How Much Does a Spare Key For Your Car Cost?
It's a huge inconvenience to lose your car keys. It's essential to keep one spare in case you lose or break your primary key. But how much does an extra key for your vehicle cost?
The answer is contingent on a variety of factors. This article will help you determine whether it's worthwhile to have an extra.
Make
Having a spare key for your vehicle is always a good idea as losing one can be a costly and stressful experience. The cost of a spare car key varies depending on the make and model of the vehicle and the type of car.
Basic keys, for example, that do not contain any technology are cheaper to replace as they require a simple cut from the blank. They also don't need special encoding. Keys that are integrated into a car fob, or is equipped with a chip will require programming and will cost more.
If you lose your only key, the first step is to find a locksmith that has an equipment that can program your particular type of key. Alternately, you could try to save money by having a new key cut and then programming it yourself. You can find the procedure in the owner's manual, or go online to search for "how do I program (your year model and year of manufacture) key." You could save up to $150.
Model
The model number of your vehicle determines the cost of an extra key. For instance, if require a replacement for a luxury or premium model, the cost will be higher than that of an entry-level vehicle. The type of material used to create the key will also impact the price. For instance, it'll cost less to replace an uncut key than a key that is complete with an integrated fob. A lot of dealerships will cut and program a third-party key for you, if you want to save money.
Year
It is crucial to have an extra car key, especially if you have children who could lock themselves in the vehicle. You can purchase an extra car key in many ways, including visiting the dealership that you purchased your car from, hiring an auto locksmith or ordering one online. Each method has its own set of costs and advantages. It is important to be aware of the type of key you want and the type of lock before making a choice. The more expensive a particular brand is, the more expensive the price.
Key type
A spare key can help you avoid being stranded in the event that you lose your car keys. However, the cost of an extra car key could differ greatly based on the type of lock your vehicle uses and the type of key you have.
Traditional mechanical keys that function by inserting them into the ignition cylinder, they can be cut for just $10 at a hardware store or locksmith. The more expensive alternatives chip keys, also known as transponder keys, have a small electronic chip inside the key head that communicates with the vehicle to confirm it's a valid key. Dealerships are the only ones that can duplicate these keys as they have all of the necessary equipment needed to program them.
Other advanced systems, such as remote starter or mirror folding options, may be a factor in the overall cost of a new key. These extra features are useful if you're prone to misplacing your keys or have a tendency to place them in a strange location however, they also increase the likelihood of theft. It's worth keeping a spare key in a separate location and making it a routine to clear your pockets of all items you don't use before getting into your car. You can be sure your spare key is there in case you need it.
Locks
Having a spare car key is a smart thing to do. It can save you a lot of trouble if you lose your keys or have them locked in your car. replacing car keys without spare is recommended to keep your spare key somewhere secure and easily accessible. For example the wall-mounted key holder or the kitchen drawer are good places to leave it.
The type of lock you have on your car can also affect the cost of replacing the spare key. The cost of replacing the traditional keys that open the car's door by inserting them into the lock is less than replacing smart key fobs. Smart key fobs generate an electronic code which allows you to unlock your car or start it from the distance.
If you lose your smart keys you'll have to visit a locksmith or dealer to get a replacement. These specialists will need to confirm that you're the owner of the vehicle, and may require proof like the registration or title.
In the past it wasn't such a big problem to lose your car keys. With the technological advancements of cars, it is not as simple to find a spare. It can be costly to get a new car key made by a locksmith or dealer. Here are some tips to help you determine how much it will cost to have a spare car key made.
Dealership
It's important to keep an extra car key in your pocket in case you lose your keys or they were stolen. It can save you money and time in the long in the long run. It also stops you from having to call a truck if you are stranded without a key. There are a variety of options for getting an alternative key, such as dealerships, locksmiths and online services. You should compare the price and ease of these options before deciding.
The cost will also depend on the type of key you need. Keys of the traditional type are cheap and simple to replace. More sophisticated keys are more expensive. Certain features, like mirror folding, alarm activation and remote start, may require specific components, which are difficult to locate or create. It is important to keep a record of your immobilizer's code as well as the number of your key that will help reduce the overall costs.
Visit the dealership that sells the brand of your vehicle to get an extra key. This will ensure that you have a key that is compatible with your car's systems and is properly programmed. It may cost more than other alternatives, but it is the best method of ensuring that you have a working key when you need it. It is also the only way to get a key for certain newer models.