Replacement Keys For Cars
Losing car keys happens to the best of us. They have a tendency to slip out of pockets in coats or under couch cushions, only to be found at the most inconvenient time.
Fortunately keys to replace for cars aren't as difficult to find as they once were. Here are a few of your options for replacing keys: auto locksmiths, dealers and hardware stores.
Lost or Stolen Keys
Car keys can be lost or stolen in many ways. They can break, get misplaced, or be left in a location where they are easily found. Sometimes, they just wear down to the point that they cease to function. It is always a smart idea to have an extra key to keep from the hassle of having to replace one.
If you have lost your key and you lose it, the best option is to contact your local auto locksmith as soon as you can. You can usually get a replacement key at an affordable price than you would buy from an auto dealer. The locksmith might also be in a position to program your car's features, like hands-free boot release on the spot.
Before you call, be sure that you have the VIN number for your vehicle, which is necessary to find the exact model and year of the vehicle in order to create a new key. You can find it on your dashboard or in the registration or title papers of your vehicle.
The cost of replacing your key at the dealership may be higher depending on the kind of key. Dealerships will keep track your information to ensure that you receive the replacement key as soon as they can. They will also be able to provide you with a genuine key from the factory that is fitted with all 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 can create an replacement key for cheaper than the dealer and they can often visit you on the spot.
The only issue is if the keys are a transponder style, which means they contain a chip inside the key that is programmed to work with a specific vehicle. Locksmiths are usually able to create keys for you however, they are not able to program them. You'll need bring it in to your dealer to have it programmed.
Fob Keys
If you have a fob that allows you to start and open your vehicle, or the fob is damaged, then you will need an alternative. Fob keys are available from the locksmiths, dealers, or in some instances, you can purchase one on the internet. check over here varies widely depending on the make and model of your vehicle and if it comes with a transponder key or not.
look at this now that sends an indication to open the doors and start the engine could be replaced by a dealer or locksmith for less than 300 dollars. A key with a transponder chip that proves the owner is the person who purchased it, or a more advanced key, may be more costly. This is particularly true for late model cars.
Keep an extra fob or key always in case you need to save money on replacements. If you're unable to carry a spare with you then ask the dealer to include two sets of keys as part of the purchase price or add a 3rd set to the order to avoid paying a higher fee later on. There are also aftermarket, laser-cut keys online at a price that is lower than the ones sold by the dealer. Some online sellers can program your new key for you, however this could invalidate any warranty that was provided with the original key, and could be illegal in certain 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 the fob's keypad that doesn't turn on or can't be programmed. It's also possible that the buttons on a fob could be damaged or stuck, and adjusting them may solve the issue. If these steps do not work, you may have to go to a dealership unless an automotive locksmith has the equipment for programming the most recent models. Dealers are typically the most expensive, however they also have the deepest knowledge of car technology and systems. However, they may take some time to fix your vehicle and aren't guaranteed to offer the best prices.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys, also known as chip keys, are a modern type of key that comes with embedded a computer chip within it. The chip sends an encoded signal to the car when the key is put into the lock cylinder. The code is then used by the car to turn on the engine and open the doors. They are also secure and are a good way to stop theft.
A professional automotive locksmith can cut the basic transponder chip (key) for your vehicle for less than dealers. However, it is important to keep in mind that you will still require the key to be programmed to match the number in your vehicle's ECM when replacing an existing one.
You could also use the basic transponder key copied from the original one if you have it. This will not allow you to start your car, however, since the majority of cars are equipped with immobilizer systems which require a specific key to be used for them to function.
In the past, it was easy to hot wire an automobile. It involves connecting two wires from the car's engine to a power supply in another location such as an apartment. The car will start when the starter is turned on. Transponder keys make it more difficult for thieves, as they need the correct key to transmit the coded signals from the chip on key to the ignition system of the car.
If your car is equipped with an immobilizer, it won't start if you're using a non-transponder. It is therefore important to keep an extra transponder in your pocket or purse just in the event of. If you lose your spare key then you'll have contact your local automotive locksmith or dealer to copy the key you lost to start your car again. Dealers will charge a higher fee for this service, as they have exclusive rights to create keys for certain vehicle brands.
Smart Keys
If you own a more modern model car, chances are that your car key has a smart element in it. These devices, often referred to as proximity keys, remotes, or fobs, allow users to open and start their cars without the need for the physical keys of their car. The technology has been in use since the 1990s but was found mainly in high-end luxury vehicles at that time.
Smart keys communicate with vehicles via an radio wave wireless signal. The signals are encrypted, and only your car is able to read the signals. Based on the key you have it could have the button that turns on the ignition or locks on your car, and some also have built-in GPS technology that can track the location of your vehicle if it's ever stolen.
The key itself can either be a small, nifty fob that can be tucked away inside your pocket, or could be a part of the car's handle. If you lose your key you will need to contact your dealer or auto locksmith to get it replaced. This is because smart keys aren't like your regular keys and only a car dealer can replace them.
The cost is contingent on the model and make of your car and the type of key you have. A standard key that has the lock-and-key mechanism is priced at between $10 and $12. A transponder key, on the other hand, will likely be a bit more costly. In general, you'll need bring your spare smart key along with proof of ownership to the car dealer to get it replaced.
Some experts caution against the use of smart keys due to the fact that they could be hacked by someone who knows what to look for. For example the signals sent by smart keys are low-frequency compared to those of other devices, making them simple to detect at a gas station. This kind of hack can even work from an extended distance, according to How Stuff Works Electronics.
In any case smart keys are becoming more widespread and much more convenient than older options. They can help protect cars and provide owners with peace of mind, and assist them stay organized. It's a good idea invest in one of these, but make sure that you keep a backup key in your car, in case of emergency.