.

In fact, more car manufacturers are embracing the benefits of remote technology as it has improved, and become more popular. More, and more, they are crafting vehicles with key fobs that can unlock vehicles remotely.

But dealerships don’t want you to know too much about your options. Let’s discuss what you need to know, whether it’s legal to make a new key fob without the dealer’s permission and whether you can use an auto locksmith to create or duplicate a key fob. 

What You Need to Know About Key Fobs

With a key fob, the owner can simply press a button to open the door, and many have a feature that lets you press a button remotely to start the car.

Unfortunately, if a car owner misplaces his or her key fob, or wants to make an extra copy, the dealership may claim that they have proprietary rights over the device. As such, only they can make a copy, and program it, which comes with an absurd fee. 

While creating a new key fob—as well as programming it to work with your car—may require the assistance of a professional, a skilled locksmith can aid you with this effort for less money, and without requiring you to head back to the dealership for help.

Is It Legal to Make A New Key Fob?

First off, is this even legal? Some dealers may assert that creating a new key fob is against the law if this task is not performed by a licensed operator. While this may be the case with a leased or rented car, it is within your rights to make as many copies as you would like with a vehicle you completely own. 

Can You Use a Locksmith for a Key Fob?

Getting a key fob programmed to operate with your car is not an extensive task. While you should not attempt to make a copy yourself, a professional locksmith can help you create a new key fob in relatively short order.

If you have lost the key fob to your new car, or you would like a new one made to give to a friend or a family member, don’t head back to the dealership. Instead, reach out to the auto security professionals at A-1 Locksmith today. We have experience programming all types of key fobs, and we have been offering our expertise to residents of DFW for more than 65 years. Our A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau speaks volumes.

Call us today at (972) 284-7500 to learn how we can help you with your car keys, and key fobs.

“If ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” That’s the attitude many of us have in life, which is fair. After all, most of us are trying to save time, and money where we can and want to maximize our investments in the equipment, tools, and devices we use daily.

The truth is, making a change with the items you use most often can make your life easier in the short run and even help you save money in the long run. Your car key is one such change. Should you stick with a traditional key or upgrade to a push-start version? Let’s discuss.

Traditional Car Key Advantages

These are the tried-and-true keys we’re all accustomed to using. The design has always been pretty simple, focused around a metal part that you manually place in the ignition barrel to release the locking mechanism and open the door or gate you’re trying to access. Here are some of the benefits that come with traditional car keys:

• More people are comfortable with using them and they’re easy to use in general.
• They tend to cost less than other car key options.
• They are durable, and last longer than other keys, especially electronic ones.

Push-Start Car Key Advantages

Push-start car keys are known by a variety of terms, such as remotes, and fobs. But they basically involve sending a signal to your vehicle to start it remotely. You don’t even have to be in the vehicle, and these keys also usually won’t let the car lock while they’re inside. Here are some of the other benefits that come with push-start car keys:

• They’re much more convenient, as they can stay in your bag or pocket.
• You can warm up or cool down your car remotely before you even enter it.
• It’s more difficult to duplicate push-start car keys.

Dealership or Locksmith for Car Keys?

Whether you go the traditional or push-start route, you have to decide where you’ll get your keys the next time you upgrade, duplicate or swap them out. While a dealership will know the design of your vehicle, and be able to provide factory-standard key, and fob options, prepare to pay more. With a professional car locksmith, on the other hand, prices are usually a bit more affordable, and you partner with someone who has your vehicle security, and safety in mind.

If you’re ready to upgrade to a push-start car key or are interested in going over your options, stop by any of our DFW-area A-1 Locksmith locations today.