Keys Replacement For Cars
If you have a standard mechanical key, you should be able to find a replacement at any hardware store for affordable. This key will need to be programmed by a locksmith or dealer.
Smart keys are more complicated and require a visit to a car dealer to be paired with your car. They can be expensive however many car insurance companies will pay for the cost.
Mechanical Keys
There are still car keys that are only mechanical, such as the ones you place in an ignition lock cylinder and then turn to start your vehicle. If your car uses one of these keys, it's inexpensive to replace the fob and key (if lost or stolen).
A locksmith can design new keys for less than what you purchase from a dealership. You could also have your neighbor or a friend who is proficient in programming aftermarket transponder keys (which are cheaper than keys from factory) cut keys and then program them. It is important to have a spare key as modern cars won't start if the key does not have the right chip.
Transponder keys are similar to mechanical keys, but they contain an electronic chip in the base. This chip is connected to the computer system of your vehicle. The car will accept the code that is on the chip, but will not start if you use another code.
If your spare key has a chip, you'll need to bring it to a dealer to have it programmed. You'll need a special machine to both cut the key and then program it. These machines are only available at specific dealerships, and it's unlikely that a locksmith has the tools needed to make keys that are laser-cut with a transponder.
Keys with remotes are expensive to replace, particularly when you require a spare. If you have only the key shank missing, and a working replacement fob, you could try reprogramming your fob by yourself. However, it could be time-consuming and difficult. You're better off contacting an expert if you've lost both the key and the fob.
There are other kinds of car keys that require a specialized set of skills to replace, for example flip keys and smart keys. These are more complicated and require replacement by the dealer. Some key fobs feature keys that are spring-loaded and fold into the enclosure and opens a door or uses a proximity sensor to open and start your car.
Transponder Keys
If your car is built in the recent 10 years or so it's likely to have transponder keys. These keys are equipped with a microchip within the key and a receiver in your car that both have been programmed to communicate with each other in order to start the vehicle.
Transponder keys are an excellent way to discourage theft because they require two parts for the car to start - the transmitter (transponder) inside the key and the receiver connected to your immobilizer system. Without both the key and the immobilizer system being present the car will not start and is impossible to hotwire.
These key chips are programmed with a serial number that is unique to the vehicle you own. When the key is inserted into the ignition the serial number is sent to the cars immobilizer and then verified to make sure it is in line and allows the engine to run. The only thing that can be a hindrance to this security feature is a special device that can detect the chip and match it with another car.
When you get a transponder key replaced, you'll need to visit an locksmith with the necessary equipment to reprogram the key to your vehicle. Some car dealerships provide this service, however they are generally more expensive than a private locksmith due to their overhead.
It isn't easy to find an entirely new key that has a chip. To program your car, the key has to be programmed on a special machine. It requires specialized software, as well as the appropriate key cutter to do the job correctly.
Most auto parts stores can duplicate some of the more basic keys for chips, but you will need to know the serial number of the original key to ensure that the correct information is incorporated into the key. Many people make a mistake visiting their dealer to purchase the clone of a chip key and end up paying high prices.
Laser-Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys, referred to as sidewinder keys due to their distinctive winding cuts in the key shank, add an extra layer of security to your vehicle. They are a fantastic security measure against theft of your vehicle because they require specialized machinery to duplicate.
Like transponder car fob key replacement , they have built-in chips that prevent duplicate keys from getting into your car. key car replacement come with a unique code on the key that must be programmed for your specific car in order to allow it to be opened and started. This extra level of security will guard your investment and prevent thieves from trying to steal your car for parts or to sell it.
Laser-cut keys differ from mechanically-cut keys in terms of design. They have fewer grooves cut on the key. They also have a larger key shaft which is an excellent indication that it's not a regular car key. Locksmiths usually use a milling machine to cut these keys. It's akin to a drill bit and is designed to remove metal at precise angles.
These are some of the most secure keys you can buy for your vehicle, since they are extremely difficult to duplicate and can only be cut by a locksmith who is a certified dealer. They're not made with traditional keys. Instead, they're made from a small piece steel that is cut to form a code in the factory, and then cut using a laser. This kind of key can be able to withstand a great deal of wear and tear and is among the best options for protecting your vehicle.
Depending on the key, it will fold into the fob or be released by pressing a button. The keys are typically used in German cars and offer an extra layer of security against car thieves. The cylinder is resistant to breaking into, making it very difficult for thieves to pick or pick-lock the vehicle.
Smart Keys
Smart keys communicate with the vehicle by using radio-frequency identification (RFID) instead of the traditional single piece of carved metal. They have a chip with an unique code that is encoded on every key. Whenever you unlock your car's doors, or open the trunk key, it transmits a signal to your vehicle's computer onboard. The computer then will prompt the appropriate frequency to allow you to start your vehicle.
The chip in the smart key has several security features that protect it from theft. The key emits a low-frequency signal, which will only be detected by your car. If the computer onboard detects this signal it will send an additional signal that is a unique code that only your vehicle can comprehend. This stops a tech-savvy criminal from using a pulse generator in order to "fool the system" and make the key work on other vehicles.
In addition to locking and starting the car, some smart keys have special features such as storing particular driver preferences, remotely opening windows or the sunroof, and many more. This can be accomplished by activating the key's proximity sensor, pressing a button on the key itself, or, in some instances, twisting a small metal part inside the key.
Most of these key fobs have a button that can unlock the doors by themselves however some come with an additional way to open them by a slot or placing the dead key close to an area on the dashboard where it holds an inductive coil that is able to transfer energy. Some even include an emergency (fully mechanical) key blade hidden in the key to allow this.
Replace a smart key requires a trip to the dealer, where they can order the replacement or have it on hand. They'll also have to program the new key to recognize the car you are driving. However, you can also visit a locksmith to get your replacement key fob programed and replaced. Locksmiths will cost more than a dealer, however, they can do the job faster and for less.