The technology on the new car models is very advanced in our most recent times so replacing its keys is not just a matter of paying a visit to the hardware store anymore. Many people had to find out about it in a pretty unpleasant way. I’ve heard numerous stories about car owners who lost their keys and were amazed by the prices they heard when they tried to replace them. For example, if you’re looking to get a new key for a relatively cheap car, like a Toyota Prius, you’ll have to get at least 500 dollars out of your pockets.
The new car models use a proximity key that can unlock the vehicle electronically which means that you don’t even have to touch the door’s lock with a key anymore. So imagine for a second how big and complex the process of replacing suck a key must be. You can’t trust any person with replacing your lost car keys in case you are a new generation car owner.
These electronic keys have an integrated transponder which communicates with the vehicle electronically. If the information transmitted by the key doesn’t match the information found inside the vehicle’s computer, the car won’t unlock.
If you wish you can go to the dealer that sold the car to you and he might be able to replace your electronic key for less, if your warranty is still available but in most cases you can get this service done for far more less if you pay a visit to your local auto locksmith. The most expensive replacement keys are for the BMW, Mercedes, Lamborghinis, the more high class vehicles that are available on the market.
In some cases, you can opt for a replacement key that you can buy over the internet but you still need a locksmith to help you program it. I mean, you could easily program it yourself as well if you had minimum knowledge of programming and how this stuff works. I know many people, myself included, who go over the process themselves, without any help, but I must recognize I have an engineer degree so I kind of know my way around.
I recommend going to a local locksmith after doing some research on them over the internet or by asking around. In case you live in an area that doesn’t have any available auto locksmith you could try and contact one which is in a different town and have him come over to your place for an additional fee.
The new car models use a proximity key that can unlock the vehicle electronically which means that you don’t even have to touch the door’s lock with a key anymore. So imagine for a second how big and complex the process of replacing suck a key must be. You can’t trust any person with replacing your lost car keys in case you are a new generation car owner.
These electronic keys have an integrated transponder which communicates with the vehicle electronically. If the information transmitted by the key doesn’t match the information found inside the vehicle’s computer, the car won’t unlock.
If you wish you can go to the dealer that sold the car to you and he might be able to replace your electronic key for less, if your warranty is still available but in most cases you can get this service done for far more less if you pay a visit to your local auto locksmith. The most expensive replacement keys are for the BMW, Mercedes, Lamborghinis, the more high class vehicles that are available on the market.
In some cases, you can opt for a replacement key that you can buy over the internet but you still need a locksmith to help you program it. I mean, you could easily program it yourself as well if you had minimum knowledge of programming and how this stuff works. I know many people, myself included, who go over the process themselves, without any help, but I must recognize I have an engineer degree so I kind of know my way around.
I recommend going to a local locksmith after doing some research on them over the internet or by asking around. In case you live in an area that doesn’t have any available auto locksmith you could try and contact one which is in a different town and have him come over to your place for an additional fee.