The Worst Advice We've Been Given About Spare Car Key Cost

· 6 min read
The Worst Advice We've Been Given About Spare Car Key Cost

How Much Does a Spare Car Key Cost?

A spare car key can be a lifesaver in the event that you have to replace or damage your primary car key. There are a few pitfalls you should be aware of. These include programming errors as well as key fob malfunctions.

The cost of a replacement key is based on the model and make of your vehicle. The type of key also matters.

Key duplication

The best way to avoid the hassle of losing your keys is to have duplicates made. This process takes a relatively short time and is relatively inexpensive, especially you consider the anxiety of being locked out of your car or home. A spare set of keys can help you avoid having to resort to using keys or another device to unlock the lock, which could be dangerous and ineffective.

It's a good idea have duplicate keys for everyone who owns a home or a car however this is especially crucial for parents of children. It's easy for kids to misplace or lose keys, which can lead to many problems. This is why it's a great idea to keep spare keys in a safe place like in the garden or under a plant next to the front door. If you have a pet, it's a good idea to give a duplicate to the person who feeds or walks it when you're away. The extra set of keys could help you avoid needing to pay for a locksmith in the event that your key breaks off in the lock.


There are a variety of ways to duplicate keys, however, professional locksmith services are the most reliable. They employ specially designed equipment to duplicate your key. To accomplish this they load the original key and the blank into a machine that cuts the key to create a duplicate. The key is then programmed to function with the vehicle's computer system. This is known as"cloning.

You can also cut your own spare key, but it could be a challenge when your lock is of high-security. This kind of key comes with an "DO NOT COPY" stamp and must by cut by an experienced locksmith or automotive store. It is still possible to duplicate this type of key but the cost will be more expensive.

Most hardware stores cannot make a spare key, however, you can find an experienced locksmith close to you. They offer a variety of key blanks and high-quality duplicating equipment, which means they can make a brand new key quickly. Apart from making a spare key an expert can also assist you with additional security measures.

Lockout service

It can be a major problem to be locked out of your car.  get spare car key made near me  is best to avoid this scenario altogether by having a spare key made. This investment, while expensive is a good investment over time. A professional locksmith will give you a spare key for an affordable price. They also offer other services, such as programming a key. It is crucial to remember that you are only able to make use of a spare key if it's kept safe and safe.

If you lose just one car key, it's recommended to take it to a dealer to be replaced. If your car uses a smart key and you need to replace it, the cost of doing it will be much higher than the cost of traditional mechanical keys. Smart keys have an embedded security chip which must be connected to the ignition of your vehicle. Therefore, they require special equipment that can only be found at a dealer.

Breaking a window is one of the most common ways to gain access to your car. This isn't the best option as it can result in additional expenses, such as the replacement of a window or a broken door frame. This could trigger the alarm in the car, which could draw unwanted attention or even the police.

You can also unlock the doors using straightened clothes hangers or a rod. This method works on power door locks that have lock buttons on the armrest. To do this, you'll need to cut a gap between the top of one of the front door window frames and the body of the car. You can then slide or depress the lock button using the rod or clotheshanger.

Lockout services, unlike the other methods, are available all hours of the day. They can help you gain access to your vehicle swiftly. These services are also much cheaper than tearing windows or calling a tow truck. They guarantee to fix any damage to your vehicle.

Transponder key programming

A transponder key is a key equipped with an electronic microchip in its head. These chips are able to transmit and receive radio frequency signals. When a car is started with transponder, the chip of the key transmits a message to the antenna ring on the engine control unit. The ECU reads the signals and then starts the engine. This technology was developed to prevent car theft by making it difficult for thieves to open cars without the right key.

Some people try to save money by purchasing an already-cut spare key from a locksmith or on the internet However, they should be wary of secondhand keys as they may already be programmed for an alternative vehicle. The type of key would only be capable of starting the vehicle it was programmed for, and can cause major damage if it is used in another vehicle. The best way to get an extra car key is to contact an expert locksmith and have them design one.

Transponder key programming is a process that requires a lot of time and patience, and can be difficult for the average person to do at home. It requires specialized tools and an understanding of automotive electronic systems. There are numerous online guides to help with the process, but they all vary in complexity. Some are easy to do but others require an expert.

The most popular method to program a transponder is to use the use of a hex-key. This method is simple and can be done by the majority of people, however it is not compatible with all vehicles. Certain manufacturers have proprietary technology that only allows dealers to program new keys.

The EEPROM method requires special equipment and is more complicated. The method of EEPROM involves reading the key data stored in the microchip of the vehicle and then reprogramming the new key. It's very risky and can alter the information stored in the microchip, which is why it should be done by a professional with knowledge of automotive electronics. It's possible to complete this yourself if you're a competent DIYer. But, it's better to leave it to a professional.

Car key replacement

Car key replacement is a common service required by many people. The cost of replacement varies based on the kind of key. Contacting an auto locksmith is the cheapest option to replace a lost car key. They can cut and program a new key at only a fraction of the price that a dealer charges. You can find cheaper options by searching online for "car key fob", "key cylinder" or similar terms.

Be sure to have the VIN number of your car before you purchase an alternative. This can be found on the dashboard of the driver's side or on the engine block. This number is usually printed on your insurance card. This number can be used to identify your car and determine its model.

If you have a key not chipped, a second option is to call your dealer. However, this can be costly and could require a tow fee. If you want to reduce the cost it's an excellent idea to search your trash drawer or filing cabinet for old keys.

It is recommended to visit the dealer if you've got a transponder or smart key. They will be able find your key quickly as they keep track of security issues. If they don't have the key you require they'll order it for you and pair it with your vehicle. The keys are more expensive, but they offer extra security and help in preventing theft.

You can also contact roadside assistance. It's generally less expensive than visiting the dealership, but it may take a few additional days to make a replacement key. It is important to find your lost key as soon as you can so that you can be back on the road. It is better to plan ahead of time rather than panic when you lose your keys.