Currently, losing the key to our vehicle is something that should worry us a lot especially if our car model is old, as traditional keys are losing relevance and supplanted by the new electronic keys, which can be of different types and a little more expensive than usual.
It is not a matter of economy, it is not a matter of locksmith services have increased in price, the real problem surrounding the price increase in the replacement of keys is the whole process that actually deserves to do that. From changing the lock, to programming a new key with all the original specifications of the car, to getting the computer to respond correctly. Electronic keys may be an easy option to use, but they are not easy to repair or replace, so it is totally normal that there is a higher cost than what we are used to.
Key changes
Although some current cars still use an old or pure metal key, when requesting a change of key you will also be requesting the reprogramming of the electronic part of it, from the basic components such as the transmitter, receiver and microchip with code, to the housing of that same mini device to handle the basic controls of the car such as opening the doors.
And even with all this process, we can’t call key replacement something totally expensive. Most of the locksmith services are quite affordable as they are made for all social classes, and for our own safety we should not choose a service that is extremely cheap as we run the risk of getting ripped off and having problems opening or operating our car through the control of an electronic key.
Change Process
If you are looking to change your lock despite the cost it may mean, you should know that the reprogramming process is something quite strict where you will need the help of your car and a few tests to make it work properly, especially because these keys are made by very specific codes.
If you get a real locksmith committed to help you with your car, chances are that this service will not take you more than a day and a half or even much less, it depends on the car, the severity of the issue, the specific service you are requesting (because each case is individual, you should not generalize) and above all the quality of the locksmith you got to do this job.
If you want to save a lot of money by changing the lock of your car when you lose your original key, the best thing to do is to make a copy. This is done quickly and you don’t have to totally paralyze your car while it is being done, since you will have the original key in use. A copy allows you to have a way to help yourself if you have lost your original key, or if it has broken. And so you don’t have to make the big investment of changing your entire lock.