How Much Does a Spare Key For Your Car Cost?
The loss of your car keys could be a huge inconvenience and it's crucial to have an extra key in case you lose or break the one you have. But how much does an extra key for your vehicle cost?
The answer depends on several factors. This article will help you decide whether it's worthwhile to have an extra made.
Make
A spare car key is always a good idea, since losing one could be a costly and stressful experience. However, the cost of having a spare key may vary depending on your vehicle's make and model and also the kind of key you have.
For instance, simple keys that do not have any technology will be cheaper to replace as they only require a simple cutting from a blank and do not require any special encryption. A key that is incorporated into a car fob, or is equipped with a chip will require programming and will be more expensive.
If you have lost your sole key the first step is to find an locksmith who has the ability to program your type of key. You can also try to save money by having a new key cut and programming it yourself. You can locate the procedure in the owner's manual or go online to search for "how do I program (your year, make, and model) key." You could save up to $150.
cheap spare car keys of your vehicle determines the cost of the spare key. If you need an replacement key for a luxury model or a premium car the price will be more expensive. The cost is also influenced by the kind of material used to make the key. For instance, it will cost less to replace an uncut key than a key that is complete with an integrated fob. Many dealerships can also cut and program a key from a third party for you if you prefer to save money.
Year
It is important to have a spare car key, especially if you have children who might lock themselves in the vehicle. There are several options to obtain an extra key, such as going to the dealership where you bought your vehicle, using an auto locksmith, or obtaining one on the internet. Each option comes with its own set of costs and advantages. You should take into consideration the type of key you want and the type of lock before making a choice. In general the more expensive the lock and the more expensive it will be.
Type of key
A spare key can prevent you from being stuck in the event that you lose your car keys. The cost of an extra key for your car could vary based on the type of lock and key that you own.
Hardware stores and locksmiths can cut mechanical keys, which function by inserting the key into the ignition cylinder. They can cost 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 verify it's a valid key. Dealerships are the only places that can duplicate these keys, since they are equipped with all the necessary equipment needed to program them.
Other advanced systems like remote starters and mirror folding can also make it more expensive for replacing keys. These extra features are useful if you're susceptible to misplacing your keys or have a tendency to leave them in strange places, but they can also increase the likelihood of theft. It's worth leaving a spare key in a different location and making it a habit to empty your pockets of anything you don't require before getting into your vehicle. You can be certain that your spare key is there in case you need it.
Locks
The idea of having a spare car key is a smart idea. It can save you a lot of hassle when you lose your keys or have them locked in the car. You should keep your spare key somewhere secure and easy to locate. You can leave it in a key holder placed on the wall or in a drawer of your kitchen.
The type of lock that you put on your vehicle can also affect the cost of a replacement key. The cost of replacing traditional keys that unlock the car door by inserting them into the lock is cheaper than replacing smart key fobs. Smart key fobs emit an electronic code that enables you to unlock your car or start it from the distance.
If you lose your smart key, you will need to go to the dealership or locksmith to get a replacement. The experts will need to confirm that you're the owner of the vehicle, which may require providing proof such as the registration number or title.
In the past the time of car keys being lost, it was not a major issue. However, with the technological advances in automobiles, it's not as easy to get an extra. It can be expensive to get a new car key made by a dealer or locksmith. Here are some tips to help you determine how much it will cost to get a spare car key made.
Dealership
If you've lost your car keys or they were stolen, it's important to keep a spare key on your side. You'll save money and time in the long term. You'll also not have to call for a tow when you are stuck without a key. There are several options for getting a replacement key, including dealerships, locksmiths and online services. These options vary in price and ease of use, so you should research the options before making a final decision.
The type of key you need can also affect the price. Traditional keys are relatively cheap and simple to replace. More advanced keys are more expensive. Certain features, like mirror folding, alarm activation and remote start, may require special components that are more difficult to locate or manufacture. It's important to have an inventory of your immobilizer's code and key number that will help reduce the overall cost.
Visit the dealer that sells the name of your vehicle to get a spare key. This will ensure that you have a key that is compatible with the car's system and is properly programmed. It can be more expensive than other options, but it is the best way to ensure that you have a functioning key in case you require it. It is also the only way to obtain an authentic key for certain modern models.