It can be a major trouble to lose your car keys, and it can be costly to replace them. Depending on the kind of keys you have, the costs can differ.
The best method to determine how much it will cost to replace the car key is to talk to a locksmith or dealership. Here is a list of several factors that can affect the cost.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys, often called chip keys, contain an electronic micro-chip built into the keyhead. When the chip is placed in the ignition lock cylinder and it sends a coded message to immobilizer of the cheap car keys replacement. This code is unique to the ID number that is attached to the vehicle. This makes it very difficult to steal a car because it is not able to be started without the proper code.
The transponder key was designed to make it more difficult for thieves to wire vehicles. Before this technology was invented it was quite easy for thieves to open cars by connecting two wires, a process called “hot wiring.” Transponder keys are so secure because they require a specific code to be activated. They are extremely difficult to duplicate using regular tools, and should be cloned only by an auto locksmith.
As a result, the transponder key is more expensive than conventional bladed keys. This cost is worth it if you consider the security advantages of this type of key.
If you’re thinking of purchasing a transponder-based key, first consider the importance of security to you. Take into consideration your budget and your lifestyle before deciding if the expense is worth it.
Car dealerships usually charge a premium for the replacement of car keys. This is due to the fact that they have exclusive rights to sell specific models of vehicles and have high overheads. There are a variety of professional locksmiths for cars that provide the same service but at lower rates.
If you aren’t sure if your car has chips, you can consult your local auto locksmith or dealer. They’ll be able to tell whether your vehicle has an electronic transponder and provide an estimate of the cost to purchase new keys. It is essential to select an auto locksmith with a good reputation who has experience with your car model, whether you opt for the transponder that is less expensive or the more expensive keys that are not transponder-compatible.
Laser-Cut Keys
Some modern vehicles have a more sophisticated key design known as a sidewinder or laser cut keys. These keys are made by a locksmith or dealer and have a computer chip programmed in the keys. They are more expensive, yet they offer more security. This is why they are considered to be a better investment by people who want to stop car theft.
Contrary to conventional two-sided keys laser-cut keys are cut in the middle of the key only. These cuts are much more precise and much more difficult to duplicate than the typical notches used on regular key blades. They are also difficult to pick and are a great protection against thieves who might be.
A locksmith or dealer can employ a milling machine to create a key that is laser-cut. The machines utilize a bit that resembles an ax to slowly remove the key’s metal. They can remove the exact amount of metal needed to make the key in question, which gives them a high level of precision which makes it difficult for a criminal to make their own copy.
Laser-cut keys are also more secure than conventional keys because they cannot be used to open other vehicles with the same key lock. When a normal car key is inserted, it sends a signal the vehicle which lets it recognize it. This is the reason why the engine won’t start when it detects an unidentified key. However, laser-cut keys come with an embedded transponder that is registered to a specific car. This means that if a thief is able to program and cut a laser-cutted key, the engine won’t start.
To cut a laser-cut key, a technician will need to have the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the vehicle in order to find the right specifications for it in the CNC machine. This process can take anywhere between 15 minutes to several hours, depending on the make and model of the vehicle in question. Once the correct specifications have been entered the key laser-cut is ready to be programmed by the locksmith or dealer.
Dealerships
The dealership is the most expensive but it is often the best alternative to replace your keys to your car. It is usually covered by your insurance plan or warranty. Check with your auto insurance provider to ensure that replacement for keys is included in the policy. It’s also a good idea to have any damaged keys that are stolen, lost, or damaged deprogrammed by your dealer, to prevent anyone from using them in the future.
If you have a standard key fob, it could be the cheapest option to replace it at the dealership. If your key fob isn’t replicable and comes with a built in chip it could cost more to replace it at the dealership. The cost of a key fob may vary widely based on the model and brand of your car, therefore it’s best to consult with local locksmiths, dealers, or mechanics for an accurate price estimate.
Another option to save money is to take your spare key with you to the dealer and having it cloned there. It is cheaper to have it copied at the dealership than by locksmith. However, you’ll be sure to ensure that your spare key works with your vehicle.
If you’re replacing your remote car key replacement key at the dealership or with locksmiths, it’s essential to make sure you record your vehicle’s identification number (VIN). This will ensure that the key replacement is correctly fitted and can be paired to 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 was not an issue to lose the key to your car. However, the advancements in technology in modern cars has made it more difficult to replace keys, and this can be quite costly. It is best to be prepared by carrying an extra key in your car, or know what options you have to replace your car keys in the event they are stolen or lost.