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A few years ago, losing your car keys wasn't an issue. You could take your spare to an a key cutter and buy a new one for just $10 or less.
Today, however, the process is more complicated and costly. Find out more about the various kinds of keys for cars and what they'll cost you to replace them.
Basic Key Fob
Key fobs are a remote and key in one. It's a tiny plastic device that houses a button or buttons that you push to unlock the doors, open the trunk or hatchback, lower the windows and maybe even start the car key replacements. The key fob has a built-in electronic chip that communicates with the car's onboard system to control functions like the starter.
Key fobs for basic use are typically made of standard plastic and utilize a standard lock and key mechanism. These are the same as those found on old Pontiacs as well as Saturns. A basic key fob will cost anywhere between $50 and $100, but you'll pay more if require a replacement car keys with chips for one that has been damaged or lost.
If your car was manufactured within the last five years, chances that you'll have to visit the dealer for a replacement fob since many modern cars require special equipment to code and program new keys. Locksmiths or key shops can usually do this for less, however.
The type of fob you have can also impact the cost. Older cars have mechanical keys, whereas the latest models usually have transponder keys or smart keys. Both are able to have a range of features, from keyless entry that locks and unlocks your vehicle in a controlled manner to rolling codes that are updated regularly to prevent thieves from taking and stealing your car's key fob data.
It's possible to purchase an aftermarket key fob online at a lower cost than what you'd pay at a dealership, but these may not work with your car. Certain manufacturers, such as Audi and Subaru have security chips in their key fobs, which prevent them from working with devices that are not third-party. Some dealerships will program an aftermarket fob when you bring it in but there's a good possibility that it won't function.
You can find information about programming your key fob by searching the website of the manufacturer or your owner's guide. You should try to do this yourself prior to paying for a locksmith or going to the dealer. You can also check your car's warranty and auto insurance policy to determine if they cover the cost of replacing a key fob.
Transponder Key
Transponder keys are found in the majority of newer automobiles. They have an embedded chip in the head that transmits a message to the vehicle when it is put into the ignition cylinder. The signal is used to unlock the car and begin the engine. This key is more secure than a conventional flat metal key due to the transponder chip stops the car from starting without the proper signal. This technology was designed to stop car theft since it is almost impossible to duplicate these kinds of keys without the proper equipment.
Additionally, many cars also come with immobilizer systems that stop them from starting when the key is not transponder-compatible. However, car criminals have also come up with methods to gain access and steal cars that are equipped with transponder keys.
A locksmith can usually help you replace the damaged or lost transponder key. They will need the details of your vehicle, such as the VIN number and model. They'll either program the key you have to the car's system or cut new keys. This is a more costly procedure than having a dealer cut and program replacement car keys with chips keys.
Some auto stores, such as AutoZone and Walmart are also able to cut and copy a transponder key, but they might not be able to reprogram the chip inside the key. You should contact a reputable and experienced locksmith service to ensure that a professional is capable of handling the job.
It was fairly easy to create duplicate keys for a car, and Car Keys Replacement Cost then hot-wire a car prior to the advent of this modern technology. This method of stealing vehicles was common and allowed criminals to enter and drive off with stolen vehicles. The advent of transponder keys has drastically reduced this crime but it's not completely eliminated.
If you require a new transponder key, or have lost yours, the best choice is to contact a professional and have them do it for you. The cost will be more than a traditional key but it's a safer and better way to ensure that your vehicle cannot be started by someone else.
Keyless Entry System
Car key fobs are becoming a standard feature of vehicles as people are seeking convenience, security, and security. These tiny transmitters can open doors, activate the panic alarm, open the trunk, and even start your engine without needing the physical key in your hands. But they can also endure quite a beating from being tossed around and are more likely to be lost or stolen than traditional keys. It's expensive to replace them, and you may require programming your new fob to connect it with your vehicle.
A basic key fob will cost around ten dollars to cut at a hardware store, but the most recent smart keys can be expensive if you need to buy the keys and have them programmed. Based on your car's model and make you can expect to shell out between $200-$500 to replace a fob and the cost of having it cut and programmed to your vehicle.
Certain advanced car key systems allow you to make use of your smartphone as a key. Using the app on your phone, you can remote lock or unlock your car and you can switch on and off, activate your parking brake, and perform other things depending on your proximity to the car. These are great for people who live in urban areas, or if you're a parent that's worried about your kids leaving the car unsupervised.
Certain of these systems can be expensive, but they're also more secure than a standard car key since they track your location and prevent you from locking the car or turning on the engine when you're far away. They can also assist you to find your car in parking garages, and some can warn you if the doors are shut or opened.
These systems can also be useful for companies such as property managers who oversee vacation rentals or offices. These systems allow them to check access rights of guests and cleaning staff. They can also make sure that only those with permissions are allowed in and out.
Dealership
Some people might feel that they must go to the dealership when their keys disappear. They'll need to provide proof of ownership, and sometimes keys must be purchased from the manufacturer, which could take a few days. A dealer is usually able to complete the job quicker than a locksmith, and might even charge less.
It is likely that the key fob will still require programming to your vehicle. This can be done through the dealer or consulting your owner's guide. It involves opening and closing doors and turning lights and other electronics on and off. It may also require pressing a series of buttons that act as codes. Most of the time, this is done by the driver, but it is always better to have a technician perform it.
The cost can also be dependent on the year, model and year of vehicle. Newer cars have advanced transponder chips that require pairing with the vehicle by a locksmith or dealer and the process may be more expensive.
A dealer who sells a particular model will be more likely to know how to replace keys for the model. Some of the larger manufacturers, such as Ford, Toyota, Chrysler and Nissan have a huge number of models and are more acquainted with the keys that are used for those models.
Other brands are more difficult 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 being produced. Scion, Pontiac and Hummer are among the companies that are older and do not produce keys anymore. Mercury, Saturn, Eagle, Mercury, Saturn and Oldsmobile are also included. Typically, these types of keys require reprogramming which is more difficult and expensive than replacing the key itself.
In general, if you have a spare key it is usually best to get it copied by a specialist rather than getting an alternative from the dealer. That way you can avoid having to pay the higher rates for after-hours and weekend hours. If you lose your keys, you can rest easy knowing that the cloned key will work.