How to Get a Replacement Key For Car The cost of a replacement for your car key depends on the type of key you own. You can call an expert locksmith, or go to your local dealership. The dealer is your best bet for a transponder or basic key. They can use your VIN number to find the code and pair the key to your car. Lost Keys The best method to avoid the stress of losing car keys is to make copies in advance and store it somewhere safe. Unfortunately, that's not always possible and the best thing to do is to purchase key-finder tags and/or one of the Bluetooth-based car key finders available on the market. This will give you a couple of days to search for your keys thoroughly (they typically appear) or at a minimum you can get an exchange from your dealer. If you have an old-fashioned metal key the best bet is to call your local locksmith who will drive to where your car is and create a new key immediately even if they don't have the original. They will charge you around $20 for a standard car key replacement. If your car was built with a transponder key, you should call your dealer to have it replaced. The type of key you have is an embedded chip that transmits an individual code to your car when it's near which helps to keep your car secure from theft and other security hazards. The dealer will need to reprogram your new key in order to make it work properly. This process can take several hours to complete and costs around $200. Certain newer cars include key fobs that lock and unlock your car's door, as well as control other features of your car. These are very convenient, but can be a pain to lose! You can buy an alternative car key fob on the internet, but it could cost more than if you went to your local locksmith, and they will need to program the fob to fit your specific vehicle. You can also ask your vehicle dealer to replace your lost fob however, you'll need be able to prove ownership, and it will cost more than if been to an automotive locksmith. They have access to the same database as manufacturers and therefore it's not difficult to get a new key. If you do go this route, it's important to compare the cost of your local locksmith to theirs. Broken Keys If your key is damaged in the lock, it can be a major pain. However, there are solutions to fix this issue without having to buy new keys. The first step is to remove the broken piece using needle-nose pliers. They are available in the form of pliers in the tool section of many hardware stores. Alternately, you could use a pair of tweezers which have a a natural opening wide enough to fit the key blade. Be careful not to apply too much pressure. A lot of pressure will only make the break worse. Make sure to apply a little grease on the outside of the key to reduce friction when inserting it into the lock. You can buy a lubricant spray that is specifically for car keys, or you can simply coat the key's end with WD-40. Another option is to go to an auto dealership or locksmith and have a new key made. However, you will need to present a valid picture ID and proof of ownership before the dealer can issue an additional key. They'll also need to connect the new chip to your vehicle, which can take a few days. Last but not least, certain keys must be coded prior to being able to work with your car. If your key broke as you attempted to open or start the vehicle, you'll have to bring it back to the dealer to have it coded. The cost of replacing a key differs dependent on the type of vehicle however, it is typically between $100-$200. It is easy and inexpensive for most people to go to their vehicle dealer. If you own a luxury or special vehicle, it might be best to go to the dealer of the manufacturer. In these instances, you may need to have the vehicle towed and present evidence of ownership to the dealer before they can issue the new key. In certain instances the warranty may be able to cover this. Transponder Keys Transponder keys are a common feature in automobiles manufactured in the past 20 years. The head of the car key is equipped with a transponder in it. When the key is put into the ignition an antenna ring emits radio frequency energy. The chip responds by creating an identification code. This code is then sent to the immobilizer of the vehicle and, if it is able to receive the correct code the engine will begin to run. If the correct code does not exist the immobilizer will not work and stop the vehicle from starting. Transponder keys help to prevent car theft by adding an extra layer of security. This is why it's important to have your car keys replaced by an experienced locksmith who is experienced with working with various auto manufacturers' anti-theft systems. A lot of people believe that the only place to obtain a new transponder key is from their car dealership. While it's true that dealers do have the necessary equipment but a professional locksmith can make a transponder keys for much less and offer a more convenient service overall. Beishir Lock and Security offers various transponder key options for a variety of vehicles. We can program and replace your existing transponder, remote flip key, or FOBIK keys. We even have the capability of creating a new key from scratch for your vehicle in the event of need. It's important to know that if your vehicle is currently operated using the non-transponder keys, it is not capable of upgrading to a transponder-enabled key since the immobilizer in the car's built-in system will not allow it. However, if you are worried about your car being stolen, it is highly recommended to invest in a transponder key. When it comes to the security of your vehicle, it is essential to select the appropriate type of lock. Locksmiths can assist you with any kind of lock, but if you're looking for an extra level of security then it may be worth investing in a transponder key to protect your car from being stolen. Remote Fobs Many cars are now equipped with remote fobs that allow drivers to open doors, trunks and tailgates. Some even start the vehicle. These small wireless devices communicate with the vehicle using radio signals and operate under the power of a battery. If the battery inside the fob dies the device could be rendered useless. A majority of these small remotes have casings that are easy to open. After you have opened the case, you'll require a replacement battery. Fortunately, many of these batteries are found at auto parts stores and some supermarkets. Reassembling the key fob is required after replacing the battery. With a screwdriver with a flat blade, carefully open the fob in several locations to prevent breaking the shell. cost of a replacement car key -snap the fob and test each button. If all is well then you're done! However, if the device isn't working the issue could be more serious than a defective battery. It could be that it has lost its programming and need to be restored by the locksmith or dealer. Most fobs have a button to reset the programming. It's usually a simple process, but it can vary according to the model and make of the vehicle. The key fob needs to be programmed again to send the digital identity code to the car's onboard computers. This procedure differs for each car model and year. It typically involves holding buttons or levers while triggering the power. Some retailers, including some automotive part stores and locksmiths, will program aftermarket fobs bought online. Yu from CR warns that these devices can be difficult to repair and could not work properly. If you decide to purchase a remote from an outside source be sure to choose a trusted seller. Also, check the fine print to find out on whether the item requires dealer-level programming or not. Some retailers, like some Audi dealerships, require that you visit them in order to have a third-party fob programed.
cost of a replacement car key
