How Much Does a Spare Key For Your Car Cost?
The loss of your car keys could be a huge inconvenience and it's crucial to have an extra key in case you lose or break your primary one. How much does it cost to purchase a spare car key?
The answer will depend on a variety of factors. This article will help you decide whether it's worth having a spare made.
Make
It's always a good idea to keep an extra car key as losing a key can be expensive and stressful. But the cost of having a spare key can differ depending on the model and make and the type of key you have.
For instance, keys that are basic with no technology will be cheaper to replace since they require only a simple cut from an empty piece of paper and do not require specialized encoders. However, spare key cost that is integrated with an auto fob or transponder chips will need to be programmed by specialists, which will increase the price.
If you have lost your sole key, the first step is to locate a locksmith that has an equipment that can program your particular type of key. You can also save money by cutting the key yourself and programming it. You can find the process in your owner's guide or on the internet for "how do I program (your year make and model) key." You could save up to $150.
Model
The model number of your vehicle influences the cost of the spare car key. For instance, if require a replacement key for a luxury or premium model, the cost will be more expensive than for an entry-level vehicle. The cost is also influenced by the kind of material used to make the key. It is more affordable to replace a blank than a key with an integrated key fob. A lot of dealerships will cut and program a key from a different company for you, if you want to save money.
Year
A spare car key is essential particularly if your children are young and may be locked out of the car. You can purchase a spare car key various ways, such as going to the dealership where you bought your vehicle from, hiring an auto locksmith or purchasing one from the internet. Each option comes with its own costs and benefits. It is important to consider the type of key you want and the type of lock before making a choice. In general the more expensive the brand the more expensive the price will be.
Type of key
A spare key can help you avoid being left in the event that you lose the car keys you use for your primary. The cost of an extra key for your vehicle can differ based on the type of lock and key you have.
Hardware stores and locksmiths can cut mechanical keys that function by inserting the key into the cylinder of ignition. These keys cost just $10. Chip keys or transponder keys are more expensive and feature tiny chips that talk to the vehicle to verify that the authenticity of the key. Dealerships are the only place that can duplicate these keys, since they are equipped with all the necessary equipment needed to program them.
Other advanced systems like mirror folding or remote starters can increase the cost of the replacement of keys. These extra features can be useful if you're susceptible to misplacing your keys or leave them in odd places but they also increase the risk of theft. You might want to think about placing the spare key in a separate place and making it a routine to clear your pockets of anything you don't require before getting into your vehicle. You can be certain that your spare key is there whenever you need it.
Locks
Having a spare car key is a smart idea. You'll avoid a lot of trouble if you lock your keys in the car or lose them. You should keep your spare key somewhere safe and easy to locate. For instance the wall-mounted key holder or an open drawer in your kitchen are good locations to store it.
The type of lock that you put on your vehicle will also influence the cost of replacing a key. The cost of replacing traditional keys that open the car's door by inserting into the lock is less than the cost of replacing smart key fobs. Smart key fobs transmit an electronic code that allows you to unlock the car or start it from an extended distance.
If you lose your smart keys, you'll need to visit a locksmith or dealership to obtain an alternative. The experts will need to confirm that you're the owner of the vehicle, and may require providing proof like the registration or title.
In the past, losing your car keys was not a major issue. With the technological advancements of automobiles, it's no longer as easy to get an extra. You'll need to visit a dealer or a locksmith to have a brand new one made for you, and that can be costly. Here are a few tips to aid you in estimating the cost of purchasing a new spare car key.
Dealership
If you've lost your car keys or were stolen, it's essential to have a spare key in the side. You'll save money and time in the long run. It also helps you avoid needing to call a tow truck in the event that you are stuck with no key. You have a few options to obtain a replacement key. These include dealerships, online services and locksmiths. These options differ in cost and convenience, so you should research before deciding.
The type of key you need can also affect the price. Keys that are traditional, or basic keys are inexpensive and easy to replace, while 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 record of the immobilizer's code and also your key number. This will help you to save money.
Visit the dealer that sells the name of your vehicle to obtain a spare key. You will get keys that are compatible with your vehicle's system and has been programmed correctly. It's more expensive, but you will be sure to have a key that works in the event that you require one. It is also the only way to get an authentic key for certain modern models.