Lost your car keys again? Or is your keyless entry remote finally out of commission? Cursed situation; nevertheless, getting a keyless remote replacement for your car in Australia isn’t as stressful as it seems, although it’s worth mentioning this one option is simply exorbitant. There are some other alternatives, each with its own merits and drawbacks concerning price, convenience, and time.
The Dealership: The Most Official Route and Usually the Most Expensive
Usually, a person would think of going directly to the dealership of their car. They can provide you with original-equipment manufacturer replacement keyless remotes for your vehicle with a guarantee that it will work. But this is usually an expensive option. Depending on your dealership, you may be charged for the new remote plus programming, which can add up rather fast. Furthermore, you might have to wait a couple of days for the order and programming of your new remote.
Automotive Locksmiths: The Mobile and Often-Greater Solution
Automotive locksmiths are people who specialise in car keys and their associated security systems. They will usually be a less expensive choice for replacing a keyless remote than the dealerships. Many of them are mobile, meaning they will come to your location, which is good news if you are left stranded without your keys. They have the equipment and know-how to cut and programme new keys and remotes for all makes and models, often at an even faster rate than the dealerships.
Online Retailers (Use Caution)
There’s that temptation to go for the significantly cheaper online buy for a keyless entry remote. While sometimes this may work, it does come with an element of risk. The remote will have to be programmed, thus incurring the extra cost. To make matters worse, ensuring compatibility for that remote sold online with your specific car model and security system could also prove problematic. To top it all, there’s the possibility of the remote being defectively made or counterfeit. This option is more suitable for people with a certain level of technical skill and a willingness to take a risk.
Factors Affecting the Price
The price of your keyless remote replacement will be affected by a number of factors, including the maker and model of your car (luxury vehicles or those with high security are usually more expensive for these remotes), the type of service you choose (whether that be the dealership or a locksmith, for example), and whether you need a key cut on top of programming the remote. It’s always a good idea to check with a few different providers for quotes to ensure you’re getting a reasonable price.
Don’t let a lost or broken keyless remote leave you stranded. Explore your options—from dealerships to mobile locksmiths—to find the most convenient and cost-effective solution for getting back on the road. Get a quote from a local automotive locksmith like Northside Car Keys today and get those keys sorted to get your car on the move again!
