Replacement Keys For Cars
Car keys are lost to the most seasoned of us. They are prone to disappear from pockets in coats or under couch cushions, only to be discovered at the most inconvenient times.
Luckily keys for replacement for cars aren't as hard to find as they once were. You can purchase them at auto locksmiths, hardware shops and dealerships.
Lost or Stolen Keys
There are a myriad of ways keys to cars can be lost or stolen. They could break, be lost, or even be left in a location where they are easily found. Sometimes, they just get worn down to the point where they are no longer functioning properly. It is always a good idea to keep an extra key to avoid the stress of replacing one.
If you lose your key the best option is to contact your local auto locksmith as soon as possible. They will usually be able to make you a replacement key for less than what it costs at an auto dealer. Locksmiths can also program the features of your vehicle for hands-free boot opening, right on the spot.
Be sure to bring your VIN number when you call. This is required to determine the year and model of the car in order to create an entirely new key. You can find it on your dashboard or on the registration or title papers of your vehicle.
The cost of replacing your key at the dealership may be more expensive depending on the type. Dealerships will keep track of your details to ensure that you receive an replacement key as fast as possible. They are also able to provide you with a genuine key from the factory that is fitted with the most recent security features in.
If you have a standard lock that is a turn-key, it's cheaper to visit an auto locksmith in your area. The locksmith will make you the replacement key for a lot less than the dealer and can frequently come to your place.
The only problem with this is if your keys are transponder style that is, they have a chip in them that is programmed to work with a particular vehicle. Locksmiths are usually in a position to create keys for you, but not programme it, so you will need to take it to the dealership to have this done.
Fob Keys
If you have a fob to open and start your vehicle, or the fob is broken it is time to get an alternative. Fob keys can be replaced by the dealership or a locksmith in some instances you can purchase one online. The cost is largely contingent on the model and make of your vehicle as well as whether it has a transponder keys or not.
A simple fob, which emits a signal to open the doors and then starts the engine, is usually be replaced at a dealer or by a locksmith for less than $300. A more sophisticated key that also has an integrated transponder chip that can verify that the driver is indeed the owner could be more expensive, particularly for late-model cars.
Keep a spare fob or key at all times to save money on replacements. If you don't have the funds to carry around an extra set, ask the dealer to add two sets of keys to the purchase price, or to add a third set to the purchase. This will help you save from having to pay higher costs later. There are laser-cut aftermarket keys online at a lower cost than those offered by dealers. Some online sellers can program your new key fob, however this may void the warranty of the original and be illegal in certain states.
Before you decide to replace a broken fob, try charging the battery or resetting it. A dead battery is often the reason for a key fob that won't turn on or can't be programmed. You can also change the buttons on a fob if they are stuck or broken. If none of these solutions work, a dealer may be the only option in the event that you cannot find a locksmith for your vehicle that has the programming equipment to work on the latest models. Typically, dealers are the most expensive option, however they also have the greatest knowledge of the technology and systems used in cars. However, they can take some time to fix your vehicle and aren't able to offer the lowest price.
Transponder Keys
Chip keys or transponder keys are a modern key type that comes with an embedded computer chip in the. The chip transmits an encoded signal to the vehicle whenever the key cylinder is inserted. The car utilizes this code to start the engine or unlock the doors. These are a lot more than a challenge to steal and are a great way to stop theft.
A professional locksmith for automotive can cut an inexpensive replacement transponder (chip) for your vehicle for a much lower cost than the dealer can charge. It is important to keep in mind that you will still need to have the key programmed to match the number in your vehicle's ECM in the event that you replace an existing one.
You could also use a basic transponder key cloned from the original if you have it. This will not allow you to start your car however, since most automobiles are equipped with immobilizer systems that require the correct key to be used in order to function.
In the past, it was very easy to heat wire an automobile. auto key replacement involves running two wires from the car's engine to a power source in a different location, such as an apartment. The car will start when the starter is switched on. Transponder keys make it difficult for thieves to steal this since the criminal requires the correct key in order to transmit the coded signal from the chip inside the key to the ignition system.
If your vehicle is equipped with an immobilizer, it will not start if you've got an untransponderable key. This is why it is important to keep an extra transponder key in your purse or pocket in case of. If you lose your spare key, you'll need contact your local locksmith or the dealer to clone the key you lost to start your car again. Dealers will also charge a fee for this service since they often have the exclusive rights to make keys for specific models of cars.
Smart Keys
You might have a smart key when you drive an older model of car. Often called proximity keys, fobs or remotes, these devices permit drivers to unlock their cars and start them without using the physical key. The technology isn't new however, it was only available in high-end luxury cars at the time.
Basically, smart keys communicate with vehicle via an electronic signal via radio waves. These signals are encrypted and only your vehicle can read the signals. Depending on your key that you have, it may come with a button that activates the ignition or locks of your car and some even have built-in GPS technology that tracks your vehicle's location if ever stolen.
The key could be a small key fob or embedded into the handle. Either way, if you lose it you'll need to go to your dealer or auto locksmith for assistance with replacement. This is because smart keys aren't like your regular keys, and only the dealership can replace them.
How much will depend on the make and model of your car, as well as the type of key you own. A standard key that has an lock-and-key mechanism will cost $10 to $12. Transponder keys, on the other, are likely to be more expensive. You'll usually need to bring your spare smart key along with evidence of ownership to your dealer to replace it.
Some experts warn against the convenience of smart keys because they are susceptible to hacking by a person who knows what to look for. Smart keys, for example transmit signals at a relatively low frequency compared to other devices. This makes them easy to obtain at an oil station. This kind of hack can even operate from the distance according to How Stuff Works Electronics.
In all likelihood, smart keys are becoming more widespread and a lot more convenient than the older versions. They help keep cars safe and provide owners with peace of mind, and assist them to stay organized. It's a good idea to purchase one however, make sure you keep a backup key on hand, in case of emergency.