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Car Keys Replacement Cost
A few years ago, losing your keys to your car wasn't an issue. You could bring your spare to a key cutter and get a new one for $10 or less.
Nowadays, however, the process is more complicated and costly. Learn about the various types and costs of keys for cars.
Basic Key Fob
A key fob can be described as a remote and key in one. It's a small, plastic device that has one or more buttons that you push to unlock the doors, open the trunk or hatchback, roll down the windows, and possibly start the car. The key fob comes with an electronic chip embedded that communicates with your car's onboard systems to regulate functions such as the starter.
A basic key fob is generally made of plastic and uses a regular lock-and-key mechanism, such as the one you'd find on an old Pontiac or Saturn. A basic key fob may cost anywhere from $50 to $100, but the actual cost is when you need to replace a damaged or lost one.
You'll probably need to visit a dealer if your car is more than five years old. A lot of newer vehicles require special equipment to code and program new keys. A locksmith or a key shop will usually be capable of doing this for less.
The kind of fob you own can affect the price. Older cars have mechanical key fobs while the modern models have transponder keys. Both types of keys come with a variety of features, ranging from keyless entry that locks and unlocks the vehicle automatically to rolling codes that change regularly to prevent thieves from taking and stealing the key fob information of your car.
It's possible to buy an aftermarket key fob for less than what you'd pay at a dealership however, they may not work with your vehicle. Certain manufacturers, including Audi and Subaru have security chips that stop their key fobs from interfacing with third party devices. Some dealers can program an aftermarket key fob when it's brought in, however it's likely that it won't function.
Read the owner's manual for your model or go to the manufacturer's site for information about programming your particular model's key fob. It's worth trying this yourself before heading to the dealer or hiring a locksmith to do it. You can also look at your vehicle's warranty, auto-insurance policy and roadside assistance coverage to determine if they will cover the cost of a replacement key fob.
Transponder Key
Most newer cars use a type of key called transponder keys. They have an embedded chip inside the key's head which transmits a signal the vehicle when it is put into the ignition cylinder. This signal is used to unlock the car and starting the engine. This type of key is more secure than standard flat metal keys since a transponder chip prevents the car from starting if it fails to receive the right signal from the key. This technology was developed to reduce car theft as it is almost impossible to duplicate these kinds of keys without the proper equipment.
Many cars are also fitted with immobilizers that prevent them from being started when they are operated by keys that are not transponder. However, thieves have also devised methods to gain access and steal cars that are equipped with transponder keys.
A locksmith will usually be able to assist you in replacing a lost or damaged transponder key. They will require details about your car, such as the VIN number and model. They can then either program the key you have to the car's computer system or cut a new one. This is a costlier process than having a dealership cut and program replacement keys.
Some auto stores, such as AutoZone and Walmart can also be capable of cutting and copying the transponder keys, however they might not be able to reprogram the chip inside the key. You should contact an experienced and reputable locksmith firm to ensure that a professional will be capable of handling the job.
It was fairly easy to make duplicate keys for a car and then hot-wire a car prior to the advent of this new technology. This was a method used to steal cars, and it permitted criminals to steal stolen vehicles. The advent of transponder keys has greatly reduced the likelihood of this happening, but it is not completely eliminated.
You can get an expert to do this for you if you require an extra transponder key or if you've lost yours. It will cost more than a standard one, however it's a safer and more reliable alternative to ensure that someone else is unable to start your car.
Keyless Entry System
As increasing numbers of people want convenience, security and safety, car key fobs are now a standard feature. These little transmitters can unlock doors, set off the panic alarm, open the trunk, and even start your engine without having to carry a physical key in your hands. They can also endure a lot of abuse from being tossed around and they're more likely to be lost or stolen than the metal keys. That means they're expensive to replace, and you might require fob programming in order to pair your new one with your vehicle.
A basic key fob costs about ten dollars to get cut at the hardware store, however the latest smart keys can be expensive if you're looking to purchase the keys and have them programmed. It is possible to spend between $200 and $500 for an alternative key fob. This includes the cost of having it cut and programmed to fit in your car.
Certain advanced car key systems allow you to use your smartphone as keys. With the application on your phone, you can remotely lock or unlock your car, and you can switch on and off, turn off your parking brake, and do other things based on the proximity of your car. These are perfect for those who live in urban areas or have children and are worried about children leaving the car unattended.
Certain of these systems may be expensive, but they are more secure than a standard car key. They keep track of your location to prevent you from accidentally locking or starting the car when you are far from. Certain systems will help you locate your vehicle in a garage, while others can alert you if you open or close the doors.
These kinds of systems could also be useful for businesses, like property managers who oversee office spaces or vacation rentals. These systems are able to monitor the access rights of guests, cleaning staff, and maintenance staff, as well as making sure that only those with the appropriate permissions are allowed to get in and out of the space.
Dealership
Some people may think that they need to go to the dealership when their keys disappear. The dealer will request proof of ownership, and could order keys from the manufacturer. This could take a few days. A dealer can usually do the job quicker than a locksmith and could even cost less.
The key fob might need to be programmed for your vehicle. This can be done at the dealership, or by reading the owner's manual. It involves closing and opening doors and turning the lights and other electronic devices on and off. It could also involve pressing a combination of buttons which acts as an electronic code. Most of the time, this is done by the driver, but it is better to have a technician do it.
The year the car was manufactured, its model and make of the car will impact the cost as well. The cost of the service can also be affected by the year, model and model of the vehicle.
A dealer who sells a particular brand of car will be more likely to have the knowledge to replace keys for that model. Some of the biggest manufacturers, like Ford, Toyota and Chrysler have several models and are familiar with the keys.
car key replacements near me are harder to work with. This includes a few of the older firms that have been shut down or are old enough to have keys that are no longer in production. Scion, Pontiac and Hummer are some of the more established companies that have stopped producing keys. Mercury, Saturn, Eagle, Mercury, Saturn and Oldsmobile are also included. These keys are usually reprogrammed. This is more expensive and time-consuming than replacing the key.
In general, if you have a spare key it is best to duplicate it at an expert instead of obtaining an alternative from the dealer. You can avoid paying the higher rates for after-hours and weekend services. If you lose your keys, you can rest assured that the cloned key will work.