Keys Replacement For Cars
If you have a standard mechanical key it is likely to find a replacement at any hardware store for relatively cheap. However, the key will have to be programmed by a locksmith or dealership.
Smart keys are more complicated and require a visit to a car dealer to be paired with your vehicle. These kinds of keys are typically expensive, but some car insurance companies will cover the cost.
Mechanical Keys
You can still purchase car keys that are only mechanical, like the ones you insert into an ignition lock cylinder and then turn to start your vehicle. If your vehicle is equipped with one of these, it's inexpensive to replace the fob and key (if lost or stolen).
A locksmith can make you new keys for less than what you purchase from a dealership. You can also have someone close to you who knows how to program transponder keys that are made for the aftermarket (which are cheaper than keys from factory) cut keys for you and have them programmed. It is essential to have a spare key as modern cars won't start when the key does not have the right chip.
Transponder keys look a lot like mechanical keys, but they are actually equipped with an electronic chip embedded in the bottom of their plastic design that communicates with your car's computer system. Your car will recognize the code in the chip and accept it, but it will refuse to start if another code is used.
If the spare key you have has chip, you'll need to bring it to a dealership to get it programmed. The dealership will need a special machine for both cutting and programming the key. The machines are available at certain dealerships. It is unlikely that a locksmith will have the equipment needed to create a key that has a transponder.
It's expensive to replace keys with remotes, particularly if you require an extra. Try reprogramming the fob on your own if you're just missing the key shank and have a functioning replacement fob, but it could be time-consuming and laborious. If you've lost your entire fob and key, however, a dealer is your best bet.
Other types of keys for cars require specialized skills to replace. They include flip keys and smart key. They are more complicated and usually have to be replaced at the dealership. Certain key fobs come with keys that are spring-loaded and fold into the enclosure and opens doors or is operated by the use of a proximity sensor to open and start your vehicle.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys will likely be found in cars that were constructed in the last 10 years. The keys contain an embedded microchip inside the key itself and an internal receiver in your car which are both programmed to communicate with each other in order to start the vehicle.
Transponder keys are an effective method of preventing theft, as they require two parts to start a car - the transmitter contained in the key and the receiver attached to the immobilizer. The car will not start without both the key and immobilizer system.
The key chips are programmed with a serial number that is unique to the vehicle you own. The serial number of the key is sent to the immobilizer in the car and checked to be in line. If it does the engine starts, it will. The only thing that could defeat this security feature is a device that can detect the chip and match it with another car.
You'll require an locksmith with the equipment to reprogram your key. Some car dealerships provide this service, but their overheads make them more costly than an independent locksmith.
It isn't easy to get an original key that comes with chip. To program your car, the key must be programmed using a specific machine. It requires specialized software, as well as the right key cutter to do the job properly.
Most auto parts stores can clone some of the simpler chips keys, but you must be aware of the serial number of the original key to ensure that the correct information is programmed into the key. Many people make a mistake going to their dealer for a copy of a chip key and end up paying overpriced costs.
Laser-Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys, referred to as sidewinder keys because of their distinctive winding cuts to the shank of the key, add an extra layer of security to your vehicle. They are a fantastic protection against auto theft since they require special equipment to duplicate.
Like transponder keys, they feature built-in chips that block duplicate keys from getting into your car. They come with a unique code that must be programmed to your car to unlock it and begin it. This additional layer of security is a fantastic way to protect your investment and deter thieves who might be trying to steal your vehicle for parts or to sell it to.
Keys cut with lasers differ slightly from mechanically-cut keys in terms of design. They have fewer grooves carved out on the key. They also have a larger key shaft which is an excellent indication that it's not a regular car key. Locksmiths typically make use of a milling tool to cut these types of keys. This kind of machine appears much like a drill bit and is designed to remove metal at very precise controlled angles.
These are among the most secure keys you can get for your car, as they are extremely difficult to duplicate and can only be cut by a locksmith who is a certified dealer. Unlike traditional keys, they're made from a small piece of steel that is cut into a shape and then cut with a laser at the factory. This type of key can withstand a lot wear and tear and is among the best options to protect your vehicle.
The key can be folded up into the fob, or be released by pressing the button. Keys like these are commonly used in German cars, and provide an additional layer of protection against car thieves. The cylinder is also very tough and difficult to break into, making it very difficult for thieves to pick or pick-lock the car.
Smart Keys Keys
Unlike the traditional single piece of carved metal, smart keys make use of radio-frequency identification, or RFID to connect with the car. This means they have tiny chips that contain an encrypted code that is unique to each key. The key transmits a message to the computer onboard of your vehicle whenever you unlock the doors or open the trunk. The computer then prompts the correct frequency, allowing you to access your car and start it.
The chip of the smart key has several security features to protect it from theft. First, the key emits a very low-frequency signal that isn't detected by any other receiver, not even your vehicle. If the computer onboard detects this signal it will transmit a different one which is unique and only your car can understand. This stops a tech-savvy criminal from using an electronic pulse generator to "fool the system" and do the key work on other vehicles.
car key replacement fob have specific features, like storing driver preferences and opening windows remotely, or the sunroof remotely and many more. This can be accomplished by activating the key fob's proximity sensor by pressing a button on the key or, in certain instances, by twisting a tiny metal part inside the key.
Most of these key fobs feature a button that can unlock the doors for themselves However, some key fobs have another method of opening them by a slot or placing the dead key near an area on the dashboard, where it is able to hold an inductive coil which can transfer energy. Some key fobs have an electronic (fully emergency) key blade inside the key.
Replacing a smart lock usually requires a visit to the dealer, who will either have the replacement on hand or order it for you. They'll also have to program the new key to recognize your vehicle. But, you can visit a locksmith to have your replacement key fob programed and replaced. A locksmith may charge more than a dealer, but they'll likely be able to do the job more quickly and at a lower cost.
