Cost of Car Key Replacement
It can be a major trouble to lose your car keys, and costly to replace them. The cost can vary depending on the kind of car keys you have.
The best way to find out how much it will cost to replace the car key is to speak with a locksmith or dealership. Here is a list of the various factors that can influence the cost.
key replacement for car are also known as chip keys. They have a microchip that is embedded into the head of the key. When the chip is placed in the ignition lock cylinder and it sends a coded message to immobilizer of the vehicle. The code is matched to a unique ID number that is connected to the vehicle. This makes it very difficult to steal a car because it cannot be started without a valid code.
This type of key was developed to make it harder for thieves to wire the vehicle. Before this technology was invented, it was very simple for thieves to start vehicles by connecting two wires in a process known as "hot wiring." Transponder keys are extremely secure due to the fact that they require a unique code to be activated. These unique codes are very difficult to duplicate using standard tools and must be copied by an auto locksmith.
In the end, the transponder key is more expensive than traditional bladed keys. However, this cost is often worth it in the end when taking into account the security benefits that come with this kind of key.
Consider the importance of security for you prior to deciding to purchase transponders. Consider your budget and lifestyle before deciding if the cost is worth it.
Car dealerships often charge a fee for the replacement of car keys. This is due to the fact that they have exclusive right to sell certain models of cars and have very high overheads. However, there are other professional car locksmiths who offer the same quality service at lower prices.
If you're not sure if your car has a transponder chip, consult the local dealer or auto locksmith. They will be able to tell you whether your car is equipped with a transponder chip, and give you an estimate of the cost for a new key. It is essential to select an auto locksmith with a good reputation who has experience working on your car model, regardless of whether you opt for the cheaper transponder or the more expensive non-transponder keys.
Laser-Cut Keys
Some modern cars have keys with more advanced designs that is known as laser cut keys or sidewinder key. These keys require a locksmith or car dealership to cut them, and then program a computer chip in the key. They're more expensive, but they offer more security. This is why they are regarded as a more beneficial investment for those who want to prevent car theft.
Laser-cut keys differ from regular two-sided keys since they only have a cut in the middle. These cuts are more precise and are a lot harder to duplicate than the standard notches used on regular key blades. They are also more difficult to detect, making them an effective deterrent to thieves.
A locksmith or dealer can use a milling machine to create a key that is laser-cut. These machines employ a tool that is shaped like a drill, to slowly strip the metal from the key. They can remove the exact amount of metal required for a particular key and provide an extremely high level of accuracy that makes it more difficult for a thief to cut their own copy.
Laser-cut keys can also be more secure than traditional keys because they can't be used to open other vehicles with the same lock. When a normal car key is inserted, it sends a signal to the vehicle, which lets it recognize it. This is the reason why the engine will refuse to start if it detects an unrecognized key. However, laser-cut keys come with a built-in transponder that is registered to a specific car. This means that if someone can program and cut a laser-cut key, the engine will not start.
To cut a key laser-cut the technician needs to have the vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the vehicle to find the right specifications for the CNC machine. This process can take anywhere between 15 minutes to a few hours based on the make and model of the vehicle that is being considered. After the correct specifications have been completed, a laser-cut key will be ready for programming by the locksmith or dealership.
Dealerships
The dealership is the most expensive but it is often the best alternative to replace your car keys. It is typically covered by your insurance plan or warranty. It is advisable to check with your insurance company to see if key replacements are covered by the policy. It is also an excellent idea to have any stolen, lost or damaged keys deprogrammed by the dealership, as this will ensure that no one can make use of them in the future.
If you have a standard fob getting it replaced at a dealership may be the least costly option. If your key fob is equipped with a chip and cannot be duplicated it is likely to cost more to get it replaced at the dealership or through a locksmith. The cost of a key fob may vary widely based on the model and make of your car, so it is recommended to speak with local locksmiths, dealers, or mechanics to get an accurate cost estimate.
You can also save money by having your spare key copied at the dealership. This is less expensive than having it cloned by a locksmith, however you'll want to ensure that your spare key is compatible with the vehicle you're using it.
If you're replacing your car key at the dealership or through locksmiths, it's essential to to write down your vehicle identification number (VIN). This will ensure that the key replacement is correctly fitted and is paired with your vehicle. You can find your VIN in your owner's manual, on your dashboard or in the corner of your windshield, or on the front of your engine block.
In the past the days of car keys being lost, it was not a big issue. However, the advancements in technology in modern automobiles has made it much more difficult to replace keys, which can be very costly. Always keep an extra car key on and ready in the event that your keys are stolen or lost.
