It wasn’t that long ago that losing car keys was not a problem. You could bring your spare to an a key cutter and buy an additional one for $10 or less.
Nowadays, however, the process is more complex and costly. Find out about the various kinds and costs for keys for cars.
Basic Key Fob
A key fob can be described as an electronic remote and a key in one. It’s a small, plastic device equipped with a button which you can push to unlock doors, open the hatchback or trunk, roll down windows and, possibly, even start the vehicle. The key fob has a built-in electronic chip that communicates with the car’s onboard system to manage functions like the starter.
A basic key fob is usually constructed of plastic that employs a lock-and key mechanism, such as the one you’d find on an old Pontiac or Saturn. A basic key fob will cost anywhere between $50-$100, but you’ll pay more if need to replace one that’s been damaged or lost.
You’ll likely need to visit a dealer if your car is more than five years old. Many newer cars require special equipment to code and program new keys. A locksmith shop or key shop is usually able to do this at a lower cost.
The cost of the fob you purchase can depend on the type you own. Older cars use mechanical key fobs while the latest models use transponder keys. Both can have a wide range of features, ranging from keyless entry that locks and unlocks the vehicle in a controlled manner to rolling codes that are updated regularly to stop thieves from stealing and stealing the key fob information of your car.
Online key fobs may be less expensive than the ones you can buy at the dealer, but they may not work on your car. Some manufacturers, such as Audi and Subaru have security chips that prevent their key fobs from interfacing with third party devices. Some dealers can program an aftermarket key fob, if it’s purchased, but it’s very likely that it won’t function.
You can get information on programming your key fob by visiting the site of the manufacturer or in the owner’s manual. You should try to do this yourself prior to paying for a locksmith or going to the dealer. You can also check your vehicle’s warranty, auto-insurance policy and roadside assistance coverage to see if these will cover the cost for car key replacement of a replacement car keys cost near me fob for your key.
Transponder Key
Transponder keys are used in the majority of newer automobiles. The keys have an embedded chip in the key’s head that sends a signal to the vehicle when it is placed in the ignition cylinder. This signal is used for unlocking the car and launching the engine. This key type is more secure than conventional flat metal keys because a transponder chip prevents the car from starting if it fails to receive an appropriate signal from the key. This technology was created to prevent theft of cars because it is virtually impossible to duplicate these keys without the right equipment.
Many cars are also equipped with immobilizers which prevent them from starting when they are operated by keys that are not transponder. However, thieves have also devised ways to steal and break into cars with transponder keys.
A locksmith can assist you replace your transponder key if it’s damaged or lost. They’ll need the information about your specific vehicle, such as the VIN number, model and year. They can then either program your current key to the car’s computer system or cut an entirely new one. This is a little more expensive than having a car dealership cut and program a new key.
Some stores for automotive, such as AutoZone and Walmart are also able to cut and copy a transponder key, but they might not be able to reprogram the chip in the key. You should contact a reputable and experienced locksmith company if you want to be sure that a professional is competent to complete the task.
Before the invention of technology like this it was quite easy to make duplicate car keys and then hot wire a vehicle. This technique was used to steal cars and permitted criminals to steal stolen vehicles. Transponder keys have drastically reduced the risk of this crime, but not entirely eliminated it completely.
If you require a new transponder keys or you’ve lost yours, the best option is to contact an expert and let them make it for you. It’s more expensive than a standard one, however it’s a safer and better alternative to ensure that someone else cannot start your car.
Keyless Entry System
Car key fobs are now an everyday feature in cars, as more and more people want convenience, safety, and security. They can open doors, trigger the panic alarm, open the trunk, or start the engine without having a physical key. They are easily tossed around and are more likely to get lost car key replacement or stolen. It’s costly to replace them, and you might have to program your new fob to pair it with your vehicle.
A standard key fob can cost about ten dollars to cut at a hardware store, but the latest smart keys aren’t cheap if you need to buy them and have them programmed. You can expect to spend between $200 and $500 on an alternative key fob. This includes the cost of having it cut and programmed for your cheapest car key replacement.
Some sophisticated car key systems let you use your phone as an actual key. By using the app on your smartphone, you can remotely lock or unlock your car and you can switch on and off, turn off your parking brake, and do other things based on the proximity of your car. This is ideal for people who reside in urban areas, or have children and are worried about children leaving the car unattended.
Some of these systems can be expensive, but are more secure than a standard car key. They track your location to prevent you from accidentally locking or starting the car if you’re far from. They can also assist you to locate your car inside garages that have parking spaces and even alert you if the doors have been shut or opened.
These kinds of systems could also be useful for companies, such as property managers who oversee office space or vacation rentals. These systems allow them to monitor the access rights for guests, cleaning staff, and maintenance personnel, while making sure that only those with the proper permissions can go into and out of the space.
Dealership
Some people believe that they should go to the dealer when their keys are missing. They’ll need to provide proof of ownership, and sometimes the key must be ordered from the manufacturer, which can take a few days. A dealer will usually complete the job faster than a locksmith and could even charge less.
It is likely that the key fob will still need to be programmed to your vehicle. This can be done either through the dealer or reading the owner’s manual. It involves opening and shutting doors, as well as switching off and on lights and other electronic devices. It could even require pressing a series of buttons that act as an electronic code. It is usually done by the driver, however, it is best to have a technician do it.
The year the car was manufactured, its model and make of the vehicle will affect the cost as well. Modern cars come with advanced transponder chips that need to be paired with the car by a locksmith or dealer and the process may be more expensive.
A dealer who sells a specific model of car is more likely to be able to replace keys for the model. Some of the biggest manufacturers, such as Ford, Toyota, Chrysler and Nissan have a huge variety of models and are more familiar with the keys that are used for the models they sell.
Other brands are more difficult to work with. This includes a few of the older companies that have closed, or are old enough to have keys that are no longer in production. Scion, Pontiac and Hummer are some of the companies that are older and have stopped producing keys. Mercury, Saturn, Eagle, Mercury, Saturn and Oldsmobile are also included. The keys are typically reprogrammed. This is more expensive and time-consuming than replacing the key.
In general, if you have a spare key it is best to have it cloned at an expert instead of obtaining an alternative from the dealer. That way you can avoid having to pay the higher after-hours or weekend rates. Then, if you lose your keys, you can rest easy knowing that the copied key will work.