Ten Cost Of Car Key Replacements That Really Change Your Life
Cost of Car Key replacement car keys
It's a big problem to lose your car keys and costly to replace them. The cost can be different based on the type you are using.
The best way to find out the cost to replace a car key is to ask a locksmith or dealership. Below is a list of some of the variables that could influence the cost.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys, also called chip keys, have an electronic car key replacement microchip that is embedded in the keyhead. The chip sends out an encoded signal to the car Key Replacements's immobilizer when it is put into the ignition lock cylinder. The code is matched to an ID number attached to the vehicle. This makes it very difficult to steal a vehicle because it isn't able to be started without a valid code.
The transponder key was designed to make it more difficult for thieves to heat-wire the vehicle. Transponder keys require an unique code in order to activate. They are extremely difficult to duplicate using standard tools, and should be cloned only by an auto locksmith.
In the end, the transponder key is more expensive than traditional bladed keys. However, this cost is usually worth it in the long run when taking into account the security advantages that come with this kind of key.
Consider how important security is for you before you decide to purchase transponders. Consider your budget and lifestyle before deciding if the extra expense is worth it.
Dealerships are charged a premium to replace car keys. This is because they have exclusive rights to sell certain models of cars and have very high costs of operation. There are numerous professional car locksmiths that offer the same service at lower rates.
If you're unsure if your vehicle has a transponder chip, inquire with your local dealer or an auto locksmith. They will be able to tell you if your car has a transponder chip, and provide an estimate of the cost to get an entirely new key. It is essential to select an auto locksmith with a good reputation who has experience working on your car model, regardless of whether you opt for the cheaper transponder or the more expensive non-transponder keys.
Laser-Cut Keys
Some modern cars have keys with more advanced designs called a laser cut key or sidewinder key. These keys require a locksmith or car dealership to cut them and then program an electronic chip into the key. While they are more expensive than standard keys, they do come with superior security features. This is why they are considered to be a better investment for people who want to stop car theft.
Laser-cut keys are different from standard two-sided keys because they have only a cut in the middle. These cuts are more precise and harder to duplicate than the standard notches on regular blades. They are also more difficult to discern, making them an excellent protection against thieves who might be.
To make a laser-cut key, the locksmith or dealer utilizes an exclusive milling machine. The machines utilize a bit that is shaped like a drill, to slowly remove the metal from the key. They can take out the exact amount of metal needed to make a specific key and provide an extremely high level of accuracy that makes it more difficult for a thief to make their own duplicate.
Laser-cut keys can also be more secure than traditional ones because they cannot be used to open other vehicles with the same key lock. When a normal key is placed in the car, it sends a signal that allows the vehicle to recognize it. This is the reason why the engine will refuse to start if it detects an unrecognized key. Laser-cut keys have a built in transponder that's registered to a particular vehicle. This means that even if a burglar can cut and program a laser-cut keys however, the engine will refuse to start.
To cut a laser-cut key technicians will need to have the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the vehicle to retrieve the appropriate specs for it in the CNC machine. The process can take anywhere from 15 minutes up to a few days depending on the model and brand of the vehicle. Once the correct specifications are completed, a laser-cut key is ready to be programmed by the locksmith or dealership.
Dealerships
The dealership is the most expensive, but it is often the best option to replace your car keys. The good news is that a lot of times, it is covered by your warranty or insurance. Contact your insurance company to ensure that replacement car key cost for keys is included in the policy. It's also recommended to get any stolen, lost, or damaged keys deprogrammed by the dealership, since this will ensure that no one can use them again in the future.
If you have a standard key fob it might be the most affordable option to replace it at the dealership. If the key fob you have is not clonable and has a built in chip it could cost more to replace it at the dealership. The cost of a key fob could vary greatly depending on the make and model of your car, so it's recommended to talk to local locksmiths, dealers, or mechanics to get an accurate price estimate.
You can also save money by having your spare key cloned at the dealership. It can be cheaper to have it cloned at the dealership than by locksmith. However, you will want to make sure that your spare key works with your vehicle.
If you're replacing your car key at the dealership or with a locksmith, it's crucial to to write down your vehicle identification number (VIN). This will help to ensure that the new key is of the correct size and can be paired with your vehicle. You can find your VIN in the owner's manual, on your dashboard or in the corner of your windshield or on the front of your engine block.
In the past the days of car keys being lost, it was not a big issue. Modern technology has made it harder to replace keys, and this can be expensive. It is recommended to always keep a spare car key on and ready in case your keys are lost or stolen.