With the wide range of options available, purchasing a car key fob replacement for your vehicle can seem like a daunting task. Dealerships can identify your car key fob easily and procure you the correct model – provided that it’s OEM – but the upcharge of a car key fob sold by a dealer is often significant. You can save by purchasing car key fobs online instead, and while this can seem intimidating at first, it’s quite easy if you know what to look for. All it takes is a few important tips to keep you on track and help ensure that you get exactly what you need for your vehicle. Here are some tips from Car and Truck Remotes for purchasing the best car key fob for your needs.
- Know Your Car’s Information
When purchasing a car key fob replacement online, it’s important to know all the key details regarding your vehicle. Have your car’s year, brand and model ready to go. It’s also a good idea to have the VIN number for your vehicle. Since car key fobs are designed to work with specific vehicles, you need to be sure that you’re purchasing the right key fob for your car. Each car key fob should have a list of compatible vehicles, makes and models available so you can double-check.
- Read the Instructions
Car key fobs can vary in how they operate, and they don’t all behave the same after purchasing. For example, while many car key fobs can be DIY programmed following simple instructions that often require inserting a key and entering programming mode, other key fobs will require professional programming once you receive them. Don’t order a key fob that you won’t be able to use – verify its needs before purchasing and make sure you can accommodate them.
- Read the Description
Similarly, if you’re purchasing a car key fob online, you’ll hopefully have easy access to a range of information about that particular key fob. For example, at Car and Truck Remotes, you’ll find all the necessary information you should need, including instructions for programming and usage; what type of battery the car key fob uses; the available buttons; which models the key fob works; and much more. If you still have questions, our experts are happy to help.
- Check Whether It’s OEM or Aftermarket
While not directly important to the key fob’s efficacy, it’s a good idea to verify whether you’re purchasing an OEM or aftermarket key fob. OEM models are designed by the manufacturer for your specific vehicle, while aftermarket key fobs may be designed to work for a range of vehicles. As a result, aftermarket models, while functional, may have fewer functions or disabled functions when compared with OEM models.
- Be Knowledgeable About Key Fob Differences
There’s more than just one type of key fob! From standard key fob remotes that are attached to your insertable key, to transponder keys that feature buttons on the key’s head, to smart key fobs that take the place of insertable keys completely, there are many different types of key fobs that you can use for your vehicle. Determine what your options are and choose the key fob that best meets your needs – and your vehicle’s.