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Replacement Keys For Cars Losing car keys happens to the very best of us. They tend to disappear from pockets in coats or under couch cushions, only to be discovered at the most inconvenient moment. Fortunately keys to replace for cars aren't as hard to find as they once were. You can purchase them at auto locksmiths, hardware shops and dealerships. Keys that were stolen or lost are not found Car keys can be stolen or lost in various ways. Sometimes they break, other times they're lost or are left in a place where they can be easily located. Sometimes, they just wear out until they are no longer functioning properly. Whatever the reason it is a good idea to have a spare car key in order to save the expense and hassle of getting one replaced. If you've lost your key and you lose it, the best option is to contact your local auto locksmith as soon as possible. They will usually be able to make you an alternative key for less than it will cost at a dealership. The locksmith may also be able to program your car's features, like hands-free boot release on the on the spot. Make sure you have your VIN number before you call. This is needed to determine the exact year and model of the vehicle in order to create a new key. You may be able to find this on your dashboard, or you may have to check the vehicle's title or registration papers. Depending on the type of key you own, it might be more costly to purchase a new one at the dealership. Dealerships will keep track your information to ensure that you get an replacement key as fast as they can. You can also obtain an authentic factory-replacement key that has all the latest security features. If you have a standard lock that's a turn-key it is cheaper to go to a local auto locksmith. The locksmith can make you a replacement key for much cheaper than the dealer and they can often come to you onsite. The only exception is when you have transponder keys, that are programmed to work for a specific vehicle. Locksmiths are usually able to make the key for you but not program it, so you'll have to bring it to a dealership to get this done. Fob Keys If you have a fob to open and start your vehicle, or the fob is broken, then you will need an alternative. Fob keys can be replaced by the dealership or a locksmith in some cases you can order one on the internet. The cost is largely contingent on the model and make of your car and whether it has a transponder keys or not. A basic fob, which emits a signal to open the doors and starts the engine, can usually be replaced at the dealer or by locksmiths for less than $300. A more sophisticated key with an embedded transponder chip to confirm that the driver is the owner may be more expensive, especially for cars that are late-model. Keep car key replacement or key with you at all times to save money on replacements. If you don't have the funds to carry around a spare request the dealer to add two sets of keys to the purchase price or to add a third to the purchase. This will help you save from paying higher fees later. There are also laser-cut keys that are made by the aftermarket for a much lower cost than those offered by the dealer. Some sellers on the internet will program your new key fob, but this may void the warranty of the original and be illegal in certain states. Before you decide to replace a damaged fob, you can try charging the battery or resetting it. A dead battery is often the culprit for a key fob that won't start or isn't programmed. You can also adjust the buttons on the fob in case they're broken or stuck. If none of these solutions work, a dealer may be your only option, unless you find an automotive locksmith that has the tools to work on the latest models. Generally, dealers are the most expensive option, however they also have the best knowledge of car systems and technology. They can take a while to work on your vehicle and aren't guaranteed to provide the lowest cost. Transponder Keys Transponder keys or chip keys are a more contemporary key type that comes with an embedded computer chip in it. The chip transmits an encoded signal to the car whenever the key is put into the lock cylinder. The car utilizes this code to start the engine or open the doors. These are much harder to steal, and is a great way to deter thieves. A professional locksmith can cut a basic transponder chip (key) for your vehicle at a lower cost than an auto dealer. It is important to remember that you'll need to get the key programmed to match the number in your vehicle's ECM in the event that you replace an existing key. If you already have an original transponder you can have a copy made. It will not permit you to start your car, however, since most automobiles are equipped with immobilizer systems that require the correct key to be used for them to work. 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 will start when the starter is switched on. However, transponder keys make it difficult for thieves to steal this, since they require the correct key to transmit the coded signal from the chip on the key to the ignition system. If your vehicle is equipped with an immobilizer, it won't start if you're using no transponder. Therefore, it is important to keep an extra transponder in your purse or pocket just in the event of. If you lose your spare key you'll need contact your local locksmith or dealer to copy the key you lost 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 if you drive an older model of vehicle. Sometimes called proximity keys, fobs or remotes they allow drivers to unlock their cars and begin using them without requiring an actual key. The technology has been in use since the 1990s, but was a feature that was mostly found in automobiles of the time. Smart keys communicate with vehicles by sending an radio wireless wave. These signals are encrypted, and only your vehicle is able to read them. Depending on your key it could have a button that activates your car's locks or ignition and some even 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. If you lose your keys, you'll need to call your dealer or auto locksmith to get it replaced. This is because smart keys aren't like your regular keys and only a car dealer can replace them. How much will depend on the model and make of your car, as well as 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 the other hand, is likely to be a bit more expensive. You'll typically need to bring your spare smart key along with evidence of ownership to your dealer in order to get it replaced. Some experts caution against the convenience of smart keys due to the fact that they are susceptible to hacking by anyone who knows what to look for. For example the signals sent by smart keys are relatively low-frequency compared to those of other devices, which makes them simple to pick up at a gas pump. According to How Stuff Works Electronics, this kind of hack is possible from the distance. In all likelihood, smart keys are becoming more popular and a lot more convenient than older options. They help keep cars safe and give owners peace of mind, and aid to keep them organized. It's a good idea to invest in one of these, but make sure that you have a spare key on hand in case of emergency.