Keys Replacement For Cars
If you have a basic mechanical key, you should be able to purchase a replacement from any hardware store for affordable. However, this key will have to be programmed by a locksmith or dealer.
Smart keys are more complex and require a visit to a car dealer to be paired with your car. These kinds of keys are usually expensive but some insurance companies cover the cost.
Mechanical Keys
There are still car keys that are solely mechanical, such as the ones you put into an ignition lock cylinder and then turn to start your vehicle. If your car has one of these, replacing the fob and key is relatively inexpensive (if they get lost or stolen).
A locksmith can make an entry level key for you at a less price than you would buy from a dealership. You can also have your neighbor or a friend who knows how to program transponder keys that are made for the aftermarket (which are cheaper than keys made by the factory) cut keys and have them programmed. It is essential to have a spare key as modern cars will not start when the key does not have the proper chip.
Transponder keys are like mechanical keys but have an electronic chip hidden within the base. This chip is connected to the computer system of your vehicle. Your car will recognize the code in the chip, but will not start if you use another code.
If your spare key contains a chip that is programmed, it will have to be programmed by a dealer. The dealership will need an exclusive machine for cutting and programming the key. These machines are only available at certain dealerships, and it's not likely that a locksmith will have the equipment required to create an engraved key using a laser transponder.
Keys with remotes cost a lot to replace, especially when you require a spare. If you only have the key shank missing and a functioning replacement fob you could try reprogramming your fob on your own. However, it could be time-consuming and complicated. You're better off contacting an expert when you've lost the key and the fob.
There are different kinds of keys for cars that require a more specific set of skills to replace, like flip keys and smart keys. They are more complicated and are usually replaced at the dealership. Some key fobs feature keys that are spring-loaded and fold into the enclosure and opens a door, or they're operated with the use of a proximity sensor to open and start your vehicle.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are most likely to be used in vehicles constructed in the last 10 years. The keys are equipped with a microchip and the receiver is programmed to communicate to start your car.
Transponder keys are a great method to deter theft since they require two parts in order for the car to be able to start - the transmitter (transponder) inside the key and the receiver connected to your immobilizer system. The car will not start without the key and the immobilizer system.
The key chips are programmed with a unique serial number that is unique to the vehicle you own. When the key is inserted into your ignition, the serial number is then sent to the immobilizer of the car and then verified to make sure it matches up and allows the engine to run. This security feature is only blocked by a specially designed device which can read the chip and match it with a different car.
You'll need to find an locksmith with the equipment to reprogram your key. Some car dealerships offer this service, but their overheads make them more expensive than an independent locksmith.
Getting Info with a chip inside it can be a complicated procedure. To program your car, the key needs to be programmed on a special machine. It requires specialized software, and the correct key cutter to do the job properly.
Some of the less complicated chip keys can be copied at a variety of auto parts stores, but you need to know the serial number of the original key to ensure the correct information is encoded into the new key. Many people make a mistake by going to their dealer in search of the clone of a chip key and end up paying high costs.
Laser-Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys, also known as sidewinder keys due to 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 have built-in chips that prevent unauthorised copies of keys from starting your car. They have a unique code that must be programmed into your vehicle to unlock it and begin it. This extra layer of security is a fantastic way to protect your investment and deter thieves who may be trying to steal your vehicle for parts or to sell it on.
In terms of their design Laser-cut keys are different from mechanical cut keys, as they have smaller grooves that have been carved out of the key. They also have a more robust key shaft which is an excellent indication that it's not your regular car key. Locksmiths typically use a milling machine to cut keys. This machine is similar to a drill bit, and it's designed to remove metal in very precise angles.
They are the most secure keys you can buy for your vehicle. They are extremely difficult to duplicate and can only be done by cut by a certified locksmith or dealer. Unlike traditional keys, they're made from a small piece of steel that's made into a code, and then cut using the laser in the factory. This kind of key is very durable and is able to stand up to many years of wear and wear which makes it one of the best options for protecting your car.
The key can be folded up into the fob, or it can be released by pressing the button. Keys like these are commonly used in German cars and offer an additional layer of protection against car thieves. The cylinder is robust and difficult to break into, making it extremely difficult for a thief pick or pick-lock the vehicle.
Smart Keys Keys
Smart keys communicate with the vehicle by using radio-frequency identification (RFID) instead of the conventional single piece of carved metal. This means they come with a tiny chip that contains an encrypted code that is unique to each key. Whenever you unlock your car's doors, or open the trunk, the key transmits a signal to your vehicle's computer onboard. The computer will then prompt the appropriate frequency to allow you to start your car.
The smart key's chip also has a number of security features that guard against theft. First, the key emits a very low-frequency signal that isn't detected by any receiver other than your car. If the computer onboard detects this signal, it will display a different one that is an exclusive sequence that only your vehicle will recognize. This prevents a tech-savvy criminal from using an external generator to "fool" the system and make the key work for other vehicles.
In addition to locking and starting the car, some smart keys have special features like storing specific driver preferences remote opening windows or the sunroof, among others. These can be done by activating the key fob's proximity sensor, pressing a button on the key or, in some instances, by twisting a tiny metal component inside the key.
Most of these key fobs feature an unlock button that opens the doors for themselves However, some key fobs have an additional way to open them by a slot or placing the dead key near an area on the dashboard, where it houses an inductive coil that can transfer energy. Some even include an emergency (fully mechanical) key blade that is hidden inside the key to enable this.
Replacing a key with a smart chip typically requires a visit the dealer, who will either have the replacement in stock or purchase it for you. The dealer will also have to program the new key to recognize your vehicle. You can go to a locksmith shop to have your replacement key fob programmed and replaced. Locksmiths will cost more than dealers, but he or she can do the job faster and for less.