Finding a
Replacement Car Key Near MeThe loss of your car keys can be a very stressful experience. Fortunately, a number of AutoZone locations offer key cutting services that can help you get back on the road as quickly as possible.
You can buy replacements for traditional keys made of metal at any AutoZone location for less than $10. Dealers can provide you with more advanced options, such as the key fob or switchblade, or a transponder chip.
Traditional Keys
Cars with traditional keys use a single metal key, with an elongated shaft and a head that fits into the lock. They have been used for a long time and, although they might not be as convenient as the modern fobs or push-to-start systems, they offer many advantages over other options. They're easy to use, affordable and provide an additional security measure. Keys that are traditional are durable and last longer than a vehicle.
If you have a standard key and you want to replace it, the procedure is simple at most AutoZone locations. Bring your key to the store and an associate will match your key with a blank key made specifically for your car's model, year, and make. The key cutting machine will trace the original contours of the key and create a duplicate with exactly the same shape. It only takes just a few minutes, and it's less expensive than purchasing a
replacement key fobs for cars at the dealership.
Some people prefer to purchase traditional keys online to obtain them quickly. This can be a good option if there isn't much time to wait for a locksmith, or in case you don't want to invest in an auto dealer key replacement. Be aware that this option could cost more than a professional locksmith particularly if you require the replacement of a key with chip inside it.
Using traditional keys can be difficult when you're carrying your luggage, groceries or children in both hands. They can also easily become lost if they're not tucked securely in your purse or keychain. They're not as durable as some other types of keys, and they don't have built-in tracking devices to aid in finding them should they're lost.
If you lose your standard car key, you will require a professional automotive technician to install a new ignition. This service is more time-consuming than a standard key replacement, but it will be worth it in the end to prevent you from having to pay more on a locksmith to provide a car key replacement.
Key Fobs
A few years ago, misplacing a
mobile car key replacement key wasn't really a big deal. Locksmiths would charge a small amount to replace your key, but it was not an issue. But, modern cars utilize advanced technology, and keys that are lost can be an absolute hassle to replace.
Key fobs, small, plastic devices, are able to lock and unlock your vehicle at the touch of one button. They can also disarm the alarm or arm it, and open the trunk. They transmit a signal through radio waves to the key reader in the ignition of your vehicle, which then tells the vehicle to open its doors and start the engine. Fobs can also be used to control home security systems.
If you have a fob, it is important to keep an extra key on hand. You will avoid the hassle and expense of having to pay a dealer to cut and program a key which could cost you more than $200. If you own a newer vehicle, you should check your insurance policy or auto club membership to see if they cover the cost of replacing keys that have been lost.
Online shopping for an aftermarket key fob is another option to save. It is possible to find a basic key fob for less than half the cost you'd pay at a dealer. But, you'll need to cut it and have it programmed by a locksmith, or a company that offers the service.
Many locksmiths charge by the hour to cut and program a new fob. The cost will vary based on the type of vehicle you have, the model year, and the key fob's capabilities. Be aware that smart fobs can be more difficult to program. You'll need to have the owner's manual for the specific vehicle and follow the steps to reset them.
A key fob can also be useful for apartment buildings that don't have a lock on every door. You can use the fob to unlock the door so you don't get locked out when carrying groceries in.
Smart Keys
A smart key is a microchip that only the car system can recognize. When the smart key is placed into the ignition the sensor opens the doors and then starts the engine. This kind of key comes with numerous advantages, including security and convenience. However there are a few things to consider before purchasing one.
Most newer cars do not allow the use of traditional keys. Instead they require an
electronic car key replacement key fob or smart key to unlock and start the car. Smart keys have additional security features to help stop theft. The fact that they send an alternate frequency signal every time the trunk or door opens is closed, for instance, makes them harder for thieves with a technological edge to steal. If the battery for the smart key is exhausted, the car can still be operated with the backup ignition key.
Smart keys also allow you to lock your car remotely with an app on your smartphone. This is useful if you need to leave your car unattended while taking groceries out of the trunk or taking a trip out for lunch. It is crucial to keep in mind that in the event that you lose your phone it won't be able to unlock and start your car.
If you lose a smart key, you'll need to call roadside assistance to bring an tow truck to the dealership, where they will be able to replace it. A locksmith can usually create a traditional key but replacing a transponder or smart key will require special equipment that the dealership will be able to provide.
A traditional key can be copied by locksmiths, but the new key may not function correctly if it isn't programmed correctly. If you don't own the original key, locksmiths can carry out the programming, but you will require it to be towed back to the dealer to connect the chip with the computer. It could take a while in some cases. Be ready to wait if you've lost your smart key.
Roadside Assistance
Roadside assistance is an added-on coverage you can get through your car insurance provider or through third-party companies like credit card companies and AARP. It covers a wide range of services like towing, fuel delivery and locksmith services. You could be covered for the cost of a hotel room or rental car in the event of your vehicle breaking down.
The type of car key you own can affect how easy it is to locate your way back to your car in the event that you get locked out. Locksmiths are able to copy traditional keys, which are simple to duplicate. If your car has laser cut, programmable, smart key that must be programmed by the dealer, it will take longer and
cost of replacement car key more to get an entirely new key fitted to your vehicle.
It's impossible to predict when your car keys might go missing or break down however it's a good idea to buy a few extra sets so you always have one in your possession. You can also purchase a Bluetooth key tracker to connect to your keys, which emits a unique signature that you can then connect to an application on your phone to locate your lost keys.
It is possible to replace your mechanical key at some point, regardless of whether it's an older model that has a keyfob or a newer one that has keyfob. The teeth of your car key might begin to wear down, for instance, or you could discover that the key opens only the doors a little at a time when you turn it. If you notice that the teeth of your car key are starting to wear out, it is recommended to call roadside assistance to replace the key.
Many insurance companies provide roadside assistance as part of their comprehensive policies. This protection can save you money on a new fob or key if your car is stolen or stolen. It's crucial to consider the savings versus the insurance deductible, as well as the time it will take to make an insurance claim.
