How Much Does a Spare Key For Your Car Cost?
It can be a major inconvenience to lose your car keys. It's important to keep one spare in case you break or lose your primary key. But how much does an extra key for your vehicle cost?
The answer is contingent on a variety of factors. This article will help you decide if it's worth having a spare made.
Make
Having a spare key for your car is always a good idea since losing one could be a stressful and costly experience. But the cost of having a spare key may differ based on the vehicle's make and model, as well as the type of key.
For instance, keys that are basic that do not have any technology will be less expensive to replace since they require a simple cutting from blanks and do not need specialized encoding. However, a key that is integrated with a car fob or transponder chips will need to be programmed by specialists which can increase the cost.
If make a spare key 've lost your only key, the first step is to locate a locksmith in your area who has a machine that can program your kind of key. Alternately, you could try to save money by having a new key cut, and then programming it yourself. You can find the process 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 influences the cost of the spare car key. If you need the replacement of a key for a high-end model or a premium car the price will be more expensive. The cost is also influenced by the type of material used in the making of the key. It is less expensive to replace a blank rather than a key with an integrated key 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 lock themselves inside the vehicle. You can obtain a spare car key various ways, such as visiting the dealership that you purchased your car from or employing an auto locksmith, or purchasing one on the internet. Each comes with its own costs and benefits. It is important to consider the type of key and the lock type prior to making a decision. The more expensive a brand is, the more expensive the price.
Type of key
A spare key can help you avoid being stuck in the event you lose your primary car keys. However, the cost of a spare car key can vary greatly depending on the lock type your vehicle is using and the type of key you own.
Locksmiths and hardware stores can cut mechanical keys that operate by inserting the keys into the cylinder of ignition. The cost of these keys is as little as $10. The more expensive alternative, transponder or chip keys, have a small electronic chip in the key head that communicates with the vehicle to confirm it's a valid key. These kinds of keys can only be duplicated in dealerships as they have the equipment required to program them.
Other advanced systems such as remote starters or mirror folding can also increase the cost of a key replacement. These additional features can be useful if you're prone to losing your keys, or place them in a strange location but they also increase the chance of theft. It's worth leaving a spare key in a different location and establishing a routine to take out all items you don't use prior to getting into your vehicle. You can be certain that your spare key is available whenever you need it.
Locks
Having a spare car key is a smart move. You'll save yourself many headaches when you lock your keys inside the car or lose them. However, you must keep your spare key in a safe place, and place it in a place that is easy to locate. It can be put in a key holder on the wall or in a drawer of your kitchen.
The type of locks you use on your car can also affect the cost of replacing the spare key. Traditional keys, which are inserted into a lock and then open the doors of your car are less expensive to replace than smart key fobs which transmit an electronic code that lets you unlock the car or start it from a distance.
If you lose your smart key, you'll require the dealership or locksmith to get the replacement. These specialists will need 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 such a big deal to lose your car keys. But with technological advancements in cars, it's not as easy to get a spare. It can be expensive to get a new key made by a locksmith or dealer. Here are some tips to help you determine the cost to get a replacement car key made.
Dealership
If you've lost your car keys or were stolen, it's essential to have a spare key on the side. It can save you money and time in the long run. It will also save you from having to request a tow in the event that you're stuck without a key. There are a variety of alternatives to replace your key. These include dealerships, online services, and locksmiths. You should compare the price and convenience of these choices before making a choice.
The cost will also depend on the type of key you require. Traditional keys are relatively cheap and simple to replace. Keys with more advanced features are more expensive. Certain features, such as mirror folding, alarm activation, and remote start, may require specific components that are more difficult to locate or make. Keep a record of the immobilizer's code and also your key number. This will allow you save money.
Visit the dealership that sells the brand of your vehicle to get an extra key. You will get a key that's compatible with your vehicle's system, and that has been programmed correctly. It is more expensive, but you'll be certain to have a key that functions when you need one. It is also the only way to obtain an authentic key for certain modern models.