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Car remote key fobs have become a standard feature in most modern vehicles. They allow drivers to easily unlock and lock their car doors, pop the boot and even start their engine remotely. While car key fobs offer many convenient features, there’s one question that many car owners have… are car remote key fobs universal?
The short answer is no, car remote key fobs are not universal. Each car manufacturer designs their own key fobs to work with their specific vehicles. It’s possible to buy universal fobs online that can be programmed to work with most makes or models, however this is not recommended.
Why not?
When you purchase a car, you’re provided with a unique key fob that is programmed to work with your car’s specific code and frequency.
This ensures that only you have access to your vehicle and its features. However, using a universal key fob that’s programmed to work with multiple makes and models can leave your vehicle vulnerable to theft and unauthorised access.
Using a universal key fob can also invalidate your vehicle warranty. Car manufacturers provide warranties that cover certain repairs and replacements for a specified period. However, if you use a universal key fob or make any modifications to your car’s electronic system, you may be in breach of your warranty terms and may be denied coverage for any repairs or replacements.
Each manufacturer designs its own key fobs to work with its specific vehicles, using unique technology, codes, and frequencies. If you lose or damage your car key fob, it’s important to get a replacement key fob that is designed specifically for your vehicle. A professional locksmith can help you obtain a replacement key fob and program it to work with your car’s on-board computer system, ensuring that you have full access to your vehicle’s features and functions.
How Grays Locksmiths can help
At Grays Locksmiths, we’ve made significant investments in advanced equipment to provide car key remote programming services to our valued customers. Our cutting-edge system is one of the most sophisticated and comprehensive solutions available, equipped with the latest technical information on over 5,000 vehicle models, including most makes and models worldwide.
Located at our secure centre in Nottingham, we can provide new fully programmed remote key fobs for your vehicle in just an hour. We also offer the ability to disable lost keys and remotes, providing peace of mind for those concerned about their keys falling into the wrong hands. By doing so, you can rest assured that your lost remotes will not open your vehicle’s central locking system, nor will the key start the engine.
Is it a good idea to get a spare remote key fob?
Getting a spare remote key fob may seem like an unnecessary cost, but it can save you a lot of time, hassle and money in the long run. Here are a few reasons why you might need one…
Convenience
Having a spare remote key fob can be convenient, especially if you frequently misplace or lose your keys. It ensures that you always have a backup option to access and start your vehicle without any hassle.
Emergencies
If you accidentally lock your keys inside your car, having a spare remote key fob can save you from the inconvenience and potential cost of calling a locksmith or breaking into your vehicle.
Cost
Remote key fobs can vary in price, and some vehicles may require reprogramming by a dealership or professional locksmith if the original gets lost and you don’t have a spare. So, consider whether the expense of purchasing an extra key fob is worth the added convenience and peace of mind.
Security
Having a spare remote key fob could increase the risk of theft or unauthorised access to your vehicle if it falls into the wrong hands. Ensure that you keep your spare key fob in a secure location, such as a safe or hidden compartment, to mitigate this risk.
Ultimately, the decision to get a spare remote key fob depends on your individual needs and circumstances. Assessing the convenience, potential emergencies, associated costs and security considerations will help you determine if it’s a worthwhile investment for you.
Why you should choose Grays Locksmiths
As members of the Master Locksmiths Association, you can trust us to get the job done – and done well. Our emergency on-call locksmiths are always ready to help when you’re in a pickle, whether you’re locked out of your vehicle or you’ve misplaced your car keys.
We also offer a wide variety of home and business security installations. These include (but aren’t limited to) alarm systems, CCTV, security lighting, shutter doors, access systems, safes and anti-snap locks.
Whoever you use for your domestic or commercial locksmith needs, go with an MLA-approved member for the best results.
Are you interested in how Grays Locksmiths can help you? For more information about our MLA membership or to learn about the services we offer, why not contact us? Call our Nottingham office on 0115 942 2315 or fill out the below form to get in touch.
We look forward to hearing from you and will get back to you as soon as possible.