key cutting, House Locksmith, Safe Technician, Car locksmith | NorthRiding Mobile Locksmith & Safe Technician

Tag: VW

Posted on

AUTO LOCKSMITH TIPS YOU WANT TO KNOW

Tip #3 The car is unlocked, but I can’t find my keys. Should I lock it just to be sure?

Whether or not your car is in a secure location makes a difference. It may be okay to keep your car unlocked for the time being if it is safe and secure location that is off-limits to the public, such as a garage. The expense of getting new keys made, however, is substantially less than the cost of potential theft if the car is easily accessible to the public. If it is possible to lock it, this would be highly advisable as most professional locksmiths will be able to pick the lock open when making new keys.

NORTHRIDING MOBILE LOCKSMITH & SAFE TECHNICIAN

JAY 082 651 6416

Randburg, Northern Suburbs & Surrounds

Owner Operated Locksmith, Auto and Safe Technician

SERVICING Boskruin, Bryanston, Cedar Lakes, Cresta, Dainfern, Ferndale, Fourways, Greenside, Honeydew, Jukskei Park, Kya Sands, Malanshof, Northriding, Northcliff, Northgate, Olivedale, Randburg, Randpark, Rivonia, Sandton, Sundowner and surrounding areas.

Payment with Cash or Credit Card.

Posted on

VOLSKWAGEN KEYS

car locksmith near me, car key replacement near me, auto locksmith near me | NorthRiding Mobile Locksmith & Safe Technician

Do All VW cars start the same way?

Volkswagen cars from M plate upwards (1995) use an immobiliser system that prevents the vehicle from starting without the correct key. The immobiliser is deactivated by a small transponder chip that is embedded in the head of the key. Earlier VW models use a separate immobiliser box whilst some of the later models (T plates and upwards) use an immobiliser system that is combined with the dashboard clocks.

With the earlier models of VW cars (pre-2006), locksmiths use a key reader that is inserted into the car lock to read the wafer depths. This allows us to cut a new key without having to remove the lock. The correct transponder chip that is required to deactivate the immobiliser box is then inserted into the key, without the need for a security code first.

Post 2006, (M plate and up until the very latest models), Volkswagen’s parent group VAG decided to pre code the transponder chips. It has made cars more secure and harder to steal because the chip is unique to each vehicle, but it has also made it more difficult for car locksmiths.

VW Car Key Replacement made easy

Northriding Locksmith has invested in specialist software and diagnostic equipment that enables Jay to extract the unique 4-digit security code that is required to program the keys. Our investment in the specialist equipment means we can cut new keys and program the transponder key to your car, as well as reproduce remote fobs for central locking.

Types of key

Just Need a Spare Set of VW Keys?

It’s a fact – keys wear out, develop faults or even break. Sometimes a repair is an option and a total replacement is not necessary. Our service is not limited to replacing lost or broken car keys; or helping you gain access to your vehicle if you have accidentally locked your keys inside. Perhaps you only have one set and need a spare set. Jay comes to you and produces the keys for you as long as you are within our service area, all you need to know is that 082 651 6416 is the number to call and Jay will take care of the rest.

Posted on

What to do if you’ve lost your car keys and don’t have a spare set.

key cutting, House Locksmith, Safe Technician, Car locksmith | NorthRiding Mobile Locksmith & Safe Technician

What to do if you’ve lost your car keys and don’t have a spare set

  • No Comments

Northriding Mobile Locksmith can help you with lost keys for your car, truck or motorcycle.

For us to give you an accurate quote, you will need to supply the following information:

  • Make and model of vehicle
  • What type of car key you have lost – there are generally two types, these are remote keys and non-remotes (transponder keys). It’s probably easiest for you to WhatsApp a picture of both sides of your key to the Jay on 082 651 6416 to avoid confusion.

Remote Car Key Types

Your remote will most likely be one of the following three types:

a) Remote fob with key

Car Key with Remote Fob

The remote will unlock and turn off the alarm, the key is then used in the ignition to start the vehicle.

b) Remote entry fob with integrated key

Remote Entry Fob with Integrated Key

The remote will unlock the doors, turn off the alarm and immobiliser, whilst the key is used to start the ignition.

c) Remote Keyless System Fob

Remote Keyless System Fob

Keyless cars tend to have mechanical keys hidden in the fob know as a remote keyless fob, for use in emergencies to unlock the doors.

Transponder Keys: Non-Remotes

Transponder Keys Non-Remotes

Most cars after 1995 have transponder chips that are programmed to a specific car.

Non-remote keys will have:

  1. no remote central locking and
  2. no remote control functions on the key.

If your car key is broken then you won’t be able to turn the ignition, therefore the vehicle will not be able to start, so you will need a replace the ignition but not the transponder chip.

How much does it cost to replace car keys?

The cost to replace the key is dependent on the following factors:

  1. Vehicle Model, the make, model and age of the vehicle you have (this includes what immobiliser system the vehicle has);
  2. Key type, if it’s a remote key fob, keyless entry or made before 1995 without a chip inside.

Get at least 3 quotes – we recommend you get a quote from us (which you will most likely find to be cheaper than going to your local dealership), your local vehicle dealership and possibly another auto locksmith, but get a quote for your peace of mind.

I have lost my only car key, does it matter?

No, it does not matter, if you’ve lost your only set of keys, we can provide you with a replacement and re-program the new car key to match your vehicle. The old key will be de-programmed to make it useless, in case it has been stolen.

How long will it take to get a spare set of car keys?

The time it takes to provide a spare replacement key will depend on the following factors:

  1. The type of key (if it’s remote fob, keyless entry or transponder)
  2. The model of your car
  3. In stock–if the key blank is available or we need to order a new one in.

We do carry a range of key blanks but due to the number of different vehicles in the market we would need to check what is in stock at the time of your enquiry.

Can I get a car key made without the original?

If you don’t have the original key, we can program a new key for your vehicle, we may however, in some instances require your VIN number.

Will I have to change my car locks if my keys are lost?

With modern vehicles, there’s no need to change the locks, we may be able to either reconfigure the existing locks or program out the lost keys.

Lost car keys can be programmed out – any lost keys can be programmed out of the database of your car thereby stopping anyone else using them, this is done using specialist diagnostic equipment which is plugged into the vehicle.

What do I do if my car keys are stolen?

If your vehicle keys are stolen, we will be able to do the following:

  1. Stop stolen keys being used by reprogramming your vehicle and deprogramming the stolen keys, so the old ones are no longer operational.
  2. Reconfigure locks and ignition, this is dependent on the age of the vehicle (door locks and ignition barrel may need to be reconfigured).

Type of vehicle keys we can replace

All types of vehicles, it’s not just lost car keys, we can also assist with

  • Motorbike
  • Scooter
  • Van
  • Truck
  • Caravan
  • Canopy

Manufacturer keys that can be replaced

Regardless of what model you have, we can replace most manufacturers ranging from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Ford, Land Rover, Peugeot, Mitsubishi, Honda, Volkswagen, Fiat, Mazda, Citroen, Hyundai, Audi, etc.

Car key model prices vary, some keys may be more expensive than others due to the immobiliser system the vehicle has, and if the key needs programming.

Do I need to take my car to you?

We travel to you and do the work on site, with key blanks and programming software carried in our vehicle.

SUMMARY

In summary, the quickest and most likely cheapest way to replace your lost car keys is to contact us to provide you with a replacement set fast.

Cost of lost car keys – will depend on your vehicle make, model and year.  The price of car keys does vary considerably between different cars.

Don’t have original key – this is no problem at all, as a new key be programmed to your car using specific software

Posted on

How much does a duplicate car key cost?

key cutting near me, automotive locksmith near me, car key locksmith near me | NorthRiding Mobile Locksmith & Safe Technician

How much does a duplicate key cost? 

  • No Comments

There are various reasons for duplicating your car key, (1) you lose your key – having a backup can relive a lot of unnecessary stress; (2) useful for a family member or friend to have a spare key if you lose your key or lock it in your car this may save you time, money and aggravation.

Regrettably, several people do not get a duplicate because they are worried about the cost. These days, cars are equipped with high-tech car keys and do not want to pay in the event there may be an emergency.

So, how much does it cost to duplicate car keys and the factors influencing the costs:

  1. Who makes the duplicate – a dealership will almost always cost more than a locksmith due to their higher operational costs and profit margin; a local hardware will duplicate the key but most hardware employees cannot ensure the key will fit or work as intended.
  2. Type of car key – make and model of your car is central in determining cost, the newer or luxury vehicles will certainly be pricier, while older vehicles may have simpler keys which could reduce the cost. It is crucial that you get the correct information prior to calling for estimates as basic car keys are not that common. Keys now utilise key fobs; transponder chips; remote parts; laser cut keys; and switchblade keys. In some instances, it may be better to order a replacement key.
  3. Type of duplication machine used – the car key duplicator determines the amount of time it will take to duplicate the key and how complex it is to duplicate, the more time it takes, the higher the cost. A more precise machine will make more precise key cuts, but that takes time and raises the cost.
  4. Should you duplicate your car key or replace it – there are times when reordering a new one is the preferred choice, some of the modern cars have keyless entry; some have fobs that need reprogramming. In these situations, reordering a new key may be the best bet, it may be expensive, but the best option. In other situations, duplication my be the easier and preferred option as you merely need an emergency set; if your car is older then a duplicate key is best.

Duplicating a car key is cheaper than most people appreciate, however there are some factors that could increase the price of the key. When you are locked out of your car and unable to get to work; home; or the hospital, having a duplicate key is priceless.

Call Jay on 082 651 6416 for peace of mind in an emergency and have a duplicate key available.

Require the expertise of a skilled locksmith? Contact Jay at 082 651 6416 for prompt assistance.

    CONTACT US

082 651 6416

Facebook Instagram Linkedin

Our Services

Areas We Serve

  • Bryanston
  • Ferndale
  • Fourways
  • Honeydew
  • Northriding

About