How Much Does a Spare Key For Your Car Cost?
It can be a major inconvenience to lose your car keys. It’s essential to keep one spare in the event that you lose or break your primary key. But how much does a spare key for your vehicle cost?
The answer will depend on a myriad of factors. This article will explore these factors to determine if it’s worth having a spare key created.
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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, as well as the type of key you have.
Basic keys, for example ones that don’t contain any technology are cheaper to replace since they require an easy cut from an empty. They also don’t require an encoding system that is specialized. However keys that are connected to a car spare key fob or a transponder chip will have to be programmed by experts, which can increase the cost.
If you’ve lost your sole key, the first step is to locate a locksmith in your area with a computer that can program the type of key. Alternatively, you can try to save money by having the new key cut and programming it yourself. The process for doing this is outlined in your owner’s manual or you can look online for “how to program (your year model, make, and year) key.” This can help you save up to $150.
Model
The model number of your vehicle determines the cost of an extra car key. For instance, if you require a replacement key for a luxury or premium model, the price will be higher than that of an entry-level car. The type of materials used to manufacture the key will also impact the price. It is more affordable to replace a blank rather than one with an integrated key fob. Many dealerships can also cut and program a third-party key for you if you prefer to save money.
Year
A spare car key is vital, especially if your children are young and could get locked inside the car. There are several ways to get an extra key, such as visiting the dealership from which you purchased your vehicle, using an auto locksmith, or purchasing one on the internet. Each method comes with its own costs and advantages. Before making a choice you must consider both the type and type of lock. Generally speaking, the more expensive the lock the more expensive the price will be.
Key type
Having a spare key can help you avoid being left in the event that you lose your car keys. However, the cost of an extra car key could vary greatly depending on the lock type your vehicle uses and the type of key you own.
Traditional mechanical keys that function by inserting them into an ignition cylinder can be cut down for just $10 at a hardware store or locksmith. Chip keys or transponder keys are more expensive and have tiny chips that talk to the vehicle to confirm the keys are valid. These kinds of keys can only be duplicated in dealerships as they have the equipment required to program them.
Other advanced systems like remote starters or mirror folding can make it more expensive for a key replacement. These additional features can be useful if you’re prone to losing your keys or have a tendency to place them in a strange location but they also increase the chance of theft. You might want to think about placing the spare key in a different location and making it a routine to take out all items you don’t use before getting into your car. You can be sure your spare key is there when you need to use it.
Locks
A spare car key can be a wise choice. It can save you a lot of hassle when you lose your keys or lock them in your car. It is recommended to keep your spare keys in a safe place and easily accessible. For example an affixed key holder on the wall or a 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. Traditional keys, which are inserted into a lock and open the doors to the car and are more affordable to replace than smart key fobs, that emit an electronic code that lets you unlock the car or start it from a distance.
If you lose your smart keys, you’ll have to visit a locksmith or dealership to get an alternative. These specialists will need to verify that you are the owner of the vehicle, which could require proof of ownership such as the registration number or title.
In the past, losing your car keys was not a major issue. However, with the advancements in technology in cars, it’s no longer as easy to get a spare key for car cost (Read A lot more). You’ll have to go to an authorized dealer or locksmith to have a brand new one made, and that can be expensive. Here are some suggestions to help you estimate the cost of purchasing a new spare car key.
Dealership
It’s important to keep an extra car key in your pocket in case you lose your keys or were stolen. It will save you money and time in the long run. It also prevents you from needing to call a tow truck if you’re stuck with no key. There are several options for getting an alternative key, such as locksmiths, dealerships, and online services. You must compare the cost and ease of these options before deciding.
The type of key you require also affects the cost. Traditional keys, or basic keys, are affordable and simple to replace, whereas more advanced keys will be more expensive. Certain features, like mirror folding, alarm activation and remote start might require special components that are more difficult to locate or make. Keep a log of the immobilizer’s number, and also your key number. This will help you save money.
The most secure method to find a spare car key is to visit the dealership that sells the brand of your car. This will ensure that you have a key that is compatible with your car’s systems and is programmed properly. It’s more expensive but you will be sure to have a key that works when you need one. It is also usually the only way to get the key for certain newer vehicles.