How Much Does a Spare Key For Your Car Cost?
It can be a major inconvenience to lose your car keys. It is essential to have a spare in case you break or lose your primary key. How much does it cost to purchase a spare car key ?
The answer is contingent on a variety of factors. This article will help you determine if it's worth having an extra made.
Make
Having a spare key for your vehicle is always a good idea since losing one could be a stressful and costly experience. But the cost of having a spare key could vary depending on your vehicle's model and make, as well as the type of key.
Basic keys, for example ones that don't contain any technology are cheaper to replace as they require a simple cut from a blank. They also 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've lost your primary key the first step is to locate a locksmith that has a machine capable of programming the type of key you want. You can also save money by cutting the key yourself and programming it. You can locate the procedure in the owner's manual 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 will determine the cost of an extra key. If you need a key replacement for a luxury model or premium vehicle, the cost will be more expensive. The cost is also affected by the kind of material used to create the key. It is less expensive to replace a blank key than a key with an integrated key fob. Many dealerships can also cut and program a third-party key for you if you'd like to save money.
Year
A spare car key is crucial especially if your kids are young and could get locked inside the car. You can obtain a spare car key various ways, such as going to the dealership where you bought your vehicle from or hiring an auto locksmith or purchasing one from the internet. Each method has its own set of costs and advantages. You must consider the type of key you want and the lock type prior to making a choice. In general, the more expensive the lock, the higher the cost will be.
Type of key
A spare key can prevent you from being stranded in the event that you lose your 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.
Locksmiths and hardware stores can cut mechanical keys that operate by inserting the keys into the cylinder for ignition. The cost of these keys is less than $10. Chip keys, also known as transponder keys, are more costly and include small chips that communicate to the vehicle to confirm the key is valid. Dealerships are the only places where you can duplicate these keys, as they have all of the equipment needed to program them.
Other advanced systems, such as remote starters or mirror folding can make it more expensive for replacing keys. These extra features are beneficial if you are prone to misplacing your keys or leave them in odd places however, they also increase the chance of theft. You might want to consider putting a spare key in a different spot and make it a habit of emptying your pockets before getting into your car. This way, you can be sure that your spare key will be in your possession whenever you require it.
Locks
A spare car key is a smart idea. It can save you a lot of stress in the event that you lose your keys or if you lock them in the car. It is recommended to keep your spare key somewhere safe and easy to locate. For example the wall-mounted key holder or the kitchen drawer are both good places to leave it.
The type of lock you have on your car can also affect the cost of replacing a spare key. The cost of replacing traditional keys that unlock the car door by inserting into the lock is less than the cost of replacing smart key fobs. Smart key fobs transmit an electronic code which allows you to unlock the car or start it from an extended distance.
If you lose your smart key, you'll have to visit the dealership or locksmith to get a replacement. These specialists will verify that you own the vehicle. This may require you to present proof like the title or registration.
In the past, it wasn't a big deal to lose your car keys. However, with the advancements in technology in automobiles, it's not as easy to get a spare. It can be costly to have a new key made by a locksmith or dealer. Here are some suggestions to help you figure out the cost to get a replacement car key made.
Dealership
It's essential to keep an extra car key in your pocket, whether you lost your keys or they were stolen. You'll save time and money in the long run. You'll also not have to call for a tow if you find yourself stranded without a key. There are a variety of options for getting keys that can be replaced, including locksmiths, dealerships and online services. These options differ in cost and accessibility and you should investigate before deciding.
The type of key you require will also impact the price. 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, might require special components that are more difficult to locate or make. Keep a record of the immobilizer's code along with your key number. This will help you save money.
Visit the dealer that sells the brand of your vehicle to get a spare key. This will ensure that you have a key that's compatible with your car's systems and is properly programmed. It's more expensive, but you will be sure to have a key that works when you require it. It is also the only method to get a key for certain newer models.