Have you recently lost, misplaced, or damaged the key fob for your car? If so, you understand this can be frustrating. After all, you probably use your key fob to do a lot of things. Of course, you can lock and unlock your car doors with it, but you might be able to pop your trunk with the key fob as well. There is probably a button you can use to set off the car alarm, and you might even be able to start your engine.
Even though it is nice that your key fob can do so much, it also means that if something happens to your key fob you might be out of luck. Fortunately, this is not always the case.
First, understand that most key fobs have a manual key attached to them. Therefore, even if the key fob has died, you may be able to pop the manual key out of the fob and use it to open the car door and start your car.
At the same time, you still need to think about how you will go about replacing your key fob. How does the replacement process work, and what do you need to know? Take a look at some helpful information below.
Understand the Type of Key Fob You Have
First, you need to take a look at the type of key fob you have. The vast majority of cars that have been made in the past decade have a key fob that falls into one of several categories. These include:
- A Basic Fob: This is a key that comes with a security chip that is used to start the car. Then, there is usually a programmable function that locks and unlocks the doors of your vehicle. There is probably a key cylinder on a door that helps you do this.
- An Ignition Key and Remote: This type of key fob features a key that you can use to start the car. Then, there is a remote used to lock and unlock the door.
- Push-Button Start: You might also have a key fob that comes with a remote that you can use to lock and unlock the door along with a push-button function you can use to start your car.
- Keyless Entry: Finally, there is also a key fob that can lock and unlock your doors, start your engine, and provide keyless entry capabilities. What this means is that you can touch the door and unlock the car as long as the key fob is on your person.
The cost of replacing your key fob can vary significantly depending on the type of key fob you have. So, what are the options you have available?
Should You Go to the Dealer?
Your first instinct might be to reach out to your car dealership. After all, this is probably where you got the vehicle from. They should be able to replace your key fob for you. It is true that your dealership probably has another key fob that you can use; however, they are going to charge hundreds of dollars for this. Then, you may need to pay a few hundred extra dollars just to get your key fob programmed. This money can add up quickly, and you might be wondering if there is a cheaper option. Fortunately, there is a less expensive choice.
Aftermarket Key Fobs Should Be Less Expensive
There are plenty of key fobs that you can use to meet the needs of your vehicle. You simply need to have someone who can help you program it. That is where aftermarket key fobs can be helpful. Even though they might not feature the brand name of your vehicle, they will still work just as well, particularly if you work with someone who can program them for you.
Aftermarket key fobs only cost a few dollars, so this could be a less expensive option for key fob replacement. You can find a key fob that works well for your needs, and then you can rely on an expert who can help you program the fob to work for your vehicle.
Rely on a Locksmith To Help You
A locksmith can help you go through all of these steps. A locksmith can take a look at the vehicle you have and talk with you about your options. Then, a locksmith may also help you source an aftermarket key fob, which can save you several hundred dollars when compared to the options provided by the dealer.
Then, a locksmith can figure out what functions you are looking for on your key fob. He or she can program your key fob for you, show you how to use it, and make sure your key fob works reliably for your vehicle. All of this can help you save hundreds of dollars on a replacement key fob, so be sure to talk to a locksmith who can help you.
Get a Replacement Key Fob
Ultimately, there are plenty of options available if you are looking for a replacement key fob. It is true that your first instinct might be to call the dealer; however, this is probably unnecessary. A lot of key fobs that come from dealers can be wildly expensive, so you should not feel like you are forced to pay such a high price tag for a new key fob.
Instead, it is important to assess all of the options you have available to you. You may be able to save a lot of money on your key fob if you take a look at aftermarket key fobs. Then, you simply have to rely on a locksmith who has the experience necessary to program this for you. If you would like to get a new key fob as quickly as possible without having to pay a significant amount of money for it, then you should work with a locksmith who can help you customize a key fob to meet the needs of your vehicle.