Car Key Replacements
Replacing the car's keys is a hassle and costly based on the car model. It's a good idea keep spare keys in your car in case you lose yours.
The car key has evolved with the evolution of cars. Modern keys are programmed so that they pair up with the immobiliser of the car, a task normally reserved for dealerships or locksmiths.
Keys stolen or lost
It's not uncommon to lose your car keys. Unless you're lucky enough to locate your keys in a secret pocket or in a different location, you will have to go through the process of replacing one. The procedure of replacing car keys isn't as simple as it was in the past. However there are still alternatives for those who have lost their keys.
Depending on the type of key you have, it may be cheaper to replace it with a locksmith instead of the dealership selling cars. It is because dealers charge a premium and often outsource the work to local locksmiths. A mobile locksmith can handle the task at a lower cost.
Traditional keys are what people imagine when they hear "car key replacement". Traditional keys do not have transponder chips or fob, which is the case with smart keys or remotes. These keys can be exchanged by many locksmiths or hardware stores and generally be purchased for $10 or less.
If you have keys fobs, or a key that has transponder chips in it the process of replacing it is more complicated. These keys can be replaced by the dealership you purchased your car from, but they may not have a spare in stock and will have to order it from the manufacturer. This could take a few days, and the price could be significantly higher.
Local locksmiths may have blank keys and equipment to program these keys for cars. This can save you time and money. Some locksmiths provide mobile services which means they are able to complete the task on site.
Some locksmiths can also offer roadside assistance to people who have locked themselves out of their vehicle and need help getting back inside. This is especially helpful in the event that you've lost your car key fob and are unable to turn the ignition. This service typically comes with a callout charge and some labor costs. You can ask your vehicle manufacturer or breakdown service what they would like to see from you.
Damaged Keys
If your car key fob or keychain is damaged, you'll have to get it repaired or replaced. This can occur following an accident, break-in, or even normal wear and tear.
A locksmith is the best place to go to get a replacement key. They can repair or replace your keys, and also help you create a duplicate if you don't have one. automotive car key replacement are more complicated than others. For instance, if the key is a transponder key it must be programmed to work with the vehicle. This requires specialized equipment that is typically only available at the dealership.
If you're able unlock your doors and trunk, but you're not able to start the engine, it may be a problem with the ignition cylinder. Try using a spare key to determine whether it can turn the vehicle on. If not, you need to contact a locksmith or your dealer.
The most inconvenient of times seem to be when car key problems occur. Some issues are easier to solve than others.
It's important to keep in mind that the parts of your car all work together. If one component fails to function it can trigger an effect of dominoes. For instance, if your key isn't turning in the ignition, it may be a problem with the battery. This can be fixed with a replacement battery, but you'll need to know how to program it to the specific vehicle.
This is where a locksmith can be of assistance however, you'll also need to know the VIN number for your car. This number can be found in a few different places, including on the dashboard of your driver and in your owner's manual. It is important to note down the number to ensure that you can provide it directly to the person who will replace your car key. Having this information can speed up the process, since it will enable them to have your key ready for your vehicle as fast as they can. It also helps prevent them from making a mistake that could cause costly repairs later on.
Lost keys in the ignition
A time ago, losing your car keys wasn't a big deal because you probably had a spare. Today's vehicles are more technologically advanced and are therefore more difficult to replace. Based on the year and model of your car replacing a lost or damaged key can take a few steps and cost up to a couple hundred bucks.
Keep a spare in a safe location at home. If you don't have an extra key and your ignition is not working, you will need to call for professional help. You'll first need to know what type of key you have. This is crucial, since professionals will need to know what key you lost in order to start the replacement process. Once you know the details, it will be much easier to speed up the process.
You can get a new key for less than $10 at a hardware store if you have an old car key with an unassuming, double-edged blade. You'll need to know the year and model of the vehicle as well as proof of ownership (your registration or title will suffice). If you lose the key in the ignition, a locksmith may make a new key for you if they can provide them with the pin for cylinder retention. This is typically located underneath the steering column and is depressable when the cylinder is turned to the accessory position.
The technician must restore the cylinder cuts, then cut a key that is compatible with the chip of the cylinder. Finally, the technician must program the key into your car's computer. This is a complicated procedure, but it's the only way to replace the car key that was kept in the ignition. If your car is new, you'll likely need go to the dealer and let them handle this for you, since they're the only ones able to offer a replacement key with the required features.
Keyless Entry
In the past, misplacing a car key or losing it wasn't a big of an issue since you could get locksmiths to create an appropriate replacement for you. Since automobiles are more technologically advanced, replacing a lost car key can require several steps and cost a few hundreds of dollars.
There are a variety of types of keys for cars, based on the year and model. The most popular are a mechanical key or the standard key. Other choices include transponders, a key fob, and a smartkey.
A key that has a chip transponder is more secure than a conventional car key, because it is a unique number that your vehicle recognises. Locksmiths do not just need to cut a new key, but also program it specifically for your vehicle. If you've lost this type of key, it's best to bring your vehicle to the dealer so they can reprogram it.
Other car keys come with remote control features built into them that allow you to unlock and start your vehicle from a distance. These kinds of keys are more expensive to replace as they require a higher level of programming that only the dealership can do. Luckily, most of these keys can be reset when they stop working so test this before paying for a new one.
Some cars today have keys that resemble fobs, with buttons on the side that can be pressed to lock and unlock your car. These are known as "smart" or "keyless entry" keys and can be costly to replace. It's important to keep in mind that most of these keys are produced by the manufacturer of your vehicle If you lose one of them, you'll need to return to the dealership to get it replaced.
If you are able to locate someone who can create your car keys, the next thing to do is record the number of your vehicle identification (VIN). This number is typically stamped on the metal plate inside the door jamb or on your dashboard. You can use this number if you need to claim your key in the future through your warranty or insurance policy.