Replacement Keys For Cars
Losing car keys happens to the best of us. They tend to disappear from coat pockets or under couch cushions, only to be discovered at the most inconvenient moment.
Luckily, replacement keys for cars aren't as hard to obtain as they were. You can purchase them at auto locksmiths, hardware stores and dealerships.
Keys stolen or lost
Car keys can get stolen or lost in a variety of ways. They can break, get lost, or be left in an area where they can be easily found. Sometimes they simply wear out to the point where they are no longer functional. Whatever the reason, it is always an excellent idea to have an extra car key in order to save the expense and hassle of getting one replaced.
If you've lost your key, the best thing to do is to contact your local automotive locksmith as soon as possible. You can usually obtain a replacement key for an affordable price than you would pay an auto dealer. Locksmiths can also program features of your vehicle for hands-free boot opening, on the spot.
Before calling, make sure you have your VIN number for your vehicle it is needed to find the exact model and year of the vehicle in order to make a new key. It is located on your dashboard, or in the registration or title papers of your vehicle.
Depending on the type of key you own, it might be more expensive to purchase a new one at the dealership. Dealerships will track your information to ensure that you get a replacement key as quickly as they can. They'll also be able to provide you with a genuine factory replacement key that comes with the latest security features in.
If you have a standard lock that is a turn-key it's more affordable to visit an auto locksmith in your area. Locksmiths can make an replacement key for less than the dealer, and they can often be there on site.
The only problem with this is if your keys are a transponder style that is, they have a chip within them that is programmed to work with a particular vehicle. Locksmiths are usually able to make the key for you but not program it, so you will need to take it to the dealership to have this done.
Fob Keys
If your car is equipped with fob keys to open and start the vehicle and start it, you'll need an alternative in the event that it malfunctions or gets lost. Fob keys can be replaced by a dealership or a locksmith in certain cases, you can even order one on the internet. The cost varies widely depending on the make and model of your vehicle as well as whether it has a transponder keys or not.
A simple key that emits signals to open the doors and start the engine can be replaced by a dealer or locksmith for less than $300. A key that has a transponder chip that proves the owner of the key or a more sophisticated key, could be more expensive. This is especially applicable to late model cars.
Keep a spare key or fob with you always in case you need to save money on replacements. If you don't have the funds to carry around an extra set of keys and need to ask the dealer to add two sets of keys to the purchase price or to add a third to the order. This will prevent you from paying higher fees later. There are also laser-cut keys that are made by the aftermarket for a much lower cost than those offered by the dealer. Some sellers online can program your new fob for you, however this could invalidate any warranty on the original key and may be illegal in certain states.
Before you decide to replace a damaged fob, you can try charging the battery or resetting it. A dead battery is usually the reason for keys that don't turn on or cannot be programmed. You can also alter the buttons on the fob in case they're broken or stuck. If these methods don't work, you may have to go to a dealership, unless an automotive locksmith has the equipment for programming the most recent models. Dealers are typically the most expensive, but also have the most in-depth understanding of car technology and systems. They can take a while to fix your vehicle and they are not guaranteed to provide the lowest cost.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys or chip keys are a more contemporary key that has an embedded computer chip on it. The chip sends a coded signal to the car when the key is put into the lock cylinder. The car uses 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 automotive locksmith can cut a basic replacement transponder key (chip) for your vehicle at a price that is lower than what a dealer would charge. It is important to note that you'll need to have the key programmed to match the number in your vehicle's ECM when replacing an existing key.
If you already have an original transponder, you can request a duplicate made. This will not allow you to start your car however, as most cars are equipped with immobilizer systems that require the correct keys to be used in order for them to work.
In the past it was simple to hot-wire a car. This involves connecting two wires from the ignition to a power source at another location, such as an apartment building. The car will start when the starter is turned on. However, transponder keys make it harder for thieves to do this since the criminal requires the correct key to transmit the coded signal from the chip in the key to the car's ignition system.
This makes the key difficult to steal and, if your car has an immobilizer that is not working, the car will not start with the key that is not transponder-compatible. It is therefore important to keep a spare transponder in your pocket or purse just in case. You will need to contact your local automotive locksmith to copy the key if you lose it. A dealer will also charge a premium for this service as they usually have exclusive rights to make keys for specific kinds of vehicles.
Smart Keys
If you own a more modern model car, chances are that your key is equipped with an electronic component that is smart. These devices, also referred to as remotes, proximity keys or fobs, allow users to open and start their cars without the need for an actual car key. The technology has been around since the 1990s, but was a feature found mainly in high-end automobiles of the time.
Smart keys communicate with vehicles via a radio wave wireless signal. The signals are encrypted, and only your vehicle can read them. Some keys have a button to activate the ignition of your vehicle or lock. Some keys also come with GPS technology that tracks your vehicle's location if stolen.
The key itself could be a small keychain that you can carry in your pocket, or can be embedded in the car's handle. If you lose your key, you will need to contact your dealer or auto locksmith to get it replaced. This is because smart keys aren't your regular keys and only a dealer of your car can replace them.
The cost will depend on the make and model of your vehicle and the type of key you own. For example, a basic key that has a lock-and-key mechanism will usually only cost $10-$12 to replace. A transponder key, on other hand, will likely be a bit more costly. In general, you'll need bring your spare smart key along with evidence of ownership to the car dealer to get it replaced.
Some experts warn that smart keys can be hacked if someone is aware of what they're looking for. For example the signals transmitted by smart keys are relatively low-frequency when compared to other devices, making them easy for someone to detect at a gas pump. According to How Stuff Works Electronics, this kind of hack is possible from the distance.
In any case, smart keys are becoming more widespread and much more convenient than traditional keys. replacement key fobs for cars secure cars, provide peace of mind and assist owners stay organized. It is recommended to invest in one and keep a spare key handy just in case.