Have you ever been in a scenario where you needed to replace a car key? Perhaps you misplaced your car key, or it was stolen.
In any case, you will understand the frustrations that might accompany this. The best advice is that having a spare car key is critical in the first instance. In the long run, having a duplicate car key cut and programmed is the most cost-effective option.
We’ll get to this later…
Suppose you are all set to go; the only problem is that you can’t find your keys. It might not be delightful to be in this scenario. For example, “Can I acquire a car key without the original?” you may think.
If you’ve been locked out of your automobile and don’t have the original key
Look Into Your Nearest Dealership
A replacement car key can be obtained at the dealership where you purchased your vehicle. Unfortunately, a replacement car key from a dealership can be pretty expensive. Car dealers frequently charge a premium for the service and may outsource it to a locksmith. Consider hiring a locksmith.
Go To A Professional Locksmith With Top Reviews
Even if you don’t have the original key, you can replace it with a locksmith.
Going directly to a locksmith may be less expensive than going to your car dealer, but you’ll need certain information to help the procedure go more smoothly.
Collect Your Car Key Information
You will need the following information to receive a replacement key from a locksmith:
- Model of the vehicle
- Year of manufacture
- Vehicle identification number (VIN)
- Vehicle registration title
The data will let the locksmith determine what type of key your car requires. On the other hand, the VIN of your vehicle can be found on the dashboard on the driver’s side or on the driver’s door.
You will also need this information to establish that you own the vehicle.
Before the locksmith can begin, they will need to confirm that you are the vehicle’s legal owner.
Determine The Sort Of Car Key You Require
Different sorts of car keys are required for various vehicles. For example, the kind of automobile key you need is frequently determined by the year your vehicle was manufactured.
If your vehicle was built before 1981, you might get a standard key from a locksmith or, in certain situations, a hardware store. Older automobiles usually lack specialised electronic components such as transponders or chips.
Vehicles manufactured after 1981 have more advanced technologies. For example, a locksmith may require a transponder key. Going to an automobile locksmith or dealer will be your best choice.
If your automobile is newer or your original key was a key fob, you may require a smart key replacement. Key fobs interact with your vehicle’s ignition and must be close by to start your car.
If you require a replacement, purchase a new fob from your automobile dealership or an automotive outlet and get it programmed.
Car Key Replacement Types;
Traditional/non-transponder key (before 1997) – These keys are merely the key blade and do not contain a transponder chip.
As a result, a key blade must be cut, and no programming is necessary.
To properly cut the key blade, the Automotive Locksmith must decode the locks. This is true if no key cut code is provided.
Transponder Key/Non-Remote Function – The same technique as above is required for cutting the key blade, but transponder car keys contain a transponder chip in the key that must be programmed into the vehicle.
Transponder Key/Remote Function – The above two operations are necessary to cut the key blade and program the transponder chip to the car. In addition, the remote capability to open and lock the doors and boot must be programmed.
Interference versus Non-Interference Smart Keys – Interference is a smart key that plugs into the dash and requires you to click the start button to start the automobile.
Non-Interference mode lets you keep the key in your pocket and start the car by pressing the start button. This car key, often known as a proximity key, has an incorporated remote control capability.
IR Key (Infrared Key) – Commonly seen in Mercedes and Jeep. The automobile keys have no blade and are inserted and turned into the dash; they also feature an integrated remote control capability.
Consult An Expert Automotive Locksmith
Getting a replacement key from your automobile dealership can work, but you may pay far more than if you went to an automotive locksmith.
An automotive locksmith can make a new key compatible with your car. Furthermore, if this is the case, an automobile locksmith may be able to program your replacement key fob.
Car key replacement costs
It will cost you money if you require a replacement car key. For example, if you own an older vehicle, you can replace your car key for about $3 and $7. A new key may be more expensive if you have a modern automobile with an electronic key or another speciality car key. Depending on your location and labour expenses, replacement automobile keys with chips, transponders, or fobs might cost up to $250.
If you have misplaced your car key and need the original, calling an automotive locksmith may be a cost-effective solution.
Perth Locksmiths WA offers low-cost auto insurance coverage to help you reduce your car costs. With pay-per-mile auto insurance, you pay a modest monthly fixed price plus a few cents every mile driven. According to a survey of new Perth Locksmiths WA customers who saved when they switched, drivers can save $741 per year on average.
Contact Perth Locksmiths WA at 0403 232 113