cost and convenience, so you should research the options before making a final decision.
The cost will also depend on the type of key that you need. Keys that are traditional are inexpensive and easy to replace. More advanced keys are more expensive. Some features, like mirror folding, alarm activation, and remote start, may require specific components, which are difficult to locate or make. Keep a log of the immobilizer code, and also your key number. This will allow you save money.
spare car keys made near me to find a spare car key is to visit the dealership that sells your vehicle's model. This will ensure that you have a key that's compatible with the car's system and is programmed properly. It's more expensive, but you'll be certain to have a key that functions when you require it. Additionally, it is usually the only way to get keys for newer models of vehicles.
