There are many reasons why you might need a replacement car key.
Your existing one may be lost or stolen. It might not be working as it should.
You might even just want the peace of mind of having a spare car key in an emergency, should you need it. After all, there’s no worse time to realise you can’t start your car if you’re running late and need to get somewhere fast.
Getting a replacement car key ca be a major pain if you leave it until it’s too late.
You’ll need to pay for an emergency call out, and your car could be off the road for a few hours or days if your key fob can’t be replaced or reprogrammed there and then.
Fortunately, Grays Locksmiths has invested heavily in the latest state-of-the-art car key fob reprogramming technology, meaning that we can create a replacement car key and get you back on the road quickly in an emergency.
But, how do you get a remote car key reprogrammed and how much might it cost?
Here’s a quick guide to replacement car keys:
What is remote car key programming?
For remote car key fobs and transponder keys, a locksmith which specialises in car key programming, such as Grays Locksmiths, will be able to help you with the following:
- Repairing faulty car key fobs
- Providing replacement car keys
- Repairing or replacing broken or damaged transponder keys
- Creating replacement car key remotes or spare transponder keys
- Reprogramming a car key fob or transponder chip
Most importantly, if you’ve lost your keys or think they’ve been stolen, a locksmith can help you to reprogram your car’s ignition and locks to make sure it remains safe and secure.
What types of car keys need programming?
It’s been a legal requirement for all vehicles manufactured since 1995 to have an immobiliser system fitted.
An immobiliser works by making sure that it can be started only by a key or fob with a transponder chip that has been synced with the vehicle.
Simply put, your car or van will start only if the ignition receives the correct, unique code when the key is turned.
There are now many types of vehicles on the market that include a transponder chip and will need reprogramming if they become lost, stolen, damaged or faulty.
These include remote keys which provide keyless entry to the vehicle, cars with an integrated transponder chip, flip keys and key cards.
If your vehicle was manufactured in 1995 or after, chances are you’ll need your keys reprogramming should something happen to them. If your vehicle was made before 1995, they probably won’t.
How long does it take to get a replacement car key?
The length of time it will take to get your car key reprogrammed, or get a replacement car key made, will depend on several factors, including:
- The make, model and year of the vehicle
- The type of key
- The problem you are looking to solve
- Whether your vehicle is present or not
- Whether your locksmith can read the correct information from the car’s onboard computer system
With many vehicles, Grays Locksmiths can cut and programme a ‘cloned’ replacement car key within minutes.
That’s because we’ve invested in the latest technology, with the most up to date technical information available about more than 5,000 vehicles, covering most makes and model worldwide. It means we can supply new, fully programmed remote key fobs for your vehicle in around an hour.
We can also disable lost keys and remotes to stop them working if you are concerned that they may have fallen into the wrong hands.
However, some keys cannot be ‘cloned’ and may need a diagnostic machine to complete the process. Also, some vehicles require a login code or PIN to allow the programming software to connect with the vehicle’s onboard computer. In these cases, getting a replacement car key programmed could take a bit longer… and cost a bit more.
How much does a replacement car key cost?
Again, this will vary depending on the make, model and year of your vehicle, also how quickly you need it.
If you have lost your keys and need to get back on the road quickly, you may have to pay for an emergency call out with some locksmiths.
In terms of the key itself, the price may vary, and come in at more than £200 for some vehicle makes or models. It all depends on the type of key and how easy it is to access the information required to programme the transponder chip.
If you give Grays Locksmiths a call, a member of our expert team will be able to talk you through your options and quote you the best price possible, based on your requirements.
We use the latest in car and van key cutting and programming technology and can supply replacement keys to around 95% of vehicles on the road today, with accuracy and speed.
All our replacement car keys can be supplied using manufacturers’ remotes and blades, or high-quality after-market copies if you’re on a tight budget.
Get a replacement car key from Grays Locksmiths
If your remote car key stops working, a replacement car key from Grays Locksmiths can help get your vehicle back on the road in no time.
Our fast and responsive service covers replacement car and van keys, transponder keys, remote fobs and flip keys.
We use the latest in car and van key cutting and programming technology and can supply replacement keys to around 95% of vehicles on the road today, with accuracy and speed.
From our security centre in [Nottingham/Derby], we can supply new, fully programmed remote key fobs for your vehicle in around an hour, as well as disabling lost keys and remotes to stop them working if they get lost or stolen.
We offer 24-hour call outs and can often be with you within an hour, so if you would like to enquire about our replacement car key service, give us a call on [NUMBER] or email enquiries@nottinghamlocksmith.org.uk.
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