What Is It That Makes Spare Key For Car So Popular?
How to Get Spare Key For Car
Losing your car keys can be very stressful. There are several ways you can replace keys.
First, try to find them yourself. Check your bags and pockets and then look around the home.
Be sure to bring proof of ownership before visiting a dealership or locksmith. This could be your vehicle title or registration. This will save you money.
1. Contact Your Dealership
Having a spare car key is a great option, since losing your car keys could be extremely costly and stressful. There are many ways to get a spare key for your car, even it's not as straightforward as it was before.
The easiest method to obtain an extra car key is to call the dealership. Dealerships keep a record of security information for every vehicle and are able to quickly locate your key in their database. However, they will have to create the key for you as well as join it to your car. The cost can range from $200 and $500 based on where you live, the dealership you use, and the make of your vehicle.
Another option is to have a locksmith create you an ordinary key. This is a cheaper alternative to going to the dealer, especially when you own an older vehicle which doesn't come with an advanced key. It's also important to verify your car's warranty, car-insurance policy, or auto club membership to determine whether they'll pay for a new key fob.
The majority of cars today use an expensive, sophisticated key that is difficult to replace. They have a transponder chip that communicates with the vehicle's system to unlock and start the engine. If you lose your smart keys, they'll have to be linked to your vehicle. This can only be done by the dealership.
If your vehicle is leased, your dealer might require that you return two sets of keys or key fobs at the expiration of the lease. If this is the case, it's important to have a spare and make sure you have it before your lease expires.
It's more expensive to purchase a spare key, however it is still worth it if you want to avoid the hassle of expensive repairs in the future. It is always advisable to be prepared in case you encounter a problem, so make sure to keep a spare in a safe place and be aware of what to do in the event that you ever lose your car keys.
2. Contact a Locksmith
It's no secret that losing keys to your car can be an enormous pain in the neck. When you're at the gas station, the grocery store, or on your way home from work it can be extremely painful to discover that you have left your spare key in the back of your car! Luckily, there are a few options to get your keys replaced without having to pay the locksmith or the dealership.
If you have an old key such as a double-edged key you can purchase an alternative one at your local hardware store for less than $10. However, you'll need to provide evidence of ownership, like the vehicle registration or title. It might be more difficult to replace a key which is more technologically advanced like an intelligent key or remote fob. You might need to contact your local locksmith, or the manufacturer to have a new one designed for you.
Transponder keys are utilized in a majority of modern automobiles. They must be programmed into the computer of the vehicle. Locksmiths can help you do this, but it will be more expensive than replacing an old key. You can also reset your key using the instructions provided in your owner's manual. However, this could be time-consuming and complex and may not always work.
By having a designated place to keep your keys, you will reduce the chance of them being lost. You can put a bowl or a key holder on a table next to your door. You can also keep a key ring with you at all times so that you know where your keys are. You can also try to organize your office or home, as a messy environment can make it easier to lose things! Be aware that even if you're not the type to lose your keys, it's possible that you'll lose the keys! In the event of an emergency, it's crucial to create an emergency plan. It's always better to be prepared rather than being stuck on the side of the highway!
3. Call for a Towing Service
It's a good idea to keep an extra set of keys if are someone who loses their car keys often. These are fairly cheap and easy to keep on hand and can help you avoid a lot of stress in the future. Many newer cars come with security features which make it much more difficult to be locked out of the vehicle. Check out the new inventory at Longo Toyota to find a vehicle that has this feature, or think about upgrading your vehicle to one that has it.
There are a myriad of ways to get your car keys replaced, the specifics will depend on the type of key you have and the way it was lost. For example, if you have a traditional key that isn't digitally programmed, locksmiths is likely to be able replace it with ease. If you have a digital key however, it could be a more complex procedure. The dealer will have to examine the VIN and provide proof of ownership to get an alternative key for you, which may take some time.
The majority of car rental companies do not keep spare keys on-site however they will assist you in resolving the problem. Hertz, for example offers the option of losing keys as part of its premium roadside assistance plan. However this service isn't provided when you don't purchase additional roadside protection.
If your rental company can't assist you, or you do not have their emergency roadside service plan, your next option is to contact an towing service or locksmith. Both of them can get you back into your car and on the road however each has advantages and disadvantages. It is important to study both options and keep the contact details of both companies available in case of emergency. Be sure to keep your keys safe by all means. This means that you put them in the same spot every time, and not putting them in your pocket of your coat or on top of your car when you're parking.
4. Contact an Repair Shop
When you lose your car keys, it's always best to have a plan to return inside the vehicle. In the past, losing your car key or losing it was a minor issue. Nowadays, this can be a major problem. If you're smart, it's not as difficult or expensive to find a spare key like it was in the past.
The first thing you'll need determine the kind of key your car has. Keys that are traditional with an electronic shank that is inserted into the ignition are simple to replace. A basic key with no chip is priced between $10 and $12. The majority of modern cars have keys with security chips built in that must be reprogrammed into the car to unlock doors or start the car. Keys replacement for these cars can cost up to $200.
These chips can be programmed at your local dealer however, the process is complex and requires special equipment. A locksmith might also be able to perform this task however it is important to find a locksmith who has the necessary expertise and tools.
Another option is to visit a key cutting shop, such as AutoZone where an associate will use a key that is working and trace its contours. This way they'll be able to cut the new key to match the cut of the original key. The only downside to this is that you won't be allowed to drive your vehicle until you've had the new key cut and programmed to the vehicle.
If you'd like to try this method, you will require a driver's license and proof of ownership. A locksmith or dealer can decode the VIN on these documents to find the code needed to pair a key with your vehicle.
You can also cut down on the cost of programming by having an entirely new key created and then attempting to reset it on your own. The instructions are available in the owner's guide or online.