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Car Key ReplacementsReplacing car keys can be expensive and stressful depending on the type of car. It's a good idea have spare keys in the event that you lose one.The car key has developed in line with the advancement of cars. Modern keys have to be programmed to work with the vehicle's immobiliser, a task generally reserved for locksmiths or dealerships.Keys that have been stolen or lost areThe misplacing of keys to your car is a regular event. Unless you're lucky enough to find your keys in a hidden pocket or somewhere else obvious, you will have to go through the process of replacing one. Key replacements for cars aren't as easy as they used to be however, there are options for those who lose their keys.Depending on the type of key you have, it may be less expensive to replace it with a locksmith rather than the car dealership. This is because dealerships charge a premium for their services and frequently outsource this work to local locksmiths, while an automotive locksmith on the move can do it for less.Many people think of traditional keys when they hear the term "car key replacement". They do not have a transponder chip or fob, as do remotes or smart keys. They can be replaced by many locksmiths or hardware stores, and can generally be purchased for $10 or less.The procedure of replacing keys that have an electronic transponder or key fob is more complicated. The keys can be replaced by the dealership you bought your car from, however they may not have spares in stock and you will have to purchase it from the manufacturer. This can take several weeks and can cost more.Some locksmiths in the area have blank keys and equipment to program these keys for cars. This will save you time and money. Some locksmiths offer mobile service so they can come and complete the task on site.In addition to being able to assist with lost or stolen cars and vehicles, locksmiths may provide roadside assistance if you're locked out of your car and want to get back in. This is particularly helpful if you have lost your car key fob and are unable to turn the ignition. The service usually includes an expense for callouts and labor costs. You can ask your vehicle manufacturer or breakdown service what they expect of you.Damaged KeysYou'll have to repair or replace the damaged key fob in your car. This could be the result of an accident, a break-in or even just normal wear and wear and tear.A locksmith is the best source to obtain a replacement key. They can repair or replace your keys, and also help you create a duplicate when you don't have one. Some keys are more complex than others. For example, if your key is a transponder it must be programmed to work with the vehicle. This requires specialized equipment that is usually only available at the dealership.If you can unlock your trunk and doors but you are unable to start the engine, there could be a problem with the ignition cylinder. Try using a spare key to determine whether it turns the car on. If not, it's time to call a locksmith or your dealer.Car key problems seem to strike at the most unavoidable times. Luckily, some issues are simpler to fix than others.Remember that all the parts in your car are interconnected. It's possible that if one component is damaged, it could create a domino-effect. If your key doesn't work in the ignition it could be a battery problem. This can be fixed with the replacement battery, however, you'll have to know how to program it for the specific vehicle.This is where a locksmith can help however, you'll be required to know the VIN number of your vehicle. This number is found in several different places like on your driver's side dashboard and in your owner's manual. It is essential to write down the number to ensure that you can provide it directly to the person who replaces your car key. Knowing this information can accelerate the process, since it will enable them to get your key ready for your vehicle as fast as possible. It also helps prevent them from making mistakes that could lead to costly repairs down the road.Lost keys in the ignitionSeveral years ago, losing car keys wasn't a problem because there was a good chance that you had spare keys. Today, however, cars are much more technologically advanced, which means they're harder to replace. Based on car key fob replacement of your car and its year, changing the key can take a few steps and cost a few hundred dollars or more.The best way to stop this from happening is to keep a spare key in a safe location at home. If you don't have an extra key and your ignition is not working, you will need to contact a professional for assistance. First, you'll need to identify the type of key that you have. This is important, as professionals will need to determine the type of key that you lost in order to begin the replacement process. Once you have this information, it will be much simpler to speed up the process.If you own a traditional car key with a simple double-edged key blade, you can have a new one made at a hardware store for less than $10. You will need to know the year and model of your vehicle as well as evidence of ownership (your registration or title should suffice). If you lose your key in the ignition, you are able to obtain a replacement when you provide the locksmith with the key to relock the cylinder. This is typically located underneath the steering column and can be depressed when the cylinder is turned to the accessory position.The technician will have to repair the cuts on the cylinder and cut a new key that's compatible to the chip of the cylinder and then program the new key using the car's computer. This is a complicated process however it's the only option if you've lost the car key that's in the ignition. If your car is very new, you'll probably need to visit the dealership and let them handle this for you, since they're the only ones who can offer a replacement key with the necessary features.Keyless EntryIn the past, if you lost or misplaced your car keys you could have locksmiths to create a new key. Because cars are more technologically advanced, replacing the lost car key could take a few steps and can cost several hundred dollars.There are numerous kinds of keys for cars, based on the year and model. The most common keys are mechanical or regular keys. Other options include a transponder, a key fob, and a smartkey.A key that has a transponder chip is more secure than the traditional car keys because it has a unique number that your car recognizes. Locksmiths will not only need to cut a new key but also program it specifically for your vehicle. It's best to bring your vehicle to a dealer to reprogram the key if you've lost the key.Certain keys for cars come with remote control devices that allow you unlock and start your vehicle from some distance. These types of keys are more expensive to replace as they require a higher level of programming that only dealerships can perform. Fortunately, the majority of these keys can be reset if they stop working, so test this before paying for an entirely new key.Some modern cars have keys that look like fobs. They come with buttons on one side that you can use to lock and unlock your car. These keys are called "smart" and "keyless entry", and can be expensive to replace. It is important to keep in mind that the majority of these keys can only be manufactured by the manufacturer of your car, so if you lose one of them, you'll need to return to the dealer to have it replaced.If you are able to locate someone who can make your car keys, the next thing to do is write down the number of your vehicle identification (VIN). You can usually find this number on the dashboard on the driver's side or it may be stamped on a metal plate in the jamb of your door. It is possible to use this number if you need to claim your key in the future through your warranty or car insurance.