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 a 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 depends on a number of factors. This article will help you determine whether it's worthwhile to have an extra made.
Make
Having a spare key for your car is always a good idea since losing one could be a costly and stressful experience. But the cost of having a spare key may differ depending on the make and model and the kind of key.
Basic keys, for instance, that do not contain any technology, are cheaper to replace because they only require the simple cutting of the blank. They don't require an encoding system that is specialized. auto key spares that is incorporated into a car fob or has a chip, will need to be programmed and will be more expensive.
If you lose your only key, the first step is to locate an locksmith who has an equipment that can program your type of key. You can also save money by cutting the key yourself and programming it. The procedure for doing this is outlined in the owner's manual or you can look online for "how to program (your year, make, and model) key." This may help you save up to $150.
Model
The model number of your vehicle will determine the cost of a spare key. For instance, if need a replacement key for a premium or luxury model, the cost will be more expensive than for an entry-level car. The cost can also be affected by the kind of material used to make the key. It is less expensive to replace a blank rather 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 prefer to save money.
Year
A spare car key is vital particularly if your children are young and may get locked inside the car. You can purchase an extra car key in several ways, including by going to the dealership you purchased your car from or hiring an auto locksmith or ordering one online. Each option comes with its own set of costs and benefits. Before you make a decision you must consider the type and design of lock. The more expensive a brand is, the greater the price.
Type of key
A spare key will ensure that you don't end up in a bind if you lose your main car keys. However, the cost of a spare car key can differ greatly based on the type of lock your vehicle is using as well as the type of key you have.
Locksmiths and hardware stores can cut mechanical keys, which work by inserting the key into the cylinder for ignition. The cost of these keys is just $10. Transponder keys or chip keys are more expensive and have a small chip that communicates with the vehicle to confirm the key is valid. 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 and mirror folding options, can also increase the total cost of a new key. These additional features can be beneficial if you are prone to losing your keys or leave them in odd places, but they can also increase the likelihood of theft. You might want to think about placing your spare keys in a different location and making it a routine to empty your pockets of any items you don't need before you get into your car. This way, you'll be sure that your spare key will be in your possession in case you need it.
Locks
The idea of having a spare car key is a smart idea. You'll save yourself many headaches when you lock your keys in the car or lose them. However, you must keep your spare key in a secure location, and make sure to place it in a place that is easy to locate. You can put it in a key holder placed on the wall or in a drawer of your kitchen.
The type of lock on your vehicle can also affect the cost of a replacement key. The cost of replacing the traditional keys that unlock the car door by inserting them into the lock is less expensive than replacing smart key fobs. Smart key fobs generate an electronic code that enables you to open the car or start it from a distance.
If you lose your smart key, you will require a dealership or locksmith for the replacement. The experts will need to confirm that you are the owner of the vehicle, and may require proof such as the registration or title.
In the past it wasn't such a big problem to lose your car keys. With the advancements in technology of cars, it is not as simple to find a spare. You'll have to go to an authorized dealer or locksmith to have a brand new one made, and that can be costly. Here are some suggestions to aid you in estimating the cost of purchasing a new spare car key.
Dealership
It's important to keep an extra car key on hand regardless of whether you lost your keys or were stolen. You can save money and time in the long term. You'll also not have to call for a tow if you find yourself stranded without a key. There are a variety of alternatives to replace your key. These include dealerships, online services and locksmiths. You must compare the cost and convenience of these options before making a choice.
The cost will also depend on the type of key that you require. Keys that are traditional are inexpensive and easy to replace. More advanced keys are more expensive. Certain features, such as mirror folding, alarm activation and remote start may require special components, which are harder to locate or create. Keep spare remote car key of the immobilizer's number, and also your key number. This will help you save money.
The most reliable method to obtain a spare car key is to go to 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 has been programmed correctly. It may cost more than other options, but it is the most reliable method of ensuring that you have a functioning key when you need it. It is also the only way to get a key for certain newer models.