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15 Things You Didn't Know About Replacement Keys For Car
Replacement Keys For Cars

It happens to everyone. They have a tendency to slip out of coat pockets or under sofa cushions only to be discovered at the most inconvenient moment.

Luckily keys for replacement for cars aren't as hard to find as they once were. You can replace them at auto locksmiths, hardware shops, and dealerships.

Keys stolen or lost

There are a myriad of ways car keys can be stolen or lost. Sometimes they break, and other instances, they are lost or are put in a spot that can be easily found. Sometimes, they wear out to the point where they are no longer functional. Whatever the case, it is always a good idea to have a spare car key in order to avoid the expense and hassle of getting one replaced.

If you lose your key and you lose it, the best thing to do is to contact your local automotive locksmith as soon as possible. They will usually be able to create new keys for less than it would cost you at an auto dealer. The locksmith can also program features of your vehicle, such as hands-free boot opening on the on the spot.

Before you call, make sure that you have the VIN number from your car that is required to determine the exact model and year of the vehicle in order to create a new key. You may see this on your dashboard, or you may have to check the vehicle's title or registration documents.

The cost of replacing your key at the dealership could be higher depending on the kind of key. Dealerships will track your details to ensure that you receive the replacement key as soon as possible. They will also be able to provide you with an authentic key from a factory that is with the latest security features in.

On the other hand, if you have a standard turn-key type of key, it will be cheaper to go to a local auto locksmith. The locksmith can make you an replacement key for cheaper than the dealer and they can often be there on site.


The only problem with this is if your keys are transponder-style that means they have a chip within them that is programmed to work with a particular vehicle. Locksmiths are usually able to create keys for you however they are unable to program them. You will need bring it to your dealer in order to have it programmed.

Fob Keys

If you have a fob to start and open your vehicle, or the fob is damaged it is time to get a new one. Fob keys are available from the locksmiths, dealers, or in some instances, you can purchase one on the internet. The cost varies widely depending on the model and make of your vehicle as well as whether it has a transponder keys or not.

A simple fob, that emits a signal that opens the doors and then starts the engine, can usually be replaced at a dealer or by locksmiths for less than $300. A key with an embedded transponder chip to prove that the owner is the person who purchased it or a more advanced key, can be more expensive. This is especially relevant for cars that are late in their production.

Keep a spare fob or key at all times to avoid money on replacements. If you don't have enough money to carry around an extra set, ask the dealer to add two sets of keys to the purchase price or to add a third to the purchase. This will prevent you from paying more fees later. There are also aftermarket, laser-cut keys online at a price that is lower than those offered by the dealer. Some sellers online can program your new key fob, however this could void the warranty of the original and be illegal in some states.

Before you decide to replace a damaged fob, you can try charging the battery or resetting it. A dead battery is often the cause of a key fob that won'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 can fix the problem. If none of these solutions work, a dealership could be the only option in the event that you cannot locate an automotive locksmith who has the tools to work on the latest models. Dealers are usually the most expensive, but also have the most comprehensive knowledge of the latest technology and systems. However, they may take a long time to repair your car and aren't guaranteed to have the lowest prices.

Transponder Keys

Chip keys, also known as transponder keys are a more contemporary key type that has an embedded computer chip on it. The chip sends an encoded signal to the car whenever 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. These are much more secure and are a good method to deter theft.

A professional automotive locksmith can cut a basic replacement transponder key (chip) for your vehicle for a much lower cost than the dealer can charge. It is important to keep in mind that you will still need to have the key programmed to match the number in your vehicle's ECM in the event that you replace an existing one.

You could also use an ordinary transponder key copied from the original if have it. It will not be able to start your vehicle, as many cars have immobilizer systems that require a specific key in order to function.

In the past, it was very easy to heat wire a car. This involves connecting two wires from the ignition of the car to a power source at another location, for instance an apartment building. The car starts when the starter is switched on. Transponder keys make it difficult for thieves to steal this since the criminal requires the correct key in order to transmit the coded signal from the chip inside the key to the car's ignition system.

This makes the key difficult to steal, and if your vehicle has an immobilizer system it won't start if you use a non-transponder key. It is therefore important to keep a spare transponder in your pocket or purse just in case. If you lose your spare key, then you'll have to call your local locksmith for automotive or dealer to duplicate the key that was lost in order to restart your car. Dealers will charge more for this service since they are the only ones to make keys for specific car brands.

Smart Keys Keys

There is a chance that you have a smart key when you drive a newer model of car. These devices, which are also referred to as proximity keys, remotes, or fobs, permit users to open and start their cars without having to use the physical keys of their car. The technology has been around since the 1990s but was that was mostly found in luxury vehicles at that time.

Basically, smart keys communicate with vehicle by transmitting a wireless signal through radio waves. These signals are encrypted and only your car can read them. Some keys have buttons that allow you to turn on the ignition of your vehicle or lock. Other keys may also have GPS technology that determines the location of your vehicle if stolen.

The key itself can either be a small fob that fits in your pocket, or it could be a part of the car's handle. If you lose your key you'll need to contact your dealer or auto locksmith to get it replaced. This is because smart keys aren't like your standard traditional key and only a dealership can replace them.

How car keys replacements is contingent on the model and make of your vehicle and the kind of key you have. A standard key that has an lock-and-key mechanism will cost $10 to $12. Transponder keys, on other hand, tend to be more expensive. You'll usually need to bring your spare smart key and evidence of ownership to the car dealer in order to get it replaced.

Some experts caution against the use of smart keys due to the fact that they are susceptible to hacking by a person who knows what to look for. For instance the signals sent by smart keys are relatively low-frequency compared to those of other devices, which makes them simple to detect at a gas station. This kind of hack can even operate from an extended distance, according to How Stuff Works Electronics.

In any case the use of smart keys is becoming more common and a lot more convenient than older options. They protect cars and provide peace of mind and help owners keep their keys organized. It's a good idea to invest in one but ensure that you have a spare key in your car, just in case.

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