How to Get a Replacement Key For Car
The cost of a replacement car key depends on the type of key you have. You can either contact a locksmith, or visit your local dealership.
The dealer is your best option when you own an ordinary or transponder key. They can use your VIN to locate the code and then pair your key with your vehicle.
Lost Keys
The best method to avoid anxiety of losing car keys is to create a copy in advance and keep it somewhere safe. If that's not an option, the next best option is to purchase a key-finder tag or use one of the Bluetooth car key finders that are available. This will give you a couple of days to search thoroughly (they typically appear) or at the very minimum, to get a replacement from your dealership.
If you have an old-fashioned metal key, the best option is to contact your local locksmith who can drive to the location of your car and make a new one immediately even in the absence of the original. You'll be charged about $20 for a replacement traditional car key.
Contact your dealer if your car has a transponder. This key has an embedded chip that transmits a unique security code the vehicle when it is close. It helps protect your vehicle from theft as well as other security threats. Your dealer will need to change the code of the key to allow it to function correctly. This procedure could cost as much as $200 and can take several hours.
Certain vehicles with more modern technology include key fobs that lock and unlock your car's door, as well as control other functions of your car. They are extremely useful, but they can be a pain to lose! You can buy a replacement key fob for your car online. It may cost more than going to your local locksmith because they will need to program it to work with your car.
You can also ask your vehicle dealer to replace a lost fob, but you'll need to have proof of ownership and it will cost more than if you visited an automotive locksmith. However, they do have access to the same database as the manufacturer, which makes it impossible to obtain a new key from them. Compare the prices of locksmiths in your area with the prices of the manufacturer if you decide to go this route.
Broken Keys
It can be a real hassle if your key breaks in the lock. There are solutions to fix this problem without having to purchase a new lock.
First, remove the broken part with a pair needle-nosed pliers. These pliers are available in the tool section at many hardware stores. Alternately, you could use a pair of tweezers which have a a natural opening wide enough to accommodate the key blade.
Be cautious not to apply too excessive pressure. A lot of pressure will only make the break more severe. Apply a small amount of lubricant on the key's end to decrease friction when inserting it into a lock. You can buy a lubricant spray made specifically for car keys, or you can simply coat the key's end with WD-40.
Another option is to go to a car dealership or locksmith and have a new key made. You'll need to show proof of identity and proof of ownership in order for the dealer to issue the replacement key. They will also need to pair the new chip with your vehicle, which could take some time.
The last thing to mention is that some keys need to be coded before they can be used with your vehicle. If your key was damaged while you were trying start or open your vehicle then you'll need to bring it back to the dealer in order to be coded.
In general, the cost to have keys replaced varies by make, but it is generally between $100 to $200. A majority of people prefer going to their vehicle dealer, because it's a simple and cost-effective process. If you own a luxury or specialty vehicle, it might be best to go to the dealer of the manufacturer instead. In these instances you may have to have the vehicle towed and present proof of ownership to the dealer before they are able to issue the new key. In some instances, this is covered under the warranty of your vehicle.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are common in cars manufactured within the last 20 years. The key's head is equipped with a transponder in it. When the key is placed in the ignition the antenna ring emits radio frequency energy. This chip responds by generating an identification code. This code is transmitted to the vehicle's immobilizer, and when the correct code is in place then the engine will be able to start.
If the correct code does not exist the immobilizer will be deactivated and prevent the car from beginning. Transponder keys aid in preventing car theft by providing an additional layer of security. It's also important to have your keys replaced by a locksmith with expertise working with anti-theft systems of various automobile manufacturers.
Many people believe that the car dealer is the only place they can obtain a transponder key. While the dealer may have the required equipment, an experienced locksmith can design the transponder for a lower cost and provide more convenience.
Beishir Lock and Security carries the largest selection of transponder keys to fit different automobiles. If you have a standard transponder key or a remote flip key, or FOBIK chip key we can replace and program it for you. We can even take care of creating a brand new key from scratch for your vehicle if necessary.
You should be aware that if you're currently using a car key that is not transponder-compatible, it is not possible to upgrade to a new transponder key because the built-in anti-theft mechanism will not allow this. If you're worried about your car being stolen, it's recommended that you purchase the transponder.
When it comes time to secure your car, it's vital to select the appropriate type of lock. A locksmith can assist you with any type of lock. If you're looking to add a layer of security to your vehicle, consider investing in an electronic key transponder.
Remote Fobs
Many cars now come with remote fobs that allow drivers to open doors, trunks and tailgates. Some can even start the car. These tiny wireless devices send radio signals to the vehicle and are powered by batteries. If the battery in the fob dies, the device can become ineffective.
A chirp usually indicates that the battery in the key fob is in need of replacement, and the majority of these remotes have easy-to-open cases. After you have opened the case, you'll require a replacement battery. Most of these batteries are available at auto parts stores as well as some supermarkets.
After replacing the battery, you'll need to put back together the key fob. To avoid damaging the shell, open the fob's key open several times using a screwdriver with a flat blade. over at this website -snap the fob and then test the buttons. If everything works, you're done!
If, however, the fob isn't working it could be more serious than a defective battery. It could be that it has lost its program and will need to be restored by the locksmith or dealer.
Fobs usually come with a button that can be hit to reset their programming. It's generally a quick process, but it can vary according to the model and make of the vehicle. The key fob has to be "programmed" again to send its digital identity code to the car's onboard computer. This process is different for each car model and year, however, it usually involves activating the power of the car (often several times) while holding various buttons or levers.
Certain retailers, including locksmiths and auto parts stores, will program aftermarket fobs purchased on the internet. Yu from CR warns, however, that these devices can be difficult to fix and may not perform as expected. If you choose to purchase a remote key fob from a third party vendor, be sure that the seller is reputable and go through the fine print to determine if the fob requires dealer programming. Certain retailers, for instance, Audi dealerships, require you to visit them to have a third-party fob programed.