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Replacement Keys For Cars It is a common occurrence for everyone. They tend to disappear from pockets on coats or underneath couch cushions, only to be discovered at the most inconvenient times. Car keys replacements are easier to find than they were in the past. You can get them replaced at auto locksmiths, hardware stores and dealerships. Keys that were stolen or lost are not found There are a myriad of ways keys to your car can be lost or stolen. Sometimes they break, other times they are misplaced or are placed in a location that can be easily found. Sometimes they simply wear out to the point that they can no longer function. It's always a good idea to have an extra key to save the burden of replacing one. Contact your local automotive locksmith immediately if you lose your keys. They will usually be able to create an alternative key for less than what it costs at an auto dealer. The locksmith will probably also be capable of programming your car's features, like hands-free boot release, on the moment of the call. Be sure to have your VIN number when you call. This is needed to determine the exact year and model of the vehicle for the purpose of creating the new key. You might be able to locate this on your dashboard, or you may need to verify the title of the car or registration papers. The cost of replacing your key at the dealership could be higher depending on the type. Dealerships keep on top of this information so they will be capable of obtaining the key you need quickly. They'll also be in a position to offer you a genuine factory replacement key that comes with all the latest security features that are built into. On the other the other hand, if you've got an ordinary turn-key key, it will be cheaper to go to a local auto locksmith. The locksmith can provide you with the replacement key for much less than a dealer and will frequently come to your place. The only issue is if the keys are transponder style that means they contain a chip inside them that has been programmed to work with a specific vehicle. Locksmiths can usually create keys for you, but they cannot program them. You will need to bring it to your dealer in order to have it programmed. Fob Keys If your car is equipped with a fob key to open and start the car, you need a replacement for that if it malfunctions or is lost. Fob keys can be purchased from the dealership, locksmiths and in some cases, you can buy one online. replacements car key is largely contingent on the model and make of your vehicle as well as whether it has a transponder key or not. A basic fob that sends a signal to open the doors and start the engine could be replaced by a dealer or locksmith for less than 300 dollars. A more sophisticated key with an integrated transponder chip that can verify the driver is the owner may be more expensive, especially for late-model cars. The most efficient method to save on replacement keys and fobs is to always keep an extra set on hand. If you don't have the funds to carry around a spare, ask the dealer to add two sets of keys to the purchase price or to add a third set to the order. This will prevent you from paying higher fees later. There are also laser-cut keys that are made by the aftermarket at a lower price than those sold by the dealer. Some sellers online will program your new key fob, however this could void the warranty of the original and may be illegal in some states. Before you decide to replace a damaged fob, try recharging the battery or resetting it. A dead battery may be the reason behind the fob not working or isn't programmable. It's also possible the buttons on the fob may get stuck or broken and adjusting them could fix the problem. If the steps above don't work, you might need to visit a dealer unless an automotive locksmith has the required equipment to program the most recent models. Dealers are typically the most expensive, however they also have the most comprehensive knowledge of car technology and systems. However, they may take a long time to fix your vehicle and aren't guaranteed to offer the lowest price. Transponder Keys Transponder keys, also known as chip keys, are a type of key that comes with a computer chip embedded in it. The chip will send an encoded signal to the vehicle when the key cylinder is put in. The car utilizes this code to start the engine and open the doors. These are much harder to steal, and an excellent way to deter thieves. A professional locksmith will be able to cut a basic transponder chip (key) for your vehicle at a cheaper cost than a dealer. It's important to note that even if you replace an old key, you'll need to have it programmed to match the ECM code of your vehicle. You can also have the basic transponder key copied from the original if have it. You won't be able to start your vehicle since many vehicles come with immobilizer systems that require a specific key to function. In the past, it was very easy to heat wire the car. This involves running two wires from the car's ignition to a source of power in another location, such as an apartment building. The car will start when the starter is turned on. Transponder keys make it more difficult for thieves, as they need the correct key to transmit the encrypted signals from the chip in the key to the ignition system of the vehicle. This makes the key difficult to steal and if your car has an immobilizer it won't start with an untransponderable key. It is therefore important to keep a spare transponder in your pocket or purse just in case. If you have lost your spare key, then you'll have to call your local locksmith for automotive or the dealer to clone the key that was lost in order to restart your car. A dealer will also charge a premium for this service as they typically have the exclusive rights to produce the key for certain kinds of vehicles. Smart Keys You might have an intelligent key if you drive a more recent model of vehicle. These devices, which are also referred to as proximity keys, remotes, or fobs, enable drivers to unlock and start their vehicles without using a physical car key. The technology isn't new however it was only available in high-end luxury cars at the time. Basically smart keys communicate with the vehicle via a wireless signal through radio waves. These signals are encrypted and only your car is able to read the signals. Depending on the type of key you use it could have the button that turns on the ignition or locks on your car, and some also have built-in GPS technology that tracks the location of your vehicle if it's ever stolen. The key itself could be a small, nifty fob that you can carry inside your pocket, or it could be a part of the car's handle. Either way, if you lose your key, you'll likely need to visit your dealership or auto locksmith to assist with replacement. This is because smart keys aren't like your regular keys, and only the dealership can replace them. The cost is contingent on the make and model of your vehicle and the type of key you have. For instance, a standard key that has a lock-and-key mechanism is typically priced between $10-$12 to replace. A transponder key, on other hand, will likely be a bit more expensive. You'll usually need to bring your spare smart key along with evidence of ownership to your dealer to replace it. Some experts warn against the use of smart keys due to the fact that they could be hacked by someone who knows what to look for. For instance the signals sent by smart keys are low-frequency in comparison to other devices, which makes them easy for someone to pick up at a gas pump. This kind of hack may even work from a distance, according to How Stuff Works Electronics. In any case, smart keys are becoming more common and are a lot more practical than older options. They protect cars, provide peace of mind and assist owners keep their keys organized. You should invest in one and keep a spare key in your car just in case.