How to Get a Replacement Key For Car
When it comes time to purchase a replacement key for your vehicle the cost will depend on which type of key you have. You can either contact a locksmith or visit your local dealership.
If you have a basic key or transponder key, the dealer is usually your best choice. They can use your VIN number to locate the code and then pair the key with your car.
Lost Keys
To avoid the stress that comes with losing your car keys, create an extra copy and store it safely. 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 few more days to search thoroughly (they typically appear) or at a minimum, to get a replacement from your dealership.
If you have a traditional metal key, the best bet is to contact your local locksmith, who can travel to the location of your car and create a replacement on the spot, even if they don't have the original. You'll be charged about $20 for a replacement traditional car key.
If your car was built with a transponder key, you must contact your dealer to get it replaced. This type of key includes an embedded chip that sends a unique code to your vehicle when it's near which helps to keep your car secure from theft and other security threats. Your dealer will have to modify the key in order for it to function properly. This procedure can cost up to $200 and can take several hours.
Certain vehicles with more modern technology come with key fobs that can lock and unlock your car's doors and control the other features of your car. These are very convenient, but can be a pain to lose! You can purchase an alternative car key fob online, although it may cost more than your local locksmith, and they will need to program the fob to fit your specific vehicle.
You can also go to your local car dealer and ask for the replacement of the lost fob. However, you'll have to prove ownership. It will cost you more than if it was handled by an automotive locksmith. They do have access the same database as the manufacturers, so it is not impossible to obtain a new key. If you do opt for this option, it's important to compare the costs of your local locksmith to theirs.
Broken Keys
It can be a major problem if your key is damaged in the lock. Fortunately, there are ways to fix this issue without having to buy a new key.
The first step is to remove the broken piece with a pair of needle-nose pliers. They are available in the form of pliers in the tool section of many hardware stores. You can also get a pair of tweezers that have an opening that is large enough to accommodate the blade of the key.
Be careful not to exert too much pressure. Pressure that is too high will cause the break to get more severe. Try to use a little lubrication on the end of the key to help reduce friction when putting it into the lock. You can purchase a lubricant spray that is specifically designed for car keys or simply apply a coat of key with WD-40.
A locksmith or vehicle dealer can also make an alternative key. However, you will need to provide a valid photo ID and proof of ownership before the dealer is able to issue the new key. The dealer will also have to pair the chip of your computer to your vehicle, which could take a few weeks.
The last thing to mention is that certain keys must be coded prior to being able to work with your car. If your key broke as you were trying to start or open your vehicle, you will need to bring it back to the dealer to get it coded.
In general the cost of having a key replaced varies from one brand to the next model, but is generally in the range of $100-$200. A majority of people prefer going to their vehicle dealer, because it's a simple and cost-effective method. If you own a premium or specialized vehicle, it could be best to go to the dealer of the manufacturer instead. In these situations you might need to have your vehicle towed and show proof of ownership to the dealer before they are able to issue the new key. In some cases, this is covered under the warranty for your vehicle.
Transponder Keys
If your car is manufactured within the recent 20 years or so chances are it comes with a transponder key (also called a "chip" key). A transponder chip is embedded inside the head of your car key, and when it is inserted into your vehicle's ignition the antenna ring transmits an impulsive radio frequency energy to the chip. This chip then responds with an identification code. The message is then relayed to the vehicle's immobilizer and If the correct code is found then the engine will be able to start.
If the correct code isn't present the immobilizer will be disarmed and prevent the engine from starting. This is how transponder keys help stop car theft and offers an added layer of security. It is also essential to replace your keys by a locksmith who has expertise working with anti-theft systems of various auto manufacturers.
Many people believe that their dealer is the only place they can get a transponder key. While car key replacement does have the equipment needed but a professional locksmith can make a transponder keys for much less and provide more convenient service in general.
Beishir Lock and Security carries the largest selection of transponder keys to fit different automobiles. Whether you have a regular transponder key remote flip key or FOBIK chip key we can change it and program it for you. We can even take care of creating a new key from scratch for your vehicle in the event of need.
It's important to note that if your car is currently operated with an untransponderized key, it will not be feasible to upgrade to a transponder-enabled key since the built-in immobilizer does not permit it. If you're concerned about your car being stolen, it is highly recommended to buy a transponder-enabled key.
When it comes to the security of your car, it's vital that you choose the right kind of lock. Locksmiths can help with any kind of lock however if you're looking for an extra level of protection then it may be worthwhile to invest in transponder keys to safeguard your car from being stolen.
Remote Fobs
Many cars come with remotes that let drivers open doors, trunks and tailgates. Some remotes can even start the vehicle. These small wireless devices communicate with the vehicle using radio signals and run on the power of batteries. If the battery inside the fob goes out the device could be rendered useless.
Most of these small remotes have casings that are easy to open. Once you've pried the case open, you'll need find an appropriate replacement battery that will fit within the space available. The majority of these batteries can be found at auto parts shops and some supermarkets.
Reassembling the key fob is necessary after you've replaced the battery. Using a flat blade screwdriver and a gentle pry the fob open in various places to avoid breaking the shell. Then, put the fob back together, and test its buttons. If all is well, you're done!
If, however, the fob still isn't functioning it could be more serious than a damaged battery. It could have lost its programming and needs to be restored by the dealer or a locksmith.
Most fobs come with buttons to reset the reset. It's generally a quick process, but it varies depending on the vehicle's make and model. The key fob will need 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 but it generally involves engaging the power in the car (often several times) while holding different levers or buttons.
Some retailers, like some auto parts stores as well as locksmiths will program aftermarket keys purchased online. Yu from CR warns that these devices can be difficult to repair and could not perform as expected. If you decide to buy a remote fob from a third-party vendor, make sure it's an authorized seller and look over the fine print for information on whether the item requires dealer-level programming or not. Some retailers, like some Audi dealerships, require you to visit them in order to have a third-party fob programed.