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 an extra key in case you lose or break your primary one. What is the cost to purchase a spare car key?
The answer depends on several factors. This article will help you determine whether it's worth having an extra made.
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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 an extra car key varies according to the make and model of your car and also its type.
For instance, simple keys that contain no technology will be less expensive to replace because they require a simple cutting from blanks and do not need specialized encryption. However, a key that is integrated with an auto fob or transponder chips will need to be programmed by specialists, which can increase the cost.
If you lose your only key the first step is to find a locksmith that has a machine capable of programming the type of key you want. You can also save money by cutting the key yourself and programming it. The steps to do this will be explained in your owner's manual, or you can go on the internet for "how to program (your year model, make, and year) key." This could help you save around $150 or more.
Model
The model of your vehicle influences the price of the spare car key. If you need the replacement of a key for a luxury model or a premium car the price will be more expensive. The cost can also be affected by the kind of material used to make the key. For example, it will cost less to replace an uncut key than a complete key with an integrated fob. A lot of dealerships will cut and program a third-party key for you if you'd like to save money.
Year
It is crucial to have an extra car key, particularly if you have young children who may get locked out of the car. There are a variety of ways to get a spare key, including visiting the dealership from which you bought your car, using an auto locksmith, or purchasing one online. Each option comes with its own set of costs and advantages. Before you make a decision, you should consider the type and design of lock. The more expensive a particular brand is, the more expensive the price.
Key type
A spare key can help you avoid being left in the event that you lose your car keys. The cost of having a spare key for your car can vary based on the type of lock and key that you own.
Traditional purely mechanical keys that are operated by inserting them into the ignition cylinder, they can be cut for less than $10 at the hardware store or locksmith. Chip keys, also known as transponder keys, are more expensive and feature small chips that communicate with the vehicle to confirm the authenticity of the key. Dealerships are the only places that can duplicate these keys, because they have all the necessary equipment to program them.
Other advanced systems, such as remote starters and mirror folding can also increase the cost of the replacement of keys. These extra features are useful if you're susceptible to losing your keys, or leave them in strange places but they also increase the chance of theft. You may want to consider placing the spare key in a separate location and establishing a routine to clear your pockets of any items you don't need before you get into your vehicle. You can be sure that your spare key is available in case you need it.
Locks
A spare car key is a smart idea. It can save you a lot of trouble if you lose your keys or have them locked in your car. Keep your spare keys in a safe place and easy to find. For instance, a wall-mounted key holder or the kitchen drawer are good places to put it.
The type of locks you use on your car will also affect the cost of replacing keys that are spare. Traditional keys, which insert into a lock and open the car doors and are more affordable to replace than smart key fobs, that emit an electronic code that allows you to unlock the car or start it from the distance.
If you lose your smart key, then you'll require a dealership or locksmith for an alternative. These specialists will verify that you have the vehicle. This could require you to present proof such as the title or registration.
In the past, it wasn't a big problem to lose your car keys. With the advancements in technology of cars, it is not as simple to find an extra. It can be costly to have a new key made by a dealer or locksmith. Here are some suggestions to help you estimate the cost of a new spare car key.
Dealership
It's essential to keep a spare car key handy, whether you lost your keys or they were stolen. It can save you time and money in the long in the long run. It also prevents you from having to call a tow truck if you are stranded with no key. There are a variety of options to obtain a replacement key. These include dealerships, online services, and locksmiths. These options vary in price and accessibility, so you should research before deciding.
The cost will also depend on the type of key that you need. Traditional keys, or basic keys, are relatively affordable and simple to replace, whereas more sophisticated keys are more expensive. Certain features, like mirror folding, alarm activation remote start, and alarm activation, could require special components that are more difficult to find or make. Keep a log of the immobilizer's code along with your key number. This will allow you save money.
The most secure method to obtain a spare car key is to visit the dealer that sells your vehicle's model. make a spare key will get keys that are compatible with the system of your vehicle and is programmed correctly. It's more expensive but you will be sure to have a key that functions in the event that you require one. Additionally, it is typically the only way to obtain the key for certain newer vehicles.