How Much Does a Spare Key For Your Car Cost?
The loss of your car keys could be a huge inconvenience and it's important to have an extra key in case you lose or break your primary one. But what is an extra key for your vehicle cost?
The answer is contingent on a number of factors. This article will help you determine whether it's worthwhile to have an extra made.
Make
Having a spare key for your vehicle is always a good idea, as losing one can be a costly and stressful experience. However, the cost of having a spare key may differ depending on the model and make and the kind of key.
For instance, keys that are basic that contain no technology will be less expensive to replace since they only require a simple cutting from an empty piece of paper and do not need specialized encoding. A key that is integrated into a car fob or has a chip will need to be programmed and will be more expensive.
If you've lost your sole key, your first step is to locate a local locksmith with a computer that can program your kind of key. You can also attempt to save money by having the new key cut and then programming it yourself. The steps to do this will be outlined in the owner's manual or you can look online for "how to program (your year model, make, and year) key." This can help you save around $150 or more.
Model
The model number of your car influences the cost of the spare key. For instance, if you require a replacement key for a premium or luxury model, the price will be higher than that of an entry-level vehicle. The type of material used to make the key will also impact the price. For example, it will cost less to replace a blank key than a key that is complete with an integrated fob. If you want to save money, several dealers will also cut and program keys from third-party suppliers for you.
Year
It is crucial to have an extra car key, especially if you have children who might lock themselves in the vehicle. There are spare car key cut of ways to get a spare key, including visiting the dealership from which you purchased your vehicle, using an auto locksmith, or obtaining one on the internet. Each choice comes with the associated costs and advantages. It is important to consider the type of key and the lock type prior to making a decision. Generally speaking the more expensive the brand is the more expensive the price will be.
Key type
A spare key can prevent you from being stranded in the event that you lose your primary car keys. However the cost of having a spare car key can differ greatly based on the type of lock your vehicle is using and the type of key you own.
Keys that are mechanically made and work by inserting them into the ignition cylinder can be cut down for less than $10 at a hardware store or locksmith. Chip keys or transponder keys are more expensive and have small chips that communicate to the vehicle to confirm the key is valid. Dealerships are the only ones that can duplicate these keys since they are equipped with all the necessary equipment to program them.
Other advanced systems like remote starters and mirror folding can make it more expensive for the replacement of keys. These extra features can be useful if you're susceptible to losing your keys, or leave them in strange places but they also increase the chance of theft. Consider leaving a spare in a different place and establish a routine of emptying your pockets prior getting into your car. This way, you can ensure that your spare key will be in your possession in case you need it.
Locks
A spare car key is a smart move. You'll save yourself a lot of trouble when you lock your keys inside the car or lose them. You should keep your spare keys in a safe place and easy to find. For example the wall-mounted key holder or the kitchen drawer are great places to leave it.
The type of lock on your vehicle can also affect the cost of a replacement key. The cost of replacing traditional keys that open the car door by inserting them into the lock is cheaper 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 a distance.
If you have lost your smart keys, you'll need to visit an authorized locksmith or a dealership to obtain an alternative. They will verify that you own the vehicle. This could require you to present proof like the title or registration.
In the past the time of car keys being lost, it wasn't a huge deal. However, with the technological advances in automobiles, it's not as easy to get a spare. You'll need to either visit an authorized dealer or locksmith to get a new key made for you and it could be expensive. Here are some guidelines to help you figure out how much it will cost to have a spare car key made.
Dealership
It is essential to keep an extra car key in your pocket, whether you lost your keys or they were stolen. It can save you money and time in the long time. It also helps you avoid needing to call a tow truck if you're stuck without a key. There are a few options to obtain keys that can be replaced, including locksmiths, dealerships and online services. You must compare the cost and convenience of these options before deciding.
The cost will also depend on the type of key that you require. Traditional keys, or basic keys, are inexpensive and easy to replace, whereas more sophisticated keys are more expensive. Certain features, like mirror folding, alarm activation, and remote start, may require specific components that are more difficult to locate or create. It's important to have an accurate record of your immobilizer's code as well as the number of your key, which will help to reduce the overall cost.
The most reliable method to get an extra car key is to visit the dealer that sells your vehicle's brand. You will get keys that are compatible with the system of your vehicle and has been programmed correctly. It is more expensive, however, you'll be sure to have a key that works in the event that you require one. It is also usually the only method to obtain a key for some newer models of vehicles.