Keys Replacement For Cars
If you own a basic mechanical key you should be able to purchase a replacement from any hardware store for relatively inexpensive. However, the key will have to be programmed by a locksmith or dealer.
Smart keys are more complex and require a trip to the dealer to connect them to your vehicle. They are costly, but many car insurance companies will cover the cost.
Mechanical Keys
There are still car keys that are solely mechanical, such as the ones you place in an ignition lock cylinder, and turn to start your vehicle. If your car is equipped with one of these keys, replacing the fob and key is relatively inexpensive (if they get lost or stolen).
A locksmith can cut a basic key for you at a lower cost than what you would buy from a dealership. You could also ask a neighbor or friend who is able to program transponder keys (which are less expensive than factory keys) to cut you a spare and then program it. It is important to have a spare key because modern vehicles won't start if the key does not have the proper chip.
Transponder keys are like mechanical keys, but they have an electronic chip hidden in the base. This chip communicates with the computer system in your car. Your car will accept the code on the chip, but it will not start if you try to use another code.
If the spare key you have has a chip that is programmed, it will have to be programmed by a dealer. They will need to use a special machine to both cut the key and program it. The machines are available at certain dealerships. It is unlikely that a locksmith would have the equipment necessary to create a key with transponder.
It's expensive to replace keys using remotes, especially if you require a spare. You can try reprogramming your fob on your own if you're just missing the shank on the key and you have a working replacement fob, however it can be time-consuming and difficult. It's better to go to an authorized dealer in the event that you've lost both the key and the fob.
replacement auto key fob of keys for cars require special skills to replace. These include flip keys and smart keys. They are more complicated and are usually replaced at the dealership. Certain key fobs operate by proximity sensors or a door opener that is spring-loaded.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys will likely be used in vehicles constructed in the past 10 years. These keys have an embedded microchip inside the key itself and the car's receiver that are both programmed to communicate with each other in order to start the vehicle.
Transponder keys can be a great way of deterring theft since they require two parts to start a car - the transmitter contained in the key and the receiver that is connected to the immobilizer. The car won't start without both the key and immobilizer system.
These 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 of the car and verified to be in line. If it does, the engine will start. The only thing that could be a hindrance to this security feature is a device that can read the chip and match it with another car.
When you have a transponder-related key replaced, you'll need to visit a locksmith that has the equipment needed to reprogram the key into your car. Some car dealerships offer this service too, but they tend to be more expensive than a independent locksmith because of their costs.
It isn't easy to find an entirely new key that has chip. To program your car, the key must be programmed on a special machine. It requires specialized software, as well as the right key cutter to cut it correctly.
Some of the less complicated chip keys can be copied at a variety of auto parts stores, but you need to be aware of the serial number of the original key to ensure the correct information is encoded into the new key. Many people make the mistake of going to their dealer to have a chip key copied, and end in paying more than they should.
Laser-Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys are also known as sidewinder key because of the distinctive winding cut that is made on the shank of the key. They add an extra layer of security to your car. Because it requires specialized equipment to duplicate these keys, they're a great protection against auto theft.
Like transponder keys. They have built-in chips that prevent duplicate keys from opening your vehicle. They have a unique number that must be programmed to your vehicle to unlock it and start it. This extra level of security will protect your investment and prevent thieves from attempting to steal your vehicle for parts or to resell it.
Laser-cut keys differ slightly from mechanically cut keys in terms of design. They have fewer grooves carved out on the key. The shaft of the key is larger, which is a indication that this isn't a standard car key. Locksmiths usually employ a milling machine to cut these keys. This kind of machine appears similar to a drill bit and is designed to cut metal with extremely precise, controlled angles.
These are among the most secure keys you can get for your car, as they're very hard to replicate and only cut by a locksmith who is a certified dealer. They're not made using traditional keys. Instead, they're made from a small piece steel that is cut into a specific code at the factory before being cut with laser. This kind of key is very durable and can stand up to many years of wear and tear and is one of the best options to protect your car.
Depending on the key, it will either fold into the fob or pop out by pressing a button. The keys are typically used in German cars and offer an additional layer of protection against car thieves. They also make it extremely difficult for a thief to pick or pick-lock your car since the cylinder is extremely durable and difficult to break into.
Smart Keys
Smart keys communicate with the vehicle using radio-frequency identification (RFID) instead of the traditional single piece of carved metal. They are equipped with a chip that has an unique code that is encoded on every key. When you open your car doors or pop the trunk key, it transmits a signal to your vehicle's computer onboard. The computer will then prompt the correct frequency to allow you to start your vehicle.
The chip of the smart key has a number of security features that guard against theft. The key emits an extremely low-frequency signal that can only be detected by your car. If the onboard computer detects this signal, it will trigger an alternative one that's an exclusive sequence that only your vehicle can recognize. This stops a cyber-savvy criminal from using an external pulse generator to "fool" the system and make the key work for other vehicles.
Some smart keys have special features, such as saving preferences for drivers, opening windows remotely or the sunroof remotely, and many more. These functions can be accessed by activating the proximity sensor on the key fob by pressing a button or, in some cases it is as simple as twisting a tiny piece of metal inside the key.
Most key fobs have buttons that open the doors for themselves however some come with another method of opening them by a slot or placing the dead key close to the dashboard where it holds an inductive coil that is able to transfer energy. Some key fobs have mechanical (fully emergency) key blade in the key.
Replacing a smart lock typically requires a visit to the dealer, who will either have the replacement on hand or purchase it for you. The dealer will also need to program the new key so that it recognizes your vehicle. But, you can visit a locksmith to get your replacement key fob programed and replaced. A locksmith may cost more than dealers, however, they can do the job quicker and cheaper.