Keys Replacement For Cars
If you own a basic mechanical key you should be able to find a replacement at any hardware store for relatively cheap. However, the key must be programmed by a locksmith or dealership.
Smart keys are more complicated and require a visit from the dealer for the keys to be paired with your vehicle. These types of keys are usually expensive however some insurance companies will cover the cost.
Mechanical Keys
You can still buy mechanical car keys such as the ones you put into the ignition lock cylinder to start your vehicle. If your car is equipped with one of these keys, replacing the key and fob is relatively inexpensive (if they're lost or stolen).
A locksmith can make an entry level key for you at a less cost than what you would pay in a dealership. You can also ask a neighbour or friend who knows how to program transponder keys for aftermarket use (which are cheaper than the keys that are factory-made) to make you a spare key and then program it. It is important to have a spare key as modern vehicles won't start when the key does not have the correct chip.
Transponder keys look a lot like mechanical keys, however they are actually equipped with an electronic chip embedded in the bottom of their plastic design that communicates with the computer system in your vehicle. Your car will recognize the code inside the chip and accept it, but it will not start if a different code is utilized.
If the spare key you have has a chip that is programmed, it will have to be programmed at a dealership. They'll require a special machine to both cut the key and program it. These machines are only available at certain dealerships, and it's not likely that a locksmith has the tools needed to make keys that are laser-cut with a transponder.
cost for car key replacement to replace keys with remotes, especially if require a spare. You can try reprogramming your fob on your own if you're just missing the key shank and have a working replacement fob, but it can be difficult and time-consuming. It's better to go to a dealer in the event that you've lost both the key and the fob.
Other kinds of keys for cars require more specialized skills to replace. They include flip keys as well as smart keys. These are more complex and are usually replaced at the dealership. Key fobs can be operated by proximity sensors or a spring-loaded door opener.
Transponder Keys
If your car is built in the last 10 years or so it's likely to have a transponder key system. These keys are equipped with a microchip in the key itself and an internal receiver in your car which are both programmed to communicate with one another to start the car.
Transponder keys are a great way of deterring theft, as they require two parts to start a car - the transmitter in the key and the receiver attached to the immobilizer. Without both the key and the immobilizer system being present, the car will not start and is impossible to connect hotwire.
The key chips are programmed with a unique serial number that is unique to the vehicle you own. When the key is inserted into the ignition the serial number is then sent to the immobilizer of the car and checked to ensure that it is compatible, it will then allow the engine to start. This security feature is only defeated by a special device that can read the chip and match it with a different car.
If you need a transponder key replaced it is necessary to visit a locksmith that has the equipment needed to reprogram the key to your vehicle. Some car dealerships also offer this service, however their overhead makes them more expensive than an independent locksmith.
It can be difficult to obtain a new key with chip. The key must first be cut on a specific machine to ensure that it has the proper tracks that can then be programmed to assign the key to your car. This requires specific software and the right key cutter to be done correctly.
Many auto parts stores are able to duplicate some of the more basic chips keys, however you will need to be aware of the serial number of the original key in order to ensure the correct information is incorporated into the key. Many people make the mistake of going to their dealer for the clone of a chip-key and end up paying high prices.
Laser-Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys are also referred as sidewinder key because of the distinctive winding cut that is made on the key shank. They add an extra layer of security to your car. Keys like these are a great protection against auto theft since they require special equipment to duplicate.
They also have built-in chips that prevent the copying of keys by unauthorized people from starting your car. They come with a unique code that needs to be programmed into your car to unlock it and start it. This additional level of security is a fantastic way to protect your investment and deter thieves who could be trying to steal your vehicle to make parts or sell it to.
In terms of design, laser-cut keys are slightly different from standard mechanical cut keys in that they have smaller grooves that have been carved out of the key. The key shaft is larger, which is a sign that this is not a standard car key. Generally, locksmiths make use of milling tool to cut these kinds of keys. This type of machine looks similar to a drill bit and is designed to cut metal at extremely precise and controlled angles.
They are the most secure keys that you can purchase for your vehicle. They are difficult to duplicate and must be cut by a licensed locksmith or dealer. They're not created using traditional keys. Instead, they're constructed from a small piece of steel that is cut into a specific code at the factory before being cut with the laser. This type of key is able to be able to withstand a great deal of wear and tear, and is one of the best choices for protecting your vehicle.
Depending on the key, it can fold into the fob, or pop out with the click of a button. These keys are used in German automobiles, and offer an extra layer of protection against car thieves. They also make it very difficult for thieves to pick or pick-lock your vehicle since the cylinder is extremely tough and hard to break into.
Smart Keys Keys
Smart keys communicate with the vehicle using radio-frequency identification (RFID) instead of the traditional single piece carved metal. They have a chip with a unique code, which is encoded on every key. The key sends a signal to the onboard computer in your vehicle each time you unlock the doors or open the trunk. The computer will then signal the right frequency that allows you to start your vehicle.
The chip of the smart key comes with a variety of security features to guard it from theft. The key emits an extremely low-frequency signal that can only be detected by your car. If the computer onboard detects this signal, it will trigger a different one that is an exclusive sequence that only your vehicle will recognize. This will stop a tech-savvy criminal from using a pulse generator to "fool the system" and make the key work on other vehicles.
Some smart keys have special features, like saving preferences for drivers remote opening windows, opening the sunroof via remote, and many more. These are accomplished by activating the key's proximity sensor or pressing a button on the key itself or, in certain instances, twisting a small metal component inside the key.
Certain key fobs are opened by placing the dead key in a slot, or by placing it near an inductive coil that is located on the dashboard. Some key fobs have mechanical (fully emergency) key blade that is inside the key.
Replace a smart key requires visiting a dealer, who can either purchase the replacement or have it on hand. They'll also have to program the new key to recognize your vehicle. You can also visit an locksmith to get your replacement key fob to be programmed and replaced. Locksmiths may cost more than the dealer, but they'll likely be able to finish the job quicker and for less.