Cost of Car Key Replacement
Losing your car keys can be a huge hassle and can be costly to replace. The cost can vary depending on the kind of car keys you are using.
The best way to find out the price to replace keys to your car is to speak with an auto locksmith or a dealership. Here is a list of several factors that can affect the cost.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys, sometimes called chip keys, are equipped with an electronic micro-chip built into the keyhead. When click here! is placed in the ignition lock cylinder it transmits a coded message to immobilizer of the vehicle. The code is matched to an ID number attached to the vehicle. This makes it extremely difficult to steal a vehicle because it can't be started without the code.
The main reason behind the development of this type of key was to make it more difficult for thieves to heat wire vehicles. Before this technology came along it was quite easy for thieves to open vehicles by connecting two wires using a technique known as "hot wiring." Transponder keys are so secure because they require a specific code to be activated. They are difficult to duplicate using regular tools, and need to be copied only by an auto locksmith.
Transponder keys are more expensive than bladed traditional keys. This cost is worth it when you consider the security advantages of this type key.
Think about how important security is for you prior to deciding to purchase a transponder. Take into consideration your budget and your lifestyle before deciding if the expense is worth it.
Dealerships charge a premium to replace car keys. This is due to the fact that they have exclusive rights to sell certain models of vehicles and have high costs of operation. Fortunately, there are many other car locksmiths that are professional and offer the same quality service for less money.
If you're unsure whether your car has a transponder chip, you can consult the local dealer or auto locksmith. They'll be able to inform you if your vehicle is chip-equipped and also help determine the cost to purchase a new one. Whichever you choose, lower-cost non-transponder key or more expensive transponder keys, it's essential to find a reliable auto locksmith that has expertise working with your particular model of vehicle.
Laser-Cut Keys
Certain newer cars use keys with more sophisticated designs known as a sidewinder or laser cut keys. Keys are cut by a locksmith or dealer and come with an embedded computer chip them. While these keys are more expensive than traditional ones, they also offer superior security features. This is why they're considered a better investment for those who are looking to avoid car theft.
Laser-cut keys differ from regular two-sided key because they have only a cut in the middle. These cuts are more precise and difficult to duplicate than standard notches on regular key blades. They are also harder to discern and are more effective in deterring thieves.
A locksmith or dealer will make use of a milling device to make a laser-cutted key. The machines utilize a bit shaped like a drill to gradually strip the metal from the key. They can remove the exact amount of metal required for a particular key, which gives them a high level of precision which makes it difficult for thieves to cut their own copy.
Laser-cut keys can also be more secure than conventional keys because they cannot be used to unlock other cars using the same key lock. When a standard key is placed in a car, it transmits a signal that allows the vehicle to recognize it. The engine won't start in the event that the key isn't recognized. Laser-cut keys have a built in transponder that's tied to a specific vehicle. This means that if a thief is able to cut and program a laser-cut key, the engine won't start.
A technician will need the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), of the vehicle, in order to find the CNC machine's specifications to cut the laser. The process can range between 15 minutes and several hours, depending on the model and make of the vehicle that is being considered. After the correct specifications have been entered, a laser-cut keys will be ready for programming by the locksmith or dealership.
Dealerships
Finding a replacement for your car key at a dealership is the most expensive option, however it is often the only option. It is often covered by your insurance or warranty. Check with your auto insurance provider to ensure that replacement for keys is included in the policy. It's also a great idea to get any damaged, lost or stolen keys deprogrammed by the dealer, to prevent anyone from using them again in the future.
If you have an ordinary key fob, it could be the most affordable alternative to replace it at the dealership. However, if your key fob has a chip built in and isn't clonable it is likely to cost more to get it replaced at the dealership or through an locksmith. The cost of a keyfob can vary widely depending on your car's model and make. It is recommended to speak with local locksmiths, mechanics, or dealerships for a precise estimate.
Another way to cut costs is to bring your spare key to the dealer and having it copied there. It's cheaper to have it copied at the dealership rather than through a locksmith. However, you'll be sure to ensure that your spare key works with your vehicle.
Whether you're replacing your car key at the dealership or with locksmiths, it's essential to to write down your vehicle identification number (VIN). This will help ensure that the key replacement is a good fit and can be paired with your vehicle. You can find your VIN in your owner's manual, on your dashboard, in the corner of your windshield or on the front of your engine block.
In the past, it wasn't an issue to lose the key to your car. However, the advancements in technology in modern automobiles has made it much more difficult to replace keys, and this can be very costly. Always keep an extra car key on the go or be aware of your options in the event that your keys get lost or stolen.