How Much Does a Spare Key For Your Car Cost?
It can be a major inconvenience to lose your car keys. It is essential to have a spare in the event that you lose or break your primary key. But how much does an extra key for your car cost?
The answer will depend on several factors. This article will examine these factors to help you decide whether it's worth getting a spare key created.
Make
Having a spare car key is always a good idea since losing one could be a costly and stressful experience. The cost of the spare car key is depending on the make and model of your car and the type of car.
Basic keys, for example, that do not contain any technology, are cheaper to replace because they only require an easy cut from the blank. They don't require an encoding system that is specialized. However keys that are integrated with a car fob or has transponder chips will have to be programmed by specialists and will increase the cost.
If you've lost your primary key, the first step is to find an authorized locksmith with a machine capable of programming your particular type of key. You can also save money by cutting the key yourself and programming it. The process for doing this will be outlined in your owner's manual, or you can look on the internet for "how to program (your year, make, and model) key." This may help you save $150 or more.
Model
The model of your car influences the cost of an extra key. For example, if you need a replacement key for a luxury or premium model, the cost will be higher than that of an entry-level vehicle. The type of materials used to create keys also affects the price. It is more affordable to replace a blank key than a key with an integrated key fob. Many dealerships can also cut and program a third-party key for you, if you want to save money.
Year
It is important to have an extra car key, particularly if you have young children who may be locked in the car. There are a variety of options to obtain an extra key, such as going to the dealership where you purchased your vehicle, using an auto locksmith, or getting one on the internet. Each option comes with the associated costs and benefits. Before making a decision, you should consider both the type and type of lock. Typically speaking the more expensive the brand the more expensive the price will be.
Type of key
A spare key will allow you to avoid being without a place to go when you lose your main car keys. The cost of an extra key for your car could vary depending on the type lock and key that you own.
Hardware stores and locksmiths can cut mechanical keys, which operate by inserting the keys into the ignition cylinder. The cost of these keys is as little as $10. Chip keys, also known as transponder keys, are more costly and include a small chip that communicates with the vehicle to verify that the keys are valid. Dealerships are the only place that can duplicate keys, because they have all the necessary equipment needed to program them.
Other advanced systems such as remote starters or mirror folding can make it more expensive for the replacement of keys. These options are beneficial for those who tend to lose your keys or place them in odd places, but can also increase the risk for theft. It's worth keeping a spare key in a different location and making it a habit to empty your pockets of all items you don't use before getting into your vehicle. This way, you can ensure that your spare key will be in your possession in case you require it.
Locks
A spare car key could be a wise choice. You can save yourself lots of hassle if you lock your keys in your car or lose them. But, it is important to keep your spare key in a safe place, and place it in a place that is easy to locate. For example an affixed key holder on the wall or an open drawer in your kitchen are great locations to store it.
spare key fob of lock on your vehicle can affect the cost of replacing a key. The cost of replacing traditional keys that open the car's door by inserting them into the lock is less expensive than the cost of replacing smart key fobs. Smart key fobs transmit an electronic code that enables you to open the car or start it from a distance.
If you lose your smart keys, you'll have to visit a locksmith or dealership to get an alternative. These specialists will verify that you have ownership of the vehicle. It may be necessary for you to present proof such as the registration or title.
In the past it wasn't such a big problem to lose your car keys. But with technological advancements in cars, it's not as simple to get a spare. It can be expensive to have a new key made by a locksmith or dealer. Here are a few tips to aid you in estimating the cost of a brand new spare car key.
Dealership
Whether you lost your keys to your car or were stolen, it's essential to have a spare key in your side. It can save you money and time in the long in the long run. It also helps you avoid having to call a tow truck if you are stranded with no key. There are a variety of options for getting an alternative key, such as locksmiths, dealerships and online services. You must compare the cost and ease of these options before deciding.
The cost will also depend on the type of key you require. Keys of the traditional type, also known as basic keys are affordable and simple to replace, while more advanced keys are more expensive. Certain features, such as mirror folding, alarm activation and remote start, may require specific components, which are harder to find or manufacture. It's important to have an inventory of your immobilizer code and the key number, which will help to reduce the overall cost.
Visit the dealership that sells the name of your vehicle to obtain an extra key. You will get a key that's compatible with your vehicle's system and is programmed correctly. It can be more expensive than other options, but it is the most reliable method of ensuring that you have a working key when you need it. It is also the only method to get keys for some of the latest models.