How Much Does a Spare Key For Your Car Cost?
It's a huge inconvenience to lose your car keys. It's important to keep an extra key in case you lose or break your primary key. What is the cost of an extra key for your vehicle cost?
The answer depends on several factors. This article will look at the factors that will determine if it's worth having an extra key made.
Make
Having a spare key for your car is always a good idea as losing one can be a stressful and costly experience. However, the cost of having a spare key can differ based on the vehicle's make and model and also the kind of key you have.
For example, basic keys that contain no technology will be less expensive to replace because they require a simple cutting from blanks and do not need specialized encoders. A key that is incorporated into a car fob, or has a chip will need to be programmed and will cost more.
If you have lost your sole key, the first step is to find an locksmith who has an equipment that can program your type of key. You can also save money by cutting the key yourself and programming it. You can locate the procedure in the owner's manual or search online for "how do I program (your year make and model) key." You could save up to $150.
Model
The model number of your vehicle determines the price of a spare car key. For instance, if you require a replacement for a luxury or premium model, the price will be higher than that of an entry-level car. The kind of material used to manufacture keys also affects the price. It is less expensive to replace a blank than the key that has an integrated key fob. If you're looking to save money, many dealerships will also cut and program third-party keys for you.
Year
A spare car key is crucial particularly if your children are young and could be locked out of the car. You can purchase a spare car key in various ways, such as visiting the dealership that you purchased your car from or hiring an auto locksmith or ordering one online. Each method has the associated costs and benefits. Before making a choice you must consider both the type and type of lock. The more expensive a brand is, the more expensive the price.
Key type
A spare key will help you avoid being left in a bind when you lose your main car keys. The cost of an extra key for your car can vary depending on the type lock and key that you own.
Hardware stores and locksmiths can cut mechanical keys that operate by inserting the keys into the cylinder for ignition. They can cost just $10. The more expensive alternatives keys, also known as transponder keys or chip keys, have a small electronic chip inside the key head that communicates with the vehicle to confirm that it is a genuine key. These types of keys can only be duplicated at dealerships, because they are equipped with the technology needed to program them.
Other advanced systems, such as remote starters or mirror folding can make it more expensive for a key replacement. These extra features are useful if you're prone to misplacing your keys or place them in a strange location, but they can also increase the chance of theft. You might want to think about keeping the spare key in a separate location and establishing a routine to clear your pockets of all items you don't use before getting into your car. This way, you can be certain that your spare key will be in your possession in case you need it.
need a spare key for my car could be a wise decision. You can save yourself lots of hassle when you lock your keys inside the car or lose them. However, you should always keep your spare key in a safe place, and leave it somewhere that is easy to locate. For instance an affixed key holder on the wall or an open drawer in your kitchen are good places to leave it.
The type of lock you have on your vehicle can also affect the cost of replacing a key. Traditional keys, which insert into a lock and then open the doors to the car and are more affordable to replace than smart key fobs, which transmit an electronic code that lets you unlock the car or start it from a distance.
If you lose your smart keys, you'll need to visit a locksmith or dealership to get an alternative. They will verify that you have ownership of the vehicle. This may require you to show proof of ownership such as the title or registration.
In the past, losing your car keys was not a big deal. However, with the technological advances in cars, it's not as easy to find an extra. It can be costly to get a new key made by a dealer or locksmith. Here are some tips to help you determine the cost to have a spare car key made.
Dealership
It is essential to keep an extra car key in your pocket in case you lose your keys or they were stolen. You'll save money and time in the long run. It will also save you from having to request a tow in the event that you are stuck without keys. You have a few options to obtain a replacement key. These include dealerships, online services, and locksmiths. These options differ in cost and accessibility therefore you must research before deciding.
The cost will also depend on the type of key that you require. Keys of the traditional type are cheap and simple to replace. More advanced 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 inventory of your immobilizer code and key number, which will help to lower the overall cost.
Visit the dealership that sells the model of your car to purchase a spare key. You'll receive a key that's compatible with the vehicle's system, and that has been programmed correctly. It's more expensive, but you'll be certain to have a key that works when you need one. It is also the only method to get an authentic key for certain modern models.