Replacement Keys For Cars
It is a common occurrence for everyone. They are likely to disappear from coat pockets or sofa cushions only to be discovered at the worst possible moment.
Replacement keys for cars are more easily found than they were in the past. You can replace them at auto locksmiths, hardware shops and dealerships.
Lost or Stolen Keys
Car keys can be lost or stolen in various ways. They may break, become misplaced, or be left in an area that is easy to locate. Sometimes, they just wear down until they no longer function properly. It is always a smart idea to keep an extra key to keep from the stress of replacing one.
If you have lost your key and you lose it, the best thing to do is to contact your local automotive locksmith as soon as you can. automotive car key replacement will usually be able to create new keys for less than it would cost you at a dealership. Locksmiths can also program features of your vehicle like hands-free boot opening on the spot.
Be sure to bring your VIN number when you call. This is needed to determine the year and model of the car for the purpose of creating a new key. You can find it on your dashboard or on the registration or title paperwork of your vehicle.
Depending on the kind of key you have It could be more costly to purchase a new one at the dealership. Dealerships keep track of this information and are in a position to provide you with the key you need quickly. They are also able to provide you with an authentic factory replacement key that comes with the latest security features that are built into.
If you have a standard key that's a turn-key it is cheaper to go to a local auto locksmith. The locksmith will offer you the replacement key for a lot less than a dealer and will often visit your location.
The only issue is if your keys are transponder style that is, they contain a chip inside them that has been programmed to work with the particular vehicle. Locksmiths are usually able to make the key for you but not program it, so you'll need to bring it to a dealership to get this done.
Fob Keys
If your car uses a fob key to open and start the car, you need a replacement for that when it fails or is lost. Fob keys can be replaced by a dealership or a locksmith, or in some cases, you can even order one from the internet. The cost will depend on the model and brand of your vehicle and whether or not it is equipped with a transponder.
A basic fob that sends signals to open the doors and start the engine can be replaced by a locksmith or dealer for less than 300 dollars. A key that has an embedded transponder chip to prove that the driver is the owner, or a more advanced key, can be more expensive. This is especially true for late model cars.
Keep an extra fob or key at all times to avoid money on replacements. If you can't afford to carry a spare around with you and the dealer isn't willing to include two sets of keys as part of the purchase price or add a third set to to avoid paying a larger fee later on. You can purchase laser-cut keys online for a much lower price than those sold by dealers. Some sellers online will program the new key fob, but this may void the warranty on the original and be illegal in some states.
Before you decide to replace a damaged fob, you can try charging the battery or resetting it. A dead battery is often the reason for keys that don't start or isn't programmed. It's also possible the buttons on a fob can get stuck or broken, and adjusting them may solve the issue. If the steps above don't work, you might have to go to a dealership unless an automotive locksmith has the programming equipment for the most recent models. Dealers are generally the most expensive option, but they also have the most extensive knowledge of the car's systems and technology. However, they may take an extended time to fix your vehicle and aren't guaranteed to offer the best prices.
Transponder Keys
Chip keys or transponder keys are a more contemporary key type that comes with an embedded computer chip in it. The chip will send an encoded signal to the car whenever the key is inserted into the lock cylinder. This code is used by the car to turn on the engine and open the doors. These are much more difficult to steal and are a good method to deter theft.
A professional automotive locksmith can cut a basic replacement transponder key (chip) for your vehicle for a much lower cost than what a dealer would charge. It is important to note that you'll need to get the key programmed to match the number in your vehicle's ECM if you are replacing an existing one.
You can also have an ordinary transponder key copied from the original if have it. It will not permit you to start your car, however, since most automobiles are equipped with immobilizer systems that require the correct keys to be used to function.
In the past, it was very easy to heat wire a car. This involves connecting two wires from the engine of the car to a power supply in a different location, such as an apartment. The car will start when the starter is turned on. However, transponder keys make it more difficult for thieves to do this since the criminal requires the correct key to transmit the coded signal from the chip inside the key to the car's ignition system.
If your vehicle has an immobilizer, it won't start if you have an untransponderable key. This is why it is important to keep an extra transponder keys in your pocket or purse in case of. If you have lost your spare key, then you'll have contact your local locksmith or dealer to duplicate the key you lost to start your car again. Dealers will charge a higher fee for this service, since they are the only ones to manufacture keys for certain car brands.
Smart Keys
If you own a more modern model vehicle, it is likely that your key has an intelligent element inside it. They are often called proximity keys, fobs or remotes they permit drivers to unlock their cars and begin using them without using the physical key. This technology is not new, but it was only available in high-end luxury vehicles at the time.
Basically, smart keys communicate with the vehicle by transmitting a wireless signal through radio waves. The signals are encrypted and only your vehicle is able to read the signals. Some keys have an option to turn on your car's ignition or locks. Some keys also come with GPS technology that determines the location of your vehicle if stolen.
The key could be a small key fob or placed inside the handle. If you lose it you'll need to visit your dealership or auto locksmith to assist in replacing it. This is because smart keys aren't the regular keys, and only the car dealer can replace them.
The cost depends on the make and model of your vehicle, as well as the type of key you own. For instance, a basic key that uses a lock-and-key mechanism will usually only cost $10 to $12 to replace. A transponder key, on other hand, is likely to be a bit more expensive. Generally, you'll need to bring your spare smart key and evidence of ownership to the dealership to get it replaced.
Some experts caution against the convenience of smart keys because they could be hacked by anyone who knows what to look for. Smart keys, for instance, transmit signals at a relatively low frequency compared to other devices. This makes them easy to pick up from an oil station. This kind of hack can even be used from a distance according to How Stuff Works Electronics.
In any case the use of smart keys is becoming more widespread and are a lot more practical than the older versions. They secure cars, provide peace of mind and assist owners stay organized. It's a good idea to invest in one of these, but make sure that you have a backup key on hand, just in case.