The R6,750 mistake every South African car owner should avoid

Motorists in South Africa have been urged to avoid losing their car keys, even a spare, since they cost thousands of rands to replace.

This follows a recent post on the “I Love Bryanston” community group, wherein a member posted about having to fork out R6,750 to replace the lost key to a 2010 Suzuki SX4.

Dewald Ranft, National Chairman of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), said that today’s vehicle keys are a long way removed from the simple metal keys of the past.

“Many motorists only discover how sophisticated – and potentially expensive – their car key is when they lose or damage it. A modern key is not simply something that opens the door,” said Ranft.

“Depending on the vehicle, it can incorporate a remote locking system, transponder technology and electronic coding that allows the vehicle to recognise the key and authorise it to start.”

While this technology can bring added security, it can also add an unpleasant surprise when a key needs to be replaced.

The reason a modern car key can cost thousands is that it involves more than simply cutting a piece of metal.

Instead, a replacement needs to be sourced, cut and coded to the vehicle – a process that can vary greatly depending on the make, model, year and type of car or key involved.

“If you are quoted several thousand rand for a replacement, it is worth understanding what you are actually paying for,” noted Ranft.

“The key itself is only part of the equation. There can be programming, coding and diagnostic work involved, and some vehicles require specialist equipment.”

He added that the situation can become considerably more complicated if all the vehicle’s keys have been lost, since additional diagnostic or computer-related work may be required before new keys can be programmed.

“Losing your only key can also mean losing access to your vehicle altogether while the replacement is being arranged. That downtime can be just as frustrating as the cost,” said Ranft.

A dealership isn’t your only option

While most motorists would automatically report to their nearest dealer, Ranft explained that they should not assume that a dealership is their only option.

“Accredited independent aftermarket workshops, including MIWA-accredited workshops, can provide key-cutting, coding and related diagnostic services for many vehicle makes and models,” he said.

“Independent workshops may also be able to offer motorists a choice between genuine replacement keys and suitable aftermarket alternatives, depending on the vehicle and the owner’s requirements.”

He said it is important to use a reputable workshop with the correct equipment and expertise, but also not simply choose the cheapest quote they can find online.

“A car key is part of the vehicle’s security system, so this isn’t an area where you want to take unnecessary risks,” said Ranft.

“Ask what is included in the price, whether the key is suitable for your specific vehicle and whether programming and coding are included.”

MIWA urged motorists not to wait until they have lost their vehicle’s last key, but to consider having a spare made while they still have a working key.

It is simpler to deal with a replacement while you still have access to the vehicle and an existing programmed key.

Motorists should also get a clear quotation that includes the key, cutting, coding, programming and any diagnostic work that may be required before agreeing to any work.

That said, a damaged key does not always need replacing, since keys can suffer worn buttons, water damage, cracked casings or damage from being dropped – all of which could be repaired.

If the key needs to be replaced, MIWA advises shopping around, obtaining quotations from reputable independent workshops, and comparing like-for-like services to ensure the replacement is properly coded to your vehicle.

It also advises checking your car’s warranty or service agreement for coverage, and establishing whether using an independent workshop for the service has any implications before proceeding.