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Replacement Keys For Cars It happens to all. They tend to slip out of pockets on coats or underneath sofa cushions only to be found at the most inconvenient time. car key replacement are easier to find than they were in the past. Here are a few alternatives to replace them: auto locksmiths, dealerships and hardware stores. Keys that were stolen or lost are not found Car keys can get lost or stolen in a variety of ways. Sometimes they break, other instances, they are lost or put in a spot that can be easily found. Sometimes they simply wear out to the point where they're no longer functioning. Whatever the case, it is always recommended to keep a spare car key in order to avoid the expense and hassle of getting one replaced. Contact your local locksmith right away if you have lost your keys. You will usually be able to get a replacement key at a lower price than you'd pay an auto dealer. The locksmith will probably also be in a position to program your car's features, such as hands-free boot release, on the spot. Before you call, be sure you have your car's VIN number, which is necessary to determine the exact year and model of the vehicle in order to create a new key. You may be able to locate this on your dashboard or you may need to verify the title of the car or registration documents. The cost of replacing your key at the dealership may be more expensive depending on the type. Dealerships keep track of this information and will be capable of obtaining an updated key in a short time. You can also get authentic factory replacement keys that have all of the latest security features. If you have a standard lock that is a turn-key it is cheaper to go to a local auto locksmith. The locksmith will make you a key replacement for much less than a dealer and will frequently come to your place. The only issue is if the keys are transponder-style that is, they contain a chip inside the key that is programmed to work with a particular vehicle. Locksmiths can typically create keys for you however they are unable to program them. You'll have bring it in to your dealer to get it programmed. Fob Keys If you have a fob that allows you to open and start your vehicle, or if the fob is broken, then you will need an alternative. Fob keys are available at the dealership, locksmiths and in some cases you can order one on the internet. The cost of replacement varies greatly based on the model and make of your vehicle as well as whether it has a transponder key or not. A basic fob that sends signals to open the doors and start the engine can be replaced by a dealer or locksmith for less than $300. A key that has a transponder chip that verifies the owner is the person who purchased it or a more advanced key, could be more costly. This is particularly relevant for cars that are late in their production. Keep an extra fob or key at all times to avoid money on replacements. If you don't have the funds to carry around a spare and need to ask the dealer to add two sets of keys to the purchase price, or to add a third the order. This will prevent you from having to pay higher costs later. You can also find laser-cut keys from the aftermarket at a lower price than the ones sold by the dealer. Some sellers online can program the new fob for you, but this could invalidate any warranty that was provided with the original key and could be illegal in some states. Before you decide to replace a broken fob, try charging the battery or resetting it. A dead battery is usually the reason for a key fob that won't start or isn't programmed. It's also possible that the buttons on a fob can get stuck or broken and adjusting them can fix the problem. If these steps don't work, a dealership may be the only option, in the event that you cannot find an automotive locksmith that has the equipment to work on the latest models. Dealers are usually the most expensive, but also have the most in-depth knowledge of car technology and systems. They may take a long time to fix your vehicle and they are not sure of offering the best cost. Transponder Keys Transponder keys or chip keys are a modern key that has an embedded computer chip in it. The chip transmits an encoded signal to the car whenever the key is put into the lock cylinder. The car will use this code to start the engine or open the doors. These are much more secure and are a great method to deter theft. A professional locksmith for automotive can cut an inexpensive replacement transponder (chip) for your car for a much lower cost than what the dealer will charge. It's important to note that even if you replace an old key, you'll still need to have it programmed to match the ECM code of your car. If you already have an original transponder you can get a duplicate made. This will not allow you to start your car however, since most cars have immobilizer systems that require the correct keys to be used for them to function. In the past it was easy to hot-wire a car. It involves running two wires from the car's engine to a power source in a different location, such as an apartment. The car will start when the starter is switched on. However, transponder keys make it difficult for thieves to do this since the criminal requires the correct key to transmit the coded signal from the chip in the key to the ignition system. If your vehicle has an immobilizer, it will not start if you have a non-transponder. It is therefore important to keep a spare transponder in your purse or pocket just in case. If you lose your spare key you'll need to call your local automotive locksmith or the dealer to clone the key you lost to start your car again. Dealers will also charge a fee for this service because they usually have exclusive rights to produce the key for certain brands of cars. Smart Keys Keys If you own a more modern model vehicle, it is likely that your car key has an intelligent element inside it. These devices, which are also known as remotes, proximity keys, or fobs, enable drivers to open and start their vehicles without using a physical car key. This technology is not new however, it was only available in top-of-the-line luxury vehicles at the time. Smart keys communicate with vehicles by sending an radio wireless signal. The signals are encrypted, and only your vehicle can read them. Some keys have buttons that allow you to turn on your car's ignition or locks. Others may also include GPS technology that can track your vehicle's location in the event of it being stolen. The key itself can either be a small keychain that can be tucked away in your pocket, or could be a part of the car's handle. If you lose your key you'll need to call your auto locksmith or dealer to request replacement. Smart keys are different from traditional keys and can only be replaced by a dealer. The cost will depend on the make and model of your car, as well as the type of key you have. A basic key with the lock-and-key mechanism is priced at $10 to $12. Transponder keys on the other hand, will be more expensive. You'll typically need to bring your spare smart key along with evidence of ownership to the dealer in order to replace it. Some experts warn against the use of smart keys due to the fact that they can be hacked by someone who knows what to look for. Smart keys, for instance transmit signals at a very low frequency when compared to other devices. This makes them simple to get from the gas station. According to How Stuff Works Electronics, this type of hacking is possible from a distance. In any case, smart keys are becoming more popular and a lot more convenient than older options. They secure cars, provide peace of mind and help owners stay organized. You should consider investing in one however, keep a spare key handy just in case.