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Replacement Keys For Cars It happens to everyone. They tend to disappear from coat pockets or sofa cushions only to be found at the worst possible time. Fortunately keys to replace for cars aren't as hard to get as they once were. Here are a few alternatives to replace them: auto locksmiths, dealers and hardware stores. Lost or Stolen keys There are a myriad of ways car keys can be lost or stolen. Sometimes they break, but other times they are misplaced or get put in a spot where they can be easily located. Sometimes, click through the next article wear out to the point where they're no longer functioning. It is always a smart idea to have an extra key in case you need to keep from the burden of replacing one. Contact your local automotive locksmith right away if you have lost your keys. They are likely to make you a replacement key at a lower cost than what it would cost you at a dealership. The locksmith can also program the features of your car like hands-free boot opening, on the moment of the call. Be sure to have your VIN number when you call. This is required to determine the year and model of the car in order to create an entirely new key. You may be able to locate this on your dashboard or you may have to verify the title of the car or registration documents. Depending on the kind of key you have it could be more expensive to purchase a new one at the dealership. Dealerships will keep track of your information to ensure that you get the replacement key as soon as possible. You can also get a genuine factory-replacement key with all the latest security features. On the other hand, if you have the standard turn-key type of key, it will be more affordable to use an auto locksmith in your area. The locksmith can make you a replacement key for much cheaper than the dealer and often, they will be there on site. The only problem with this is if the keys are a transponder style, which means they contain a chip inside the key that is programmed to work with the particular vehicle. Locksmiths are typically capable of making keys for you, but not program it, so you'll need to bring it to a dealership to have this done. Fob Keys If you have a fob that allows you to start and open your vehicle, or the fob is damaged, then you will need an alternative. Fob keys can be replaced by the dealership or a locksmith, or in certain cases you can order one on the internet. The cost depends on the make and model of your car and whether or not it has transponders. A basic fob, which emits a signal to open the doors and then starts the engine, can usually be replaced by the dealer or by a locksmith for less than $300. A key that has a transponder chip that proves the driver is the owner or a more advanced key, may be more costly. This is particularly applicable to late model cars. Keep an extra fob or key with you always in case you need to save money on replacements. If you don't have enough money to carry around an extra set of keys 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 save you from having to pay higher costs later. You can purchase laser-cut keys online at a lower price than those sold by dealers. Some sellers on the internet will program the new key fob, but this may invalidate the warranty of the original and may be illegal in certain states. Try charging or resetting the battery before you decide to replace your broken fob. A dead battery is usually the cause of keys that don't start or isn't programmed. You can also alter the buttons of the fob in case they're stuck or broken. If the steps above don't work, you might need to go to a dealership unless an automotive locksmith has the programming equipment for the latest models. Dealers are usually the most expensive, however they also have the most comprehensive understanding of car technology and systems. However, click through the next article may take an extended time to repair your vehicle and aren't able to offer the best prices. Transponder Keys Transponder keys, or chip keys are a type of key that comes with a computer chip embedded in it. The chip transmits an encoded signal to the car when the key is put into the lock cylinder. The code is then used by the car to start the engine and unlock the doors. They are much more difficult to steal, and is a great way to deter thieves. A professional locksmith can cut a basic replacement transponder key (chip) for your vehicle at a price that is lower than the dealer can charge. It is important to note that you'll still need to get the key programmed to match the number in your vehicle's ECM when replacing an existing key. You could also use the basic transponder key copied from the original if already have it. It will not permit you to start your car however, since the majority of cars are equipped with 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. This involves connecting two wires from the car's engine to a power supply in another location such as an apartment. The car starts when the starter is switched on. Transponder keys make this harder for thieves, as they need the correct key to transmit the coded signals from the chip in the key to the ignition system of the vehicle. If your vehicle is equipped with an immobilizer, it will not start if you have an untransponderable key. This is why it's important to always have a spare transponder key in your purse or pocket in case of. If you have lost your spare key, then you'll have contact your local automotive locksmith or the dealer to clone the key that was lost in order to start your car again. Dealers will charge more for this service since they are the only ones to create keys for certain vehicle brands. Smart Keys You might have an intelligent key in case you own an older model of car. Often called fobs, proximity keys or remotes These devices permit drivers to unlock their vehicles and start them without using a physical key. The technology has been around since the 1990s but was that was mostly found in luxury vehicles at that time. Basically, smart keys communicate with your vehicle via an electronic signal via radio waves. These signals are encrypted and only your vehicle is able to read them. Depending on the type of key you use that you have, it may come with an option to activate your car's locks or ignition, and some also have built-in GPS technology that tracks the location of your vehicle if it's ever stolen. The key can be a small fob or embedded in the handle. Either way, if you lose it, you'll likely need to visit your dealership or auto locksmith for assistance with replacement. Smart keys are different from traditional keys and can only be replaced by the dealer. The cost will depend on the type and make of car you have as well as the model of your key. A standard key that has an lock-and-key mechanism will cost $10 to $12. Transponder keys, on other hand, tend to be more expensive. Generally, you'll need to bring your spare smart key and proof of ownership to your dealership to get it replaced. Some experts warn that smart keys could be hacked by someone who knows what they're trying to find. Smart keys, for instance transmit signals at a very low frequency when compared to other devices. This makes them easier to obtain at a gas station. This kind of hack could even work from the distance, according to How Stuff Works Electronics. Smart keys are becoming increasingly popular and are more practical. They protect cars and offer peace of mind and assist owners stay organized. You should consider investing in one, but keep a spare key on hand just in case.