How Much Does a Spare Key For Your Car Cost?
The loss of 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 a spare key for your car cost?
The answer depends on a variety of factors. This article will help you decide whether it's worthwhile to have a spare made.
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It is always a smart idea to keep a spare car key, as losing a key can be costly and stressful. The cost of an extra car key varies according to the make and model of your vehicle, as well as its type.
Basic keys, for instance keys that do not have any technology, are cheaper to replace since they require the simple cutting of a blank. They also don't require specialized encoding. However, a key that is connected to a car fob or has transponder chips will have to be programmed by experts which can increase the cost.
If you have lost your only key, the first step should be to locate a local locksmith who has a machine that can program your type of key. You can also save money by cutting the key yourself and programming it. The steps to do this will be explained in the owner's manual or you can look online for "how to program (your year, make, and model) key." This may help you save $150 or more.
Model
The model of your vehicle determines the cost of a spare key. For instance, if you require a replacement key for a luxury or premium model, the price will be higher than that of an entry-level vehicle. The cost can also be affected by the kind of material used to create the key. For example, it will cost less to replace the key with a blank one 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 prefer to save money.
Year
A spare car key is vital especially if your kids are young and could be locked out of the car. There are a variety of options to obtain an extra key, which includes visiting the dealership from which you purchased your vehicle, using an auto locksmith, or getting one on the internet. Each choice comes with the associated costs and advantages. It is important to consider the type of key and the lock type prior to making a decision. The more expensive a particular brand is, the more expensive the cost.
Type of key
A spare key can allow you to avoid being in a bind if you lose your main car keys. However the cost of a spare car key can differ greatly based on the lock type your vehicle is using as well as the type of key you have.
Traditional purely mechanical keys that function by inserting them into an ignition cylinder can be cut for as little as $10 at the hardware store or locksmith. Chip keys, also known as transponder keys, are more expensive and have a small chip that communicates to the vehicle in order to verify that the authenticity of the key. These keys can only be duplicated by dealerships, as they have the equipment required to program them.
Other advanced systems like remote starters or mirror folding can also make it more expensive for replacing keys. These extra features can be beneficial if you are prone to misplacing your keys or have a tendency to place them in a strange location but they also increase the chance of theft. You might want to think about placing a spare key in a separate location and establishing a routine to empty your pockets of all items you don't use before getting into your car. This way, you'll ensure that your spare key will be there when you require it.
Locks
The idea of having a spare car key is a smart move. It will save you a lot of trouble when you lose your keys or have them locked in the car. However, you should always keep your spare keys in a safe place, and make sure to leave it somewhere that is easy to locate. For instance, a wall-mounted key holder or a drawer in your kitchen are good locations to store it.
The type of locks you use on your car will also affect the cost of replacing the spare key. Traditional keys, which insert into a lock and then open the doors to the car, are cheaper to replace than smart key fobs, which emit an electronic code that allows you to unlock or start the car from a distance.
If you lose your smart keys, you'll have to visit a locksmith or dealership to obtain an alternative. They will verify that you have the vehicle. It may be necessary for you to provide proof such as the title or registration.
In the past it wasn't such a big deal to lose your car keys. With the advancements in technology for automobiles, it's not as easy to get an extra. You'll have to go to a dealer or a locksmith to have a new key made for you and it can be expensive. Here are some tips to help you determine the cost to get a spare car key made.
Dealership
It's essential to keep an extra car key on hand regardless of whether you lost your keys or were stolen. It can save you money and time in the long time. It also stops you from needing to call a tow truck if you are stranded with no key. There are several options to get a replacement key. These include dealerships, online services and locksmiths. It is important to compare the costs and convenience of these options before making a decision.
The cost will also be contingent on the type of key that you require. Traditional keys are relatively cheap and easy to replace. Keys with more advanced features 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 make. It's important to have a record of your immobilizer code and the key number, which will help to lower the overall cost.
The most secure method to obtain a spare car key is to visit the dealership that sells your vehicle's model. You'll get an appropriate key that is compatible with the vehicle's system, and that has been programmed correctly. It's more expensive but you will be sure 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.