How Much Does a Spare Key For Your Car Cost?
It's an enormous inconvenience to lose your car keys. It's important to keep one spare in the event that you lose or break your primary key. But what is an extra key for your car cost?
The answer is contingent on a variety of factors. This article will help you decide if it's worth having an extra.
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Having a spare key for your car is always a good idea since losing one could be a costly and stressful experience. But the cost of having a spare key may differ based on the vehicle's make and model and the type of key you have.
Basic keys, for instance keys that do not have any technology, are cheaper to replace because they only require the simple cutting of the blank. They also don't need an encoding system that is specialized. Keys that are integrated into a car fob, or has a chip will require programming and will be more expensive.
If you lose your only key the first step is to find a locksmith that has the ability to program the type of key you want. Alternatively, you can attempt to save money by having a new key cut and programming it yourself. You can find the procedure in your owner's guide or go online to search for "how do I program (your year model and year of manufacture) key." You could save up to $150.
Model
The model number of your car determines the price of an extra car key. For instance, if require a replacement for a premium or luxury model, the cost will be higher than for an entry-level vehicle. The type of material used to manufacture the key also impacts the cost. For instance, it will cost less to replace a blank key than a key that is complete with an integrated 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 essential particularly if your children are young and may lock themselves inside the vehicle. There are a variety of options to obtain a spare key, including visiting the dealership from which you bought your vehicle, using an auto locksmith, or getting one on the internet. Each method has the associated costs and benefits. It is important to take into consideration the type of key and the lock type before making a decision. Typically speaking the more expensive the brand is, the higher the cost will be.
Type of key
Having a spare key can prevent you from being stuck in the event that you lose the car keys you use for your primary. However the cost of a spare car key can differ greatly based on the type of lock your vehicle is using and the type of key you have.
Keys that are mechanically made and work by inserting them into the ignition cylinder can be cut for as little as $10 at the hardware store or locksmith. The more expensive alternatives keys, also known as transponder keys or chip keys, are equipped with a tiny electronic chip inside the head that communicates with the vehicle to verify it's a valid key. These types of keys are only able to be duplicated in dealerships as they have the equipment needed to program them.
Other advanced systems, like remote starters or mirror folding options, could also increase the total cost of a new key. These features are useful if you tend to lose your keys or place them in odd places, but they also increase the likelihood of theft. You may want to consider keeping your spare keys in a different location and making it a habit to empty your pockets of any items you don't need before you get into your vehicle. You can be sure that your spare key is available whenever you need it.
Locks
Having a spare car key is a smart idea. It can save you a lot of hassle if you lose your keys or lock them in the car. However, you must keep your spare key in a secure location, and leave it somewhere that is easy to find. For instance the wall-mounted key holder or the kitchen drawer are both good places to put it.
The type of lock on your vehicle will also influence the cost of a replacement key. The cost of replacing the traditional keys that unlock the car door by inserting them into the lock is less expensive than replacing smart key fobs. locked key in car no spare transmit an electronic code that enables you to unlock the car or start it from a distance.
If you lose your smart keys, you'll need to visit a locksmith or dealer to obtain a replacement. These specialists will verify that you have the vehicle. This could require you to show proof of ownership like the registration or title.
In the past it wasn't such a big issue to lose your car keys. However, with the technological advances in automobiles, it's not as easy to get a spare. You'll need to either visit an auto dealer or a locksmith to have a brand new one made and it can be expensive. Here are a few tips to help you estimate the cost of a brand new spare car key.
Dealership
It's essential to keep a spare car key handy in case you lose your keys or were stolen. You can save time and money in the long run. You will also avoid having to call for a tow when you're stuck without a key. There are a few options to obtain a replacement key, including dealerships, locksmiths and online services. The options are varied in terms of cost and convenience therefore you must research before deciding.
The cost will also depend on the type of key you require. Keys that are traditional are inexpensive and simple to replace. More advanced keys are more expensive. Some features, such as mirror folding, alarm activation, and remote start, might require special components that are more difficult to find or create. It is important to keep a record of your immobilizer code and key number that will help lower the overall cost.
The most reliable method to obtain a spare car key is to go to the dealer that sells your vehicle's model. You'll get a key that's compatible with your vehicle's system, and that has been programmed correctly. It is more expensive, however, you'll be sure to have a key that works when you need one. It is also the only way to obtain an authentic key for certain modern models.