https://yamcode.com/15-things-to-give-your-car-keys-replacement-lover-in-your-life Replacing the car's keys can be a pain and expensive depending on the car model. It's always a good idea to have spare keys in the event that you lose one. The car key evolved along with the evolution of automobiles. Modern keys have to be programmed to pair with the vehicle's immobiliser, normally a job for locksmiths or dealerships. Lost or Stolen Keys It's not uncommon to lose your car keys. If you don't find your keys in a secret pocket or somewhere else obvious, you will have to go through the process of getting a new one. Car key replacements aren't quite as easy as they used to be however there are options for those who lose their keys. Based on the type of key you have, it might be less expensive to replace it with a locksmith instead of the dealership selling cars. This is because dealers for cars charge a fee and frequently outsource the work to local locksmiths. A mobile locksmith will do it for a cheaper price. Many people think of traditional keys when they hear "car key replacement". These traditional keys do not contain a transponder chip or a fob, like remotes or smart keys. These keys are sold in most hardware stores as well as locksmiths for $10 or less. If you own an electronic key fob or a key with transponder chips in it, the process of replacing it is more difficult. The dealership that sold you your vehicle will be able to replace these keys, but may not have one available. They will need to purchase one from the manufacturer. This can take several days, and the cost could be significantly more expensive. There are some local locksmiths that have the equipment and blank keys needed to program these kinds of keys for cars, which will save you lots of time and money. Some even have mobile service that allows them to come to your location and do the work on-site. Some locksmiths are also able to offer roadside assistance to people who have locked themselves out of their vehicle and require assistance to get back inside. This is particularly useful if you have lost your car key fob and are unable to turn the ignition. This type of service usually comes with an expense for callouts and labor charges. You can ask your vehicle manufacturer or breakdown service what they expect from you. Keys damaged Keys If your car's key fob or keychain is damaged, you'll need have it repaired or replaced. This can occur after an accident, break-in, or even normal wear and tear. A locksmith is the ideal place to go to get keys that are replacements. They can replace or repair your keys, and can also make duplicates if you do not have one. However, certain keys are more complex than others. If your key is a Transponder Key, it will have to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This requires special equipment, which is usually only available through the dealership. If you're able to open your trunk and doors, but can't start the engine, it could be a problem with the ignition cylinder. If you have a spare key, you can try using it to see if you can turn on the car that way. If not, you need to call a locksmith or your dealer. Car key problems seem to strike at the most inconvenient times. Certain issues are simpler to repair than others. It's important to keep in mind that the parts of your car all work together. If one part fails, it can create a domino-effect. For instance, if you find that your key doesn't turn on in the ignition, it could be due to a problem with the battery. This can be fixed with an alternative battery, but you'll have to know how to program it to the specific car you have. A locksmith can be of assistance however, you'll be required to know the VIN number for your car. This number can be found in several different places like on the driver's side of the dashboard and in your owner's manual. It is essential to write down the number so that you can give it directly to the person who will replace your car key. This information will to speed up the process so that they will be able to get your key ready as quickly as possible. It will also prevent the possibility of making an error that could result in more expensive repairs later on. Lost keys in the ignition Several years ago, misplacing car keys wasn't a problem because there was a good chance that you had spare keys. Nowadays, though, cars are more technologically advanced and that means that they're also harder to replace. Depending on the car you own and its year, replacing a key could take several steps and cost a few hundred dollars or more. The best way to prevent this from happening is to keep the spare key in a safe place at home. If you don't have a spare key and your ignition is locked, you'll need to call a professional for assistance. The first thing that you'll need to do is determine what kind of key you have. This is essential because a pro will need to determine which key you lost to get started on the replacement process. Once you have the information it will be easier to speed up the process. If you own a traditional car key with a simple double-edged blade, you can make a new one at a hardware store for less than $10. You will need to know the year and model of your vehicle and evidence of ownership (your registration or title will suffice). If you lose the key in the ignition, a locksmith could still create a new key for you if you can provide them with the cylinder retention pin. It is usually located beneath the steering column and can be depressed when the cylinder is turned to the accessory position. The technician will have to restore the cylinder's cuts, cut a new key that's compatible to the chip in the cylinder, and then program the new key using the computer in your car. This is a complex process, but the only method to replace the key of a car that has been kept in the ignition. If your vehicle is new, you'll need to go to the dealer to have them replace the key. They are the only ones who can offer you an alternative key that has the necessary features. Keyless Entry In the past when keys were lost in cars, or losing it wasn't a important since you could simply ask locksmiths to create a new one for you. Since cars have become more advanced in technology, replacing a lost key can involve many steps and can cost hundreds of dollars. There are many different types of keys for cars, based on the year and model. The most commonly used ones include the standard or mechanical key, a transponder key, the key fob, and an intelligent key. A key with a chip transponder is more secure than a traditional car key because it is a unique number that your vehicle can recognize. A locksmith must not only cut a replacement and program it to your specific vehicle. If you've lost this kind of key, it's recommended to bring your vehicle to the dealer to have them reprogram it for you. Other keys for cars have remote control features built into them that let you unlock and start your car from some distance. These keys are more expensive to replace since they require a complex level of programming that only a dealership can perform. Most of these key systems can be programmed again when they stop working therefore you can test this first before purchasing a new one. Certain modern cars have keys that resemble fobs. They have buttons on the side that can be pressed to lock or unlock your car. These keys are known as "smart" and "keyless entry" and are costly to replace. It's important to keep in mind that most of these keys can only be produced by the manufacturer of your vehicle, so if you lose one of them, you'll need to go back to the dealer to have it replaced. You'll need to record your VIN if you can find someone to create your car keys. It is usually found on the number on the dashboard on the driver's side or on a metal plate within the door jamb. You can use this number should you need to retrieve your key in the future through your warranty or car insurance.