When you lose your car key, it can be a frustrating and costly situation. Thankfully, you can get your car key replaced quickly and cheaply.
Many AutoZone locations offer key replacement services. They don’t require an appointment and you can get a new key in minutes.
Lost Keys
If you lose your Car Key Replacement, it can be a frustrating situation. It can take time to get a replacement key, and it can be expensive.
You should always keep a spare set of keys on hand, just in case you need it. This will help you to avoid the stress and expense that comes with losing a key.
Another option for lost keys is to purchase a car key finder, which you can attach to your car’s ignition. These finders make it easy to locate your keys, even if they’ve gone missing in the middle of nowhere.
If you are worried about the cost of a replacement key, some insurers offer a range of car insurance policies that include lost car keys as standard. This can save you a considerable amount of money and also help to keep your premiums low.
Chipped Keys
Chipped keys, also known as transponder keys, are designed to make car theft less likely. The chip inside the key communicates with a special circuit inside the ignition.
There are a few different types of chip keys, and each one is more difficult to duplicate than a standard metal key. This is because the keys have electronic components that need to be programmed for your vehicle’s specific model and year.
The most basic chip key type uses an identification number that the car recognizes like an ATM pin number. This is called a VATS (Vehicle Anti Theft System) key by GM.
Unlike regular metal keys, VATS keys have a resistor with 1 of 15 possible preset resistances that must be the right one for the car to start. If the resistance is wrong, the car will shut down and not even a valid key can start it – this enforced safety lockout typically lasts 3-4 minutes.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are a great way to increase the security of your vehicle. They are also more convenient to use than traditional mechanical keys.
Transponders work by sending signals to your vehicle’s ignition system, which prevents car thieves from breaking the lock or “hot wiring” the vehicle to start it. They are also much more difficult to duplicate than conventional keys, since they have a microchip that must fit properly to function correctly.
If you lose or misplace your transponder key, it’s important to replace it as soon as possible. This will ensure that you never get locked out of your car or have it stolen.
It’s easy to find a transponder key at most local AutoZone locations. Just head over and talk to an associate about which one would be best for your vehicle, and they’ll cut and program it for you. And, at a fraction of the price that you’d pay at a dealership, it’s well worth it!
Dealerships
Dealerships are the best place to go for a replacement car key. They have the tools and knowledge necessary to make replacement keys for most makes and models.
However, you should know that some car dealers don’t work with aftermarket key fobs. This is especially true for European cars that have digital key encryption.
In addition, dealerships may charge you extra for key fob programming.
A locksmith can program a fob at a fraction of the price that you would pay at a dealership.
It’s important to check with your auto warranty, insurance policy, or auto club membership to see if they will cover your fob cost.
If you have lost or chipped your car keys, you should have them replaced immediately. This will help prevent any further damage to your vehicle.