Thanks to the advancements in technology, breaking into a car with an unauthorized key is much harder now than it was in earlier times. However, everything comes at a cost, which is why you should be very vigilant about safeguarding your key. That’s because if you lose it, the replacement cost could be really high. The experts at CarSwitch.com, an online marketplace to sell any car in Dubai, have prepared this guide to help you understand what you should do if you end up losing your key.
Key Fob
An electronic key fob is central to the key set of most modern cars. The cost of replacing it depends on the complexity of the design and the carmaker. Key fobs need to be programmed and while some dealerships do it free of cost, others charge a fee. If you want to avoid the fee, you can look into the owner’s manual and online resources to program it yourself.
Transponder Keys
The plastic head of some car keys contains a transponder chip that sends a signal to a receiver in the ignition. If the correct signal is not detected, your car wouldn’t start. The chip in the transponder key needs to be programmed before it can launch a car and this is done by dealerships with the use of machines. Some do it for free, while others don’t. Most auto locksmiths also own these machines.
If you don’t want to spend this much, you can get a basic key without a transmitter. Although it wouldn’t start your engine, it can prove to be useful in times when you forget your keys inside your car.
If you frequently misplace your keys, you can create a third key. If you already own two keys, most automakers will let you program another on your own. You can ask a locksmith to cut the new key and then abide by the procedure for programming, which can usually be found in the owner’s manual. Otherwise, you can look up the procedure online.
Laser-Cut Keys
A laser-cut key has a thicker shank than a basic car key and fewer carved out grooves. They are also called sidewinder keys and the machines required to cut them are a lot more expensive than a conventional key-cutting machine. That’s why it might be difficult to find them at a locksmith or hardware store. These also have an embedded transponder chip and must be programmed.
If you want to sell any car in Dubai, you can do so easily and quickly through CarSwitch.com today.
Did you know Hyundai’s digital key removes the need for a key? Also, check out these reasons why your key is stuck in the ignition.
