10 Car Keys Replacement Tricks All Experts Recommend
Car Key Replacements
Replacing a car's key can be a pain and costly based on the type of car. It's a good idea keep spare keys on hand in case you lose yours.
The car key has evolved with the evolution of cars. Modern keys must be programmed to pair with the car's immobiliser, which is usually the responsibility of locksmiths or dealerships.
Keys that were stolen or lost are not found
It's not common to lose your car keys. If you don't find your keys in an obvious place, or if they are hidden, you'll need to get a new set. Car key replacements aren't as easy as they used to be, but there are still options for car owners who accidentally lose their keys.
Based on the type of key you have, it may be less expensive to replace it with a locksmith than the car dealership. It is because car dealers charge a premium and often outsource the job to local locksmiths. A mobile locksmith can do the job at a lower price.
Traditional keys are what people imagine when they hear the phrase "car key replacement". These traditional keys don't have transponder chips or fob, as do smart keys or remotes. They are available at most hardware stores and locksmiths for as little as $10.
If you own an electronic key fob or a key with transponder chips in it replacing it is more difficult. The dealership that sold you your car can replace these keys, but may not have one in stock. They will need to order one from the manufacturer. This could take a few weeks and cost more.
Some local locksmiths have the keys in the blank and the equipment to program these keys for cars. This can save you time and money. Some locksmiths provide mobile services so they can come and complete the task on site.
In addition to being able to assist with stolen or lost cars, some locksmiths can provide roadside assistance if you're locked out of your vehicle and need to get back in. This is particularly useful if your car key fob has gone missing and you're not able to start the ignition in the car. The service usually includes a callout fee and some labor costs. You can check with the manufacturer of your vehicle or the breakdown service that you use to find out more about what you can expect from them.
Keys that are damaged Keys
You'll have to replace or repair your damaged car key fob. This could be the result of an accident, a break-in, or even just normal wear and wear and tear.
The best way to get a new key is to go to a locksmith. They can repair or replace your keys, and also help you create an exact duplicate in the event that you don't have one. However, some keys are more complex than others. For instance, if the key is a transponder key the key will need to 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 could be a problem with the ignition cylinder. If you have an extra key, try it to see if you can turn on the car this way. If you're not able to, call a locksmith or your dealer.
Car key issues seem to happen at the most unavoidable times. Certain issues are simpler to solve than others.
It is important to remember that the parts of your car all work together. It's possible that if one component fails, it can cause a domino-effect. For instance, if your key isn't turning in the ignition, it may be a problem with the battery. It's possible to fix it with a new battery, but it's important to be aware of how to program the battery to your car.
A locksmith can assist you in this regard, but it is also essential to have the VIN number of your car. This number is found in several places like on the driver's side of the dashboard and in your owner's manual. You'll have to note it down so that you can hand it to the person who will replace your car key. Knowing this information can speed up the process, as it will allow them to have your key in your vehicle as quickly as possible. It will also prevent the possibility of making mistakes that could lead to more expensive repairs later on.
Keys missing from the Ignition
A few years ago, losing keys to your car was not an issue because you probably had a spare. Nowadays, cars are more technologically advanced and are therefore more difficult to replace. Depending on your vehicle and the year it was manufactured, replacing a key could take several steps and cost you a few hundred dollars or more.
The best way to avoid this from happening is to keep an extra key in a secure place at home. If you don't have a spare key and your ignition is locked, you'll have to contact a professional for assistance. You'll first need to determine the type of key that you have. This is vital, because a professional will need to know what key you lost to begin the replacement process. Once you know the details it will be easier to accelerate the process.
You can have a brand new key made for less than $10 at a hardware store If you have an old car key that has a simple, double-edged knife. You will need to know the year and model of your vehicle and evidence of ownership (your registration or title should suffice). If you have lost your key in the ignition, you can still obtain a replacement when you provide the locksmith with the key for cylinder retention. The pin is usually found under the steering column. It can be pressed by turning the cylinder to the accessory position.
The technician will have to repair the cuts on the cylinder and cut a new key that's compatible to the chip of the cylinder and then program the new key with the car's computer. This is a complex process, but the only method to replace the key of a car that has been left in the ignition. If your car is new, you'll most likely have to go to the dealership and ask them to do this for you as they're the only ones who can provide a replacement that has the required features.
Keyless Entry
In the past, if you lost or misplaced your car key, you could simply get locksmiths to create a new one. Since cars are more technologically advanced today, replacing a lost car key can take several steps and can cost several hundreds of dollars.
Based on the model and year of car, there are a variety of different kinds of keys. The most popular ones are the standard or mechanical key, a transponder key, a key fob and a smart key.
A key with a chip transponder is more secure than a standard car key, as it has a unique number that your vehicle recognizes. Locksmiths will not only need to cut a new key, but also program it for your vehicle. If you've lost this kind of key, it's generally best to bring your car to a dealer so they can reprogram it for you.
Other car keys have remote control devices integrated into them that let you unlock and start your vehicle from a distance. These keys are more expensive to replace since they require a complex level of programming only a dealership can perform. The majority of these systems are reprogrammable if they stop working, so you can try this first before buying a new one.
Certain modern cars have keys that are more like fobs. They have buttons on the side that can be pressed to lock and unlock your vehicle. These are known as "smart" or "keyless entry" keys and they are expensive to replace. Be car key replacements that these keys are only made by the manufacturer of your car and you'll need return to the dealership in case you lose keys.
You'll need to write down your VIN if you can locate someone to make your car keys. You'll usually find this number on the driver's side dashboard or it may be stamped on a metal plate in the jamb of your door. This is helpful should you need to claim the key through your warranty or insurance in the future.