Replacing keys to your car can be expensive and a hassle depending on the type of car. It's always a good idea to have spare keys in case you lose one.
The car key has evolved with the development of cars. Modern keys are programmed to pair with the immobiliser on a car, a job that is usually reserved for locksmiths or dealerships.
Keys stolen or lost
The misplacing of keys to your car is a regular event. If you can't locate your keys in a visible place, or if they are hidden, you'll have to purchase new keys. Car key replacements aren't as easy as they used to be however, there are options for car owners who lose their keys.
Depending on the type of key you own, it could be cheaper to replace it with a locksmith instead of the dealership for your car. It is because dealers for cars charge a premium and often outsource the work to local locksmiths. A mobile locksmith will do it at a lower price.
Traditional keys are what people think of when they hear the phrase "car key replacement". Traditional keys do not contain transponder chips or fob, which is the case with smart keys or remotes. They are available in most hardware stores as well as locksmiths for less than $10.
The process of replacing a key that has an electronic transponder or key fob is more complicated. The dealership that sold you your vehicle can replace the keys, but they might not have one on hand. They'll have to purchase one from the manufacturer. This can take several days, and the price can be significantly higher.
There are some local locksmiths who have the equipment and blank keys to program these types of car keys. This can save you a lot of time and money. Some even have mobile service that allows them to come to your location and do the job on-site.
In addition to helping with stolen or lost vehicles Some locksmiths also offer roadside assistance if you're locked out of your car and require help getting back inside. This is particularly useful when you've lost your car key fob and are unable to turn on the ignition. This type of service usually comes with a callout charge and some labor costs. It is possible to contact the manufacturer of your vehicle or the breakdown service that you are using to learn more about what to expect from them.
Damaged Keys
If your car key fob or keychain has been damaged, you'll need to repair or replace it. cost of car key replacement can happen after an accident, break-in or even normal wear and wear and tear.
The best way to get new keys is to visit the locksmith. They can repair or replace your keys, and can also create duplicates in the event that you don't have one. Certain keys are more complicated than others. If your key is a Transponder Key it will need to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This requires special equipment that is typically only available at the dealership.
If you can open your trunk and doors but you are unable to start the engine, it might be a problem with the ignition cylinder. If you have an extra key, try it to see if you are able to start the car in this manner. If not, you need to call a locksmith or your dealer.
The most inconvenient of times seem to be when car keys malfunction. Luckily, some problems are easier to repair than others.
It is important to remember that the components of your car all work together. If one component fails, it can result in a domino effect. If your key won't work in the ignition it could be a battery problem. You can fix it with a new battery however, it's essential to be aware of how to program the battery to your car.
This is where a locksmith can be of assistance however, you'll need to know the VIN number for your car. This number can be located in a variety of locations, including on the dashboard of your car or in the owner's manual. You'll have to record it so that you can hand it to the person who will replace your car keys. This information will speed up the process so they can get your key as fast as possible. It also helps prevent them from making mistakes that could lead to more expensive repairs later on.
Lost keys in the ignition
Several years ago, losing keys to your car was not a problem because there was a chance you had spare keys. Nowadays, cars are more technologically advanced and therefore, they are more difficult to replace. Depending on the car you own and its year, replacing the key can take a few steps and cost you a couple hundred dollars or more.
Keep a spare in a safe location at home. If you don't have a spare key and your ignition is locked, you'll have to call a professional for help. The first thing that you'll need to do is to determine what kind of key you have. This is vital, because professionals will need to know what key you lost in order to begin the replacement process. Once you've got this information, it's much easier to speed up the process.
You can have a new key for less than $10 at a hardware shop in the event that you have an old car key with a simple, double-edged blade. You will need to know the year and model of your vehicle as well as evidence of ownership (your registration or title should suffice). If you lose the key in the ignition, a locksmith can make a new key for you if you can provide them with the cylinder retention pin. It is usually located beneath the steering column and is depressable when the cylinder is turned to the accessory position.
The technician must repair the cuts on the cylinder and cut a new key that's matched with the cylinder's chip and then program the new key using the car's computer. This process is complicated, but it's the only option if you've lost the car key that's in the ignition. If your car is new, you'll have to take it to the dealer to request replacement of the key. They are the only ones who can offer you a replacement key with the required features.
Keyless Entry
In the past when you lost or misplaced your car key, you could simply get locksmiths to make you a new key. Since automobiles are more technologically advanced replacing keys lost in cars can take a few steps and can cost several hundred dollars.
Depending on your model and year of car there are a range of different types of keys. The most popular are a mechanical key or regular keys. Other choices include transponders, a key fob, and a smartkey.
A key with transponder chips is more secure than the traditional car key because it has a unique code that your car recognises. A locksmith will need to not only cut a new key but also program it to your specific vehicle. If you've lost this kind of key, it's generally best to take your car to the dealer so they can reprogram it for you.
Other car keys come with remote control devices integrated into them, allowing you to unlock and start your car from some distance. These keys are more expensive to replace as they require a high level of programming only dealerships can carry out. Luckily, the majority of these key systems can be reset if they stop working so do this before you shell out for a new one.
Certain modern cars have keys that look like fobs. They come with buttons on one side that you can press to lock and unlock the car. These are known as "smart" or "keyless entry" keys and are expensive to replace. It is important to know that these keys are made by the manufacturer of your vehicle, so you will need return to the dealership if you lose keys.
You'll need to record your VIN if you can locate someone to make your car keys. You can usually find this number on your dashboard on the driver's side or it may be stamped on a plate of metal in the jamb of your door. This number can be used should you need to retrieve your key in the future, either through your car insurance or warranty.
