Replacement Keys For Cars
It is a common occurrence for everyone. They tend to disappear from coat pockets or sofa cushions only to be discovered at the worst possible time.
Replacement keys for cars are much easier to locate than they were in the past. You can replace them at auto locksmiths, hardware shops and dealerships.
Keys that have been stolen or lost are
Car keys can get lost or stolen in many ways. Sometimes they break, other times they're lost or are left in a place that can be easily found. Sometimes they simply wear out to the point that they are no longer functional. Whatever the case it's always an excellent idea to have a spare car key order to avoid the expense and hassle of getting one replaced.
If you have lost your key, the best option is to contact your local automotive locksmith as soon as possible. They will usually be able to make you a replacement key for less than what it will cost at a dealership. The locksmith may also be able to program your car's features, like hands-free boot release, right on the moment of the call.
Before you call, make sure to get your car's VIN number it is needed to find out the exact model and year of the vehicle to create a new key. It is located on your dashboard or on the title or registration paperwork of your vehicle.
Depending on the kind of key you have, it might be more costly to purchase a new one at the dealership. Dealerships keep the track of this information, and will be in a position to provide you with a new key quickly. You can also purchase authentic factory replacement keys that have all the most recent security features.
If you have a standard key that's a turnkey it's more affordable to visit an auto locksmith in your area. The locksmith will make you the replacement key at a lower cost than a dealer and will often come to your location.
The only exception is when you have transponder keys, which are programmed for a specific vehicle. Locksmiths can usually create keys for you but they cannot program them. You will need to bring it to your dealer to have it programmed.
Fob Keys
If you have a fob to open and start your vehicle, or the fob is damaged and you need an alternative. replacement keys for cars can be replaced by a dealership, a locksmith or, in some instances, you can even order one online. The cost varies widely depending on the model and make of your vehicle and if it has a transponder keys or not.
A simple fob, which emits a signal to open the doors and starts the engine, can usually be repaired at the dealer or by locksmiths for less than $300. A more sophisticated key that also has a built-in transponder chip to verify that the driver is indeed the owner can be more costly, especially for late-model cars.
The best way to save on fobs and keys that need replacement is to always keep a spare with you. If you aren't able to carry a spare with you, ask the dealer to include two sets of keys in the purchase price, or add a third set to to avoid paying a larger fee later on. You can find laser-cut aftermarket keys online for a much lower price than those sold by dealers. Some sellers online will program your new key fob, but this may invalidate the warranty of the original and be illegal in some states.
Try charging or resetting the battery before deciding to replace your broken fob. A dead battery is usually the culprit for a key fob that won't turn on or can't be programmed. It's also possible the buttons on the fob may be damaged or stuck, and adjusting them may fix the problem. If the steps above don't work, you might have go to a dealer unless an automotive locksmith has the required equipment to program the most recent models. Generally, dealers are the most expensive option, but they also have the greatest knowledge of the car's systems and technology. They may take a long time to fix your vehicle and they are not guaranteed to offer the lowest cost.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys, or chip keys, are a modern type of key with an embedded computer chip in it. The chip transmits an encoded signal to the vehicle whenever the key cylinder is put in. The car utilizes this code to start the engine or unlock the doors. These are much harder to steal and are is a great way to deter thieves.
A professional locksmith can cut an ordinary replacement transponder key (chip) for your vehicle at a price that is lower than the dealer can charge. It's important to note that even if you replace an old key, you'll still require it to be programmed to match the ECM code of your car.
If you already have a transponder that is original, you can get a duplicate made. It will not permit you to start your car, however, since most cars have immobilizer systems that require the correct keys to be used in order to function.
In the past, it was easy to hot-wire a car. This involves running two wires from the ignition of the car to a power source in another location, for instance an apartment building. The car will start when the starter is turned on. Transponder keys make it more difficult for thieves to steal this as the thief needs the correct key to transmit the coded signal from the chip on the key to the ignition system.
If your car has an immobilizer, it won't start if you've got an untransponderable key. Therefore, it is important to keep a spare transponder in your pocket or purse just in case. If you lose your spare key then you'll have to call your local locksmith for automotive or dealer to duplicate the lost key in order to restart your car. Dealers will also charge a premium for this service because they typically have the exclusive rights to make keys for certain brands of cars.
Smart Keys Keys
There is a chance that you have an intelligent key when you drive a more recent model of car. They are often called fobs, proximity keys or remotes These devices permit drivers to unlock their cars and start them without the need for an actual key. The technology has been around since the 1990s, but was a feature used in high-end automobiles of the time.
Smart keys communicate with vehicles via an radio wave wireless signal. These signals are encrypted and only your car can read them. Based on the key you have it could have the button that turns on your car's locks or ignition, and some also have built-in GPS technology that tracks your vehicle's location if ever stolen.
The key can be a small key fob or embedded in the handle. If you lose your keys, you'll need to contact your dealer or auto locksmith in order to replace it. This is because smart keys aren't your standard traditional key and only a car dealer can replace them.
The cost will depend on the model and make of car you own as well as the model of your key. For example, a basic key that has a lock-and-key mechanism is typically priced between $10-$12 to replace. A transponder key, on the contrary, could be a bit more costly. In general, you'll have to bring your spare smart key and proof of ownership to your dealership to get it replaced.
Some experts warn that smart keys can be hacked if someone knows what they are trying to find. For instance the signals transmitted by smart keys are relatively low-frequency compared to those of other devices, making them easy to pick up at a gas station. This kind of hack could even be used from a distance, according to How Stuff Works Electronics.
In any case smart keys are becoming more popular and are a lot more practical than traditional keys. They help keep cars safe, give owners peace of mind, and aid them to stay organized. It's a good idea to purchase one but ensure that you keep a backup key on hand, in case you need it.