How Much Does a Spare Key For Your Car Cost?

It's an enormous inconvenience to lose your car keys. It's important to keep a spare key for my car in case you lose or break your primary key. But what is an extra key for your car cost?

The answer depends on a myriad of factors. This article will help you determine whether it's worth having a spare made.

make a spare car key

The idea of having a spare car key is always a good idea as losing one can be a costly and stressful experience. But the cost of having a spare key may vary depending on your vehicle's make and model and also the type of key you have.

Basic keys, for instance, that do not contain any technology are cheaper to replace since they require a simple cut from the blank. They don't require specialized encoding. However, a key that is fitted with a car fob or transponder chips will need to be programmed by experts, which can increase the cost.

If you lose your only key, the first step is to find a locksmith that has a machine capable of programming your particular type of key. Alternately, you could try to save money by having a new key cut and programming it yourself. The procedure for doing this is outlined in your owner's manual or you can search online for "how to program (your year model, make, and year) key." This can help you save around $150 or more.

Model

The model number of your car influences the cost of a spare key. For instance, if you require a replacement key for a premium or luxury model, the price will be higher than for an entry-level car. The type of material used to manufacture the key will also impact the cost. It is more affordable to replace a blank rather than one with an integrated key fob. If you want to save money, several dealerships will also cut and program third-party keys for you.

Year

It is essential to have an extra car key, particularly if you have young children who might be locked in the car. There are a variety of options to obtain a spare key for car key, including visiting the dealership from which you bought your car, using an auto locksmith, or purchasing one online. Each comes with its own costs and benefits. Before making a decision, you should consider the type and design of lock. Typically speaking, the more expensive the lock the more expensive the price will be.

Key type

A spare key can ensure that you don't end up without a place to go if you lose your main car keys. However the cost of having an extra car key could differ greatly based on the lock type your vehicle is using and the type of key you have.

Locksmiths and hardware stores can cut mechanical keys, which function by inserting the key into the ignition cylinder. The cost of these keys is as little as $10. Transponder keys or chip keys are more expensive and feature small chips that communicate with the vehicle to confirm the keys are valid. Dealerships are the only places where you have to request a tow in the event that you find yourself stranded without keys. There are a variety of alternatives to get an alternative key, such as locksmiths, dealerships and online services. It is important to compare the costs and convenience of these choices before making a decision.

The cost of spare car key will also depend on the type of key you require. Keys that are traditional are inexpensive and easy to replace. More advanced keys are more expensive. Certain features, like mirror folding, alarm activation and remote start, may require special components that are more difficult to find or create. It's important to have an accurate record of your immobilizer code and the number of your key which will help reduce the overall cost.

Visit the dealership that sells the model of your vehicle to obtain a spare key. This will ensure that you have a key compatible with your car's systems and is programmed properly. It may cost more than other options, but it is the best way to ensure that you have a working key in case you require it. It is also the only way to obtain a key for certain newer models.