Replacing Your Car Keys: More Expensive Than You Think

When you break a key, you usually don’t freak out about it too much. All you have to do is get a new one for a few dollars. However, if you break a car key, then you may have to pay a bit more – especially if it’s a newer vehicle.

Why so Costly?

These days, car dealerships have started implementing new ways to deter thieves from stealing your vehicle. And one easy way to do this is to simply make your key more difficult to duplicate. Basically, there’s some type of microchip inside the metal part of the key. This microchip helps to prevent car thieves from easily obtaining a copy of your key.

If the car thief were to try and duplicate your key at some random hardware store, they would probably be out of luck. These secure car keys have to be specially made by either your dealership, or someone who specializes in keys (like a locksmith). Thieves could still make a copy of your key if they really wanted to, but it would be much more difficult.

Utilizing Your New Car Key –

In order to use your new car key, you may have to take some extra steps in order to have a working key. These steps may differ depending on the dealership you go to. For Chevrolet vehicles, you have to do the following. First off, turn on your vehicle (don’t start the engine) with a key that already works. Leave your key in the on position for about fifteen seconds, and then turn off the car.

You then take out that key, and insert the new spare key. Once again, simply turn the car on without starting the engine then leave the spare key in for fifteen seconds. You should then be able to start the vehicle with your new spare key. If you receive some sort of security message from the vehicle, then simply try the process again. More than likely, you simply didn’t leave the key in for fifteen seconds.

Vehicles Affected –

Vehicles designed after the year 2000 are more likely to have this type of security for their car keys. It may also vary depending on the type of vehicle you drive as well. Those of you with older cars should not have as much trouble.

Extra Cost –

Many people are shocked when they hear the amount of money they have to pay in order to have their key replaced. They may even yell at the poor individual who is in charge of making these newer car keys. But it’s not their fault. Anyway, depending on where it’s done, you can expect to pay between forty and sixty dollars for your new car keys. Perhaps even more in some cases. And that’s forty to sixty dollars for each individual key. Surprised yet?

Car keys can be a costly expense for some people. It will simply depend on the age of your vehicle, and the type of car you drive. So whatever you do, try not to lose or break your car keys. It could cost you more than you realize.