How Much Does a Spare Key For Your Car Cost?
Losing your car keys can be a huge inconvenience and it's important to have a spare key in case you lose or break your primary one. But what is an extra key for your car cost?
The answer will depend on a variety of factors. This article will help you decide if it's worth having an extra made.
Make
A spare car key is always a good idea, since losing a key can be a costly and stressful experience. The cost of an extra car key varies depending on the make and model of the vehicle and also its type.
Basic keys, like keys that do not have any technology, are cheaper to replace as they require a simple cut from the blank. They also don't require specialized encoding. However keys that are connected to an auto fob or transponder chips will have to be programmed by specialists and will increase the price.
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 model, make, and year) key." This could help you save up to $150.
Model
The model number of your vehicle influences the price of a spare car key. For instance, if need a replacement key for a luxury or premium model, the cost will be higher than that of an entry-level car. The type of material used to manufacture the key will also impact the price. For instance, it'll cost less to replace a blank key than a complete key that has an integrated fob. Many dealers can cut and program a third-party key for you if you prefer to save money.
Year
A spare car key is essential especially if your kids are still young and might get locked inside the car. You can get an extra car key in many ways, including going to the dealership where you bought your vehicle from or employing an auto locksmith, or purchasing one on the internet. Each option has its own costs and benefits. You must be aware of the type of key and the type of lock before making a choice. The more expensive a particular brand is, the higher the cost.
Key type
Having a spare key can help you avoid being stuck in the event you lose the car keys you use for your primary. The cost of a spare key for your car can vary depending on the type lock and key you have.
Hardware stores and locksmiths can cut mechanical keys that function by inserting the key into the ignition cylinder. They can cost less than $10. Transponder keys or chip keys are more costly and include a small chip that communicates to the vehicle in order to confirm the authenticity of the key. Dealerships are the only ones where you can duplicate keys, as they have all of the necessary equipment to program them.
Other advanced systems like mirror folding or remote starters can also increase the cost of the replacement of keys. These additional features can be beneficial if you are prone to losing your keys or leave them in strange places but they also increase the chance of theft. Consider putting your spare keys in a different location and making it a routine of emptying your pockets prior to getting into your vehicle. You can be sure that your spare key is available whenever you need it.
Locks
The idea of having a spare car key is a smart idea. It can save you a lot of trouble in the event that you lose your keys or lock them in the car. You should keep your spare key somewhere safe and easy to find. For example the wall-mounted key holder or a drawer in your kitchen are both good places to leave it.
The type of lock that you put on your vehicle can affect the cost of a replacement key. Traditional keys, which insert into a lock and open the doors of your car, are cheaper to replace than smart key fobs, which emit an electronic code that allows you to unlock or start your car from a distance.
If you lose your smart keys, you'll need to visit a locksmith or dealer to obtain a replacement. The experts will need to verify that you are the owner of the vehicle, which may require providing proof such as the registration or title.
In the past the days of losing your car keys was not a big deal. With the advancements in technology of automobiles, it's no longer as easy to get a spare. It can be expensive to get a new key made by a locksmith or dealer. Here are some guidelines to help you figure out how much it will cost to have a spare car key made.
Dealership
It is essential to keep an extra car key on hand, whether you lost your keys or were stolen. You'll save money and time in the long run. You'll also not have to call for a tow if you find yourself stranded without a key. There are a variety of options to obtain a replacement key. These include dealerships, online services, and locksmiths. The options are varied in terms of cost and convenience and you should investigate them before making a decision.
The type of key you require will also impact the price. Traditional keys are relatively cheap and simple to replace. More advanced keys are more expensive. Some features, such as mirror folding, alarm activation, remote start, and alarm activation, could require special components that are more difficult to locate or create. You should keep a record of the immobilizer's code along with your key number. This will allow you to save money.
The most secure method to find an extra car key is to visit the dealership that sells your vehicle's brand. auto key spares will get an appropriate key that is compatible with the vehicle's system, and that has been programmed correctly. It's more expensive however, you'll be sure to have a key that works when you need one. Additionally, it is often the only way to obtain the key for certain newer models of vehicles.