Finding a Replacement Car Key Near Me
Losing your car key can be a stressful experience. Many AutoZone stores provide key cutting services that will help you get back to the road in a hurry.
For less than $10, you can purchase the traditional metal key at any AutoZone. Dealers can offer more advanced options, like a key fob or switchblade, or a transponder chip.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys are a single metal shaft and head that are inserted into the lock. These keys have been the standard for a long time, and although they're not as efficient as newer fobs or push-to-start devices, they provide a number of advantages over other options. They're inexpensive, easy to locate and use and provide a physical source of security. Traditional keys are durable, as well, and often outlast the car itself.
The majority of AutoZone stores can substitute the standard key. The process is simple. Bring your key to the store, and an associate will match it to an uncut key that's designed for your vehicle's year model, make, and year. The key cutting machine will then trace the original contours and create an exact copy of the same shape. It takes just a few moments and is less expensive than buying a new key at a dealer.
Some people prefer ordering traditional keys online to obtain them quickly. This is a great option when you don't have the time for an auto locksmith or you don't want to pay for a dealer replacement key. This method could cost more than hiring a locksmith, particularly if the key that you need is a chip.
A few downsides to using traditional keys include the fact that they're more difficult to use when carrying luggage, groceries, or kids with both hands. If they are not securely stored in your keychain or pocket they could easily get lost. They're not as robust as other keys and don't come with tracking devices that can aid you in finding them if you lose them.
If you lose your traditional car key, then you'll need to consult a professional automotive technician to install a brand new ignition. This procedure may take a bit longer than a regular key replacement, but it will save you money by not having to hire an locksmith to replace your car key.
Key Fobs
In the past the time of misplacing a car keys was not a huge issue. It cost a little money to get a locksmith to make the replacement, but it wasn't a major hassle. Modern cars come with advanced technology, and replacing a lost key could be a major hassle.
Key fobs, small plastic devices, can secure and unlock your car by pressing one button. They can also disarm the alarm, or arm it, and also open the trunk. The key fobs work by sending a radio wave to the key reader that is installed in the ignition of your vehicle. The reader is then a signal to the vehicle to start its engine and then open the doors. Fobs can be used to regulate security systems at home.
If you have a fob, it is important to keep an extra key in your pocket. This will save you the hassle and cost of paying for a dealer to cut and program an entirely new key, which can cost upwards of $200. Check your auto club membership or insurance policy to see if it covers replacing lost keys fobs if you own a vehicle that is newer.
Online shopping for an aftermarket fob is another option to save. It is possible to find an ordinary key fob for about half the price that you'd pay at a dealer. However, you'll need to have it cut and programmed at a locksmith or a company that offers the service.
automotive key replacement per hour to cut and program a replacement fob. The cost will vary based on the type of vehicle you have, the model year and the key fob's functions. Be aware that smart fobs can be more difficult to program. You'll need the owner's guide for your car and to reset them, you'll have follow the directions.
A key fob is also useful for apartment buildings that do not have locks on all doors. The fob can be used to unlock the door, so you don't get locked out when carrying groceries in.
Smart Keys Keys
A smart key contains a microchip that only the car's system can recognize. When the smart key is placed in the ignition, a sensor opens the doors and then starts the engine. This kind of key has many advantages, including convenience and increased security. There are certain things you should be aware of before purchasing a key.
The majority of modern vehicles do not accept traditional keys. To unlock and start your vehicle, you need the key fob. Smart keys also have added security features that help protect against theft. They are more difficult to steal for tech-savvy thieves because they send a new frequency signal every time the trunk or door is closed. If the battery for the smart key goes out, the vehicle can still be operated with an alternative ignition key.
Another benefit of a smart key is the capability to lock the vehicle remotely using the app on smartphones. This can be helpful if you have to leave your car in the garage unattended like when you load groceries into the trunk or out for lunch. But, it is important to keep in mind that if you lose your phone, it will not be able to unlock and start your car.
If you lose a smart key you'll need to contact roadside assistance to bring a tow truck to the dealership and they will be able to repair it. Locksmiths can make a traditional car key, however a smart key, or transponder requires special equipment. The dealership has to provide this.
A locksmith can duplicate the traditional key, but when the key isn't properly programmed, it will not function correctly. If you don't have the original, a locksmith can do the programming, but you will need to have it towed back to the dealer in order to electronically pair the chip with the computer. In some instances it can take several days to complete and you should be prepared to wait for it if you lose your smart keys.
Roadside Assistance
You can add roadside assistance to your auto insurance policy, or obtain it through third-party providers like credit card companies or AARP. It covers a variety of services, including towing, fuel delivery and locksmith services. You could be covered for the cost of a hotel or rental car in the event that your vehicle breaks down.
The kind of car key you own can affect the ease with which you can locate your way back to your vehicle in the event that you get locked out. For example keys that are traditional are easy to copy and can be duplicated by a majority of locksmiths on the spot. But, if your car is equipped with a laser-cut smart key that must be programmed by the dealer, it can take a bit longer and could cost more to have one replaced with your vehicle.
You can't predict when your keys will break or disappear and it's a good idea to keep a few spare sets in your possession. You can also purchase a Bluetooth tracker that you can connect to your keys. It emits a unique signal that you can connect to a smartphone application to locate your lost keys.
If your car is a brand new model with a key fob or an older model that has only a mechanical key, there is a good possibility that you'll need to replace it at some point. The teeth on your car key may start to wear out, for instance, or you could discover that the key only opens the doors a tiny bit when you turn it. If you notice that the teeth of your car key are starting to wear out, it is an ideal idea to contact roadside assistance to replace the key.
Many insurance companies offer roadside assistance as part of their comprehensive policies. This insurance could save you money on a replacement key or fob if your car is stolen or stolen. However, it's important to weigh the savings against the insurance deductible, as well as the time it will take to make a claim.