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Replacement Keys For Cars It happens to all. They tend to slip out of pockets in coats or under couch cushions, only to be discovered at the most inconvenient time. Keys for replacement for cars are easier to find than they were in the past. Here are some of your options for replacing them: auto locksmiths, dealers and hardware stores. Keys that were stolen or lost are not found There are a myriad of ways keys to your car can be lost or stolen. They can break, get lost, or even be left in a location where they can be easily found. Sometimes they even just wear out to the point that they are no longer functioning properly. Whatever the reason it is a good idea to have a spare car key in order to save the cost and hassle of having one replaced. Contact your local automotive locksmith immediately if you lose your keys. You can usually find a replacement key at a lower price than you would pay at an auto dealer. The locksmith can also program the features of your car for hands-free boot opening on the on the spot. Before you call, be sure that you have the car's VIN number that is required to find out the exact model and year of the vehicle in order to create a new key. You may be able to find this on your dashboard, or you might need to check the vehicle's title or registration documents. The cost of replacing your key at a dealership could be higher depending on the kind of key. Dealerships keep the track of this information, and will be in a position to provide you with a new key quickly. You can also purchase a genuine factory-replacement key with all the most recent security features. If you have a standard key that's a turnkey it's more affordable to visit an auto locksmith in your area. The locksmith will make you the replacement key at a lower cost than a dealer and will frequently come to your place. vehicle key replacement with this is if your keys are a transponder style that is, they have a chip in them that has been programmed to work with the particular vehicle. Locksmiths are usually capable of making the key for you, but not program it, so you'll need to bring it to a dealership to have this done. Fob Keys If your vehicle uses a fob key to open and start the car and start it, you'll need replacement in the event that it malfunctions or gets lost. Fob keys can be replaced by the dealership, a locksmith or, in certain cases you can order one on the internet. The cost is based on the model and make of your vehicle and whether or not it comes with a transponder. A simple fob, that emits a signal to open the doors and then starts the engine, can usually be replaced by a dealer or by a locksmith for less than $300. A more advanced key with an integrated transponder chip that can confirm that the driver is the owner can be more expensive, particularly for cars that are late-model. The most efficient way to save on replacement keys and fobs is to always have an extra set on hand. If you're unable to carry a spare around with you, ask the dealer to include two sets of keys as part of the purchase price or add a third set to to avoid paying a higher fee later on. There are also aftermarket, laser-cut keys online for a much lower cost than those sold by the dealer. Some sellers online will program the new key fob, but this could void the warranty on the original and may be illegal in some states. Before you decide to replace a broken fob, try recharging the battery or resetting it. A dead battery may be the reason behind an unresponsive keyfob or cannot be programmed. It's also possible that the buttons on the fob may get stuck or broken, and adjusting them may fix the problem. If these steps don't work, a dealership may be the only option unless you find a locksmith for your vehicle that has the tools to work with the latest models. Dealers are usually the most expensive, but also have the deepest knowledge of the latest technology and systems. However, they may take a long time to work on your vehicle and aren't able to offer the lowest price. Transponder Keys Transponder keys, also known as chip keys, are a new type of key that has embedded a computer chip within it. The chip sends an encoded signal to the vehicle when the key cylinder is put in. The car uses this code to start the engine or unlock the doors. These are much harder to steal and are a great way to discourage thieves. A professional locksmith can cut a basic replacement transponder key (chip) for your vehicle at a price that is lower than what the dealer will charge. It is important to keep in mind that you'll require the key to be programmed to match the number in your vehicle's ECM in the event that you replace an existing one. If you already have an original transponder, you can request a duplicate made. It will not permit you to start your car, however, since the majority of cars are equipped with immobilizer systems which require a specific key to be used to function. In the past, it was very simple to hot wire the car. This involves connecting two wires from the car's ignition to a power source at another location, such as an apartment building. The car then starts when the starter is switched on. Transponder keys make this harder for thieves, as they require the correct key to transmit the coded signals from the chip on key to the ignition system of the vehicle. This makes the key more difficult to steal and if your vehicle is equipped with an immobilizer, it will not start when you use the key that is not transponder-compatible. Therefore, it is important to keep a spare transponder in your purse or pocket just in the event of. If you have lost your spare key, then you'll have contact your local locksmith for automotive or the dealer to clone the lost key in order to restart your car. Dealers will charge you more for this service, as they have exclusive rights to make keys for specific car brands. Smart Keys If you drive a newer model car, chances are that your key is equipped with an intelligent element inside it. These devices, also known as remotes, proximity keys, or fobs, allow drivers to open and start their vehicles without using an actual car key. The technology has been in use since the 1990s, but was a feature found mainly in high-end luxury vehicles at that time. Basically smart keys communicate with vehicle by transmitting an electronic signal via radio waves. These signals are encrypted and only your car can read them. Depending on your key it could have an option to activate your car's locks or ignition as well as some with built-in GPS technology to track the location of your vehicle if it's ever stolen. The key can be a small fob or embedded into the handle. If you lose your key, you will need to contact your auto locksmith or dealer to request replacement. Smart keys are different from traditional keys and can only be replaced by a dealer. The price will depend on the model and make of car you own, as well as your key. For car key replacements , a basic key that has a lock-and-key mechanism will usually only cost $10-$12 to replace. A transponder key, on other hand, is likely to be a bit more costly. You'll typically need to bring the spare smart key and evidence of ownership to the car dealer in order to replace it. Some experts warn that smart keys can be hacked by someone who knows what they are trying to find. For example the signals sent by smart keys are relatively low-frequency when compared to other devices, which makes them easy to pick up at a gas pump. According to How Stuff Works Electronics, this kind of hack is even possible from some distance. In all likelihood the use of smart keys is becoming more widespread and a lot more convenient than traditional keys. They can help protect cars and provide owners with peace of mind, and assist to keep them organized. It's a good idea to purchase one, but make sure that you keep a backup key on hand just in case.