Car fobs have a strange habit of getting lost and not just hidden in the wrong pocket, but seriously lost.
Unfortunately, when this happens, the fob needs to be replaced so we can continue to use the vehicle.
If you have a backup car key, then you might be able to get into your vehicle and drive it.
But often, the key fob is the only way that you can drive your car. Getting a replacement key fob is therefore essential.
Your first thought is probably to go to a car dealership to replace the fob and keys. And while a dealership can be useful for replacements, they can be expensive and can take a long time.
Luckily, there is a more economical and expedited alternative—you can call a locksmith.
A good locksmith can take care of the replacement of your car keys and key fob.
A locksmith can program your new key fob and make any keys you need.
A qualified locksmith has all of a car dealership’s expertise while also understanding how important your safety is.
What Is A Key Fob?
A key fob is a remote keyless system that communicates with your vehicle’s electronic system.
A fob can do more than unlock doors. In some cars, a fob will start the car and open the doors.
In other cases, a key fob will both open your car doors and start your vehicle without any physical user interaction.
The term key fob used to mean an ornamental plastic piece attached to your car keys but when remote keyless entry systems first appeared in cars, around 1983, key fobs were re-defined as a useful piece of technology that acted as part of your car keys.
They generally varied in appearance, depending on the vehicle, but they are usually dark gray or black hard plastic with buttons. You might need to insert a key into the ignition to drive. Attached to this key, you may also find a car key fob. Sometimes, the mechanical key is separate.
The key fob emits a unique identity code that locks or unlocks your car, starts your engine, and more with a simple touch of a button. Current models of key fobs have evolved to add different functions, such as the ability to open your trunk, hatchback, or sliding door on vans, and more.
What Kind Of Replacement Do I Need For My Vehicle?
There are several different types of key fobs. For example, older cars can use a standard cut key.
Later-model vehicles require the creation of a transponder key. These keys have a safety feature programmed inside a chip in the key. Once created, the transponder key has to be programmed by a locksmith or it will be useless.
A final type of key is called a smart key. A smart key does not require insertion into the vehicle to start the engine. The presence of the smart key in the car is enough to allow the car engine’s initiation.
No matter what kind you need for your replacement, your locksmith can determine your key type for you. You will need to provide the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the vehicle makes, model, and year.
To find your VIN, you can look at the driver’s side door frame or under the driver’s side of the dashboard. You should see your vehicle key identification number used by locksmiths to make your keys in your car manual.
What Is Your Best Option For Key Fob Replacement?
You have two possible key fob replacement options: a car dealership and a locksmith.
The most obvious option is to contact your car dealership.
Unfortunately, a car dealership will often contact a locksmith to replace the keys you brought to them and turn around and charge you. So while a car dealership will sell you the car key fob and program it for you, you will pay handsomely for it.
The best choice is the locksmith. You will get reasonable pricing on the services you need with quality results. Know that you don’t have to go to the dealership for any requirements.
Stolen vehicle keys are an essential job for a locksmith. You want to ensure that you are the only one who can drive your car. If applicable, this will require the locksmith to reprogram your keys.
What Can a Locksmith Do?
As previously mentioned, a locksmith that specializes in car locksmithing can do anything a car dealership can when it comes to your key fob. Aside from replacing your key fob, a locksmith can do much more.
A locksmith can help with these issues:
- The transponder chip inside the remote car key fob is damaged or not working at all.
- Lost or stolen car key fob
- Reprogram your car key fob
- Remote car key fob will not work
- Supply you with a spare car key fob
- Repair car key fob or provide a replacement if necessary
In addition to the above issues, a locksmith can provide you with emergency services. If you somehow get stuck without a working car key fob, a locksmith may be able to get you a new key or car key fob and bring it to you.
DML Locksmith
When you lose your car keys or your keys are damaged enough to no longer work, it is stressful. DML Locksmith Services are trying to take some of the stress out of the situation for you.
Take Away: Our trained professional locksmiths can handle your key and car key fob situation, from emergency calls to simply wanting a spare key for your vehicle, DML Locksmith Services can help. We can even help replace the keys on your luxury vehicles.
You can rest assured, your key or car key fob will be replaced in no time and for a reasonable price. With multiple locations around the greater Dallas area, we have a site that is close to you.
Contact us anytime.
DML Locksmith Services
2109 W. Parker Rd Suite 206
Plano, TX
75023
(214) 622-8852
