Every year, thousands of Brits experience the frustration of losing or misplacing their car keys. To make matters worse, modern cars come with increasingly sophisticated security systems that make it difficult for a layperson to replace them without professional help. Fortunately, there are locksmiths and car dealers who specialise in providing replacement car keys at an affordable cost.
How Does Car Key Replacement Work?
The first step in replacing a car key is to identify the make and model of the vehicle. Once that has been established, locksmiths or auto dealers must access the vehicle’s computer system to generate a new key, as well as related transponder codes. This requires specialised software and tools that only experts have access to.
The new key must then be programmed into the vehicle itself. This normally involves two-way communication between the car and the programming device to securely overwrite existing security codes and allow access to the car with the new keys. Most modern cars have sophisticated systems that require specialized equipment to program them, hence why it’s always best to use a locksmith or auto dealer.
Once the new keys have been programmed, they can be used to start the vehicle and open the doors. Depending on how complex the lock system is, this may take some time and require additional programming steps. In most cases, experts like locksmiths can replace car keys in just a few minutes. However, if the car has an anti-theft system or immobilizer, additional steps must be taken to reprogram the new key to work with the system; this can add a significant amount of time to the replacement process.
The cost of replacing car keys varies depending on the make and model of your vehicle, as some cars may require additional steps to reprogram the new keys. Replacement car keys can also be more expensive if they are electronic or have a chip, as these require special tools and programming. Additionally, it is important to consider how many copies of the key you need; the more copies, the higher the cost.
Overall, replacing car keys can be a costly endeavor, and it is important to find an experienced locksmith who has experience with the make and model of your vehicle. Professional locksmiths will have the necessary tools and knowledge to ensure that your car key gets replaced quickly and correctly. They will also be able to code new electronic keys if needed, as well as provide additional keys if needed. Taking your vehicle to a locksmith is the best way to ensure that you get the right replacement key for your car.
Whether you need a Ford Focus or a Toyota Aygo replacement key, it is important to make sure you are getting the right one. Make sure to check with your locksmith before paying for the replacement key – they will be able to give you information about the type and model of your car, as well as any other information needed.
Rather than trying to do it yourself, getting a professional locksmith to replace your car keys is the safest and most efficient option. They will be able to ensure that the new key fits the car and that it is programmed to start your car (if required). The locksmith will also be able to check for any damage or wear and tear to the ignition system, and make sure your key fob is working correctly!