How Much Does a Spare Key For Your Car Cost?
The loss of your car keys could be a major hassle and it’s essential to have an extra key in case you lose or break your primary one. How much will it cost to purchase a spare car key?
The answer will depend on a myriad of factors. This article will help you decide whether it’s worthwhile to have a spare made.
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The idea of having a spare key for your car is always a good idea, as losing one can be a stressful and costly experience. However, the cost of having a spare key may differ based on the vehicle’s model and make and also the type of key.
Basic keys, like ones that don’t contain any technology are cheaper to replace because they only require the simple cutting of an empty. They don’t require special encoding. However keys that are integrated with an auto fob or transponder chips will have to be programmed by specialists and will increase the price.
If you’ve lost your sole key, the first step is to find a local locksmith who has a machine that can program your kind of key. Alternately, you could attempt to save money by having the new key cut and programming it yourself. The procedure for doing this will be explained in your owner’s manual, or you can search online for “how much is a spare car key to program (your year model, make, and year) key.” This can help you save around $150 or more.
Model
The model of your car determines the price of an extra car key. For example, if you require a replacement for a luxury or premium model, the price will be higher than for an entry-level vehicle. The cost can also be affected by the type of material used to create the key. For instance, it will cost less to replace the key with a blank one than a complete key with an integrated fob. Many dealerships can also cut and program a key from a third party for you if you’d like to save money.
Year
A spare car key is vital especially if your kids are still young and might get locked inside the car. There are several options to obtain a spare key, including going to the dealership where you purchased your car, using an auto locksmith, or obtaining one online. Each option has its own costs and benefits. Before making a choice you must take into consideration both the type and type of lock. The more expensive a particular brand is, the higher the price.
Type of key
A spare key can help you avoid being stuck in the event you lose your car keys. The cost of an extra key for your car can vary depending on the type lock and key that you own.
Locksmiths and hardware stores can cut mechanical keys that function by inserting the key into the ignition cylinder. They can cost just $10. The more expensive alternative, transponder or chip keys, have a small electronic chip inside the head that communicates with the vehicle to confirm it is a valid key. Dealerships are the only ones that can duplicate these keys because they have all the necessary equipment to program them.
Other advanced systems such as remote starters or mirror folding can also increase the cost of replacing keys. These extra features are beneficial if you are prone to misplacing your keys or have a tendency to place them in a strange location but they also increase the chance of theft. You may want to consider placing a spare key in a separate place and making it a habit to empty your pockets of any items you don’t need before getting into your vehicle. You can be sure that your spare key is in the right place when you need to use it.
Locks
A spare car key can be a smart choice. You can save yourself lots of hassle by locking your keys in your car or lose them. It is recommended to keep your spare keys in a safe place and easily accessible. You can leave it in a key holder on the wall or in a drawer of your kitchen.
The type of lock on your vehicle can affect the cost of a replacement key. Traditional keys, which insert into a lock and open the car doors, are cheaper to replace than smart key fobs that emit an electronic code that allows you to unlock or start your car from an extended distance.
If you lose your smart key, you will need to go to an establishment or locksmith for a replacement. They will verify that you have ownership of the vehicle. This could require you to provide proof such as the title or registration.
In the past it wasn’t such a big issue to lose your car keys. With the technological advancements of automobiles, it’s not as easy to get an extra. You’ll need to visit a dealer or a locksmith to have a brand new key made for you and it could be expensive. Here are a few tips to aid you in estimating the cost of a brand new spare car key.
Dealership
It’s important to keep a spare key for car car key handy in case you lose your keys or they were stolen. You’ll save money and time in the long term. It also helps you avoid having to call a truck if you are stranded with no key. There are a few options to obtain an alternative key, such as dealerships, locksmiths and online services. These options vary in price and convenience and you should investigate them before making a decision.
The kind of key you require also affects the cost. Traditional keys, or basic keys, are relatively inexpensive and easy to replace, whereas more advanced keys are more expensive. Certain features, like mirror folding, alarm activation, remote start, and alarm activation, could require specific components that are more difficult to find or create. It is essential to keep a record of your immobilizer’s code as well as the key number which will help reduce the overall cost.
The most secure method to find a spare car key is to go to the dealership that sells your vehicle’s model. This will ensure that you have a key that’s compatible with your car’s system and has been programmed correctly. It is more expensive, but you will be sure to have a key that works in the event that you require one. In addition, it is typically the only way to obtain the key for certain newer vehicles.