How Much Does a Spare Key For Your Car Cost?
The loss of your car keys can be a huge inconvenience and it's crucial to have an extra key in the event that you lose or break your primary one. But how much does a spare key for your car cost?
The answer will depend on several factors. This article will help you determine if it's worth having a spare made.
Make
It's always a good idea to have a spare car key, as losing a key can be expensive and stressful. The cost of the spare car key is dependent on the brand and model of your vehicle and also its type.
Basic keys, for instance, that do not contain any technology are less expensive to replace since they require a simple cut from a blank. They also don't require an encoding system that is specialized. However keys that are connected to a car fob or a transponder chip will have to be programmed by experts which will increase the price.
If you lose your only key the first step is to locate an authorized locksmith with a machine capable of programming your particular type of key. You can also save money by cutting the key yourself and programming it. The steps to do this is outlined in the owner's manual or you can look online for "how to program (your year, make, and model) key." This can help you save $150 or more.
Model
The model of your vehicle influences the cost of a spare car key. For instance, if require a replacement for a luxury or premium model, the price will be higher than that of an entry-level vehicle. The cost is also influenced by the kind of material used to make the key. For instance, it'll cost less to replace a blank key than a key that is complete with an integrated fob. Many dealers can cut and program a third-party key for you if you prefer to save money.
Year
make a spare car key near me is vital particularly if your children are still young and might be locked out of the car. You can obtain a spare car key in several ways, including by going to the dealership where you purchased your car from or hiring an auto locksmith or purchasing one on the internet. Each method has the associated costs and benefits. You should take into consideration the type of lock and the type of lock before making a choice. The more expensive a particular brand is, the higher the cost.
Key type
A spare key will help you avoid being left without a place to go if you lose your main car keys. The cost of having a spare key for your car could vary based on the type of lock and key that you have.
Traditional mechanical keys that work by inserting them into an ignition cylinder can be cut down for just $10 at the hardware store or locksmith. Transponder keys or chip keys are more costly and include tiny chips that talk with the vehicle to confirm the keys are valid. Dealerships are the only place that can duplicate keys, because they have all the equipment needed to program them.
Other advanced features, such as remote starter or mirror folding options, may be a factor in the overall cost of a replacement key. These additional features can be useful if you're susceptible to losing your keys, or have a tendency to leave them in strange places however, they also increase the likelihood of theft. You may want to consider keeping a spare key in a different location and making it a habit to take out anything you don't require prior to getting into your car. This way, you can be certain that your spare key will be there in case you require it.
Locks
A spare car key is a smart idea. You'll save yourself a lot of trouble by locking your keys in your car or lose them. However, you must keep your spare key in a safe place, and ensure that you leave it somewhere that is easily accessible. For instance an affixed key holder on the wall or an open drawer in your kitchen are great locations to store it.
The type of lock that you put on your vehicle can also affect the cost of replacing a key. The cost of replacing the traditional keys that unlock the car door by inserting them into the lock is less expensive than the cost of replacing smart key fobs. Smart key fobs emit an electronic code that allows you to unlock your car or start it from an extended distance.
If you lose your smart key, you will have to visit a dealership or locksmith for a replacement. They will verify that you have the vehicle. It may be necessary for you to show proof of ownership like the registration or title.
In the past it wasn't a huge deal to lose your car keys. However, with the advancements in technology in cars, it's no longer as easy to get an extra. You'll need to visit an authorized dealer or locksmith to have a new one made for you and it can be costly. Here are some tips to assist you in estimating the cost of purchasing a new spare car key.
Dealership
Whether you lost your keys to your car or were stolen, it's important to keep a spare key on hand. You can save time and money in the long term. It also helps you avoid having to call a truck if you're stuck with no key. You have a few options to get a replacement key. These include dealerships, online services, and locksmiths. The options are varied in terms of cost and ease of use and you should investigate before deciding.
The type of key you require also affects the cost. Keys that are traditional are inexpensive and simple to replace. More advanced keys are more expensive. Some features, like mirror folding, alarm activation and remote start may require special components that are more difficult to locate or make. Keep a log of the immobilizer's code and also your key number. This will allow you to save money.
Visit the dealership that sells the brand of your vehicle to obtain a spare key. This will ensure that you have a key that is compatible with your car's system and is programmed properly. It is more expensive than other options, however it is the most surefire way to ensure that you have a functioning key whenever you need it. It is also the only way to get keys for some of the latest models.