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 affordable. This key will need to be programmed by a locksmith or dealer.
Smart keys are more complex and require a trip to the dealer to pair them with your vehicle. They can be expensive, but many car insurance companies will cover the cost.
Mechanical Keys
You can still purchase car keys that are only mechanical, the kind that you insert into an ignition lock cylinder and turn to start your vehicle. If auto key replacement is equipped with one of these, it's affordable to replace the fob and key (if lost or stolen).
A locksmith can make you an original key for less than you would pay at a dealership. You could also ask a neighbor or a friend who knows how to program transponder keys aftermarket (which are less expensive than factory keys) to make you a spare key and then program it. It is essential to have a spare key because modern vehicles won't start in the event that the key does 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 of your vehicle. Your car will be able to recognize the code contained in the chip and accept it, however it will not start if a different code is used.
If the spare key you have has a chip, you'll need to take it to a dealership to have it programmed. The dealership will need an exclusive machine for cutting and programming the key. These machines are only available at certain dealerships and it is unlikely that a locksmith would have the equipment needed to create a key that has a transponder.
It is expensive to replace keys with remotes, especially if you require an extra. Try reprogramming the fob yourself if you're only missing the shank of the key and have a functioning replacement fob, but it can be time-consuming and laborious. It's better to go to an authorized dealer if you've lost both the key and the fob.
There are other types of car keys that require a more specialized set of skills to replace, such as flip keys and smart keys. They are more complicated and are usually replaced at the dealership. Some key fobs have a spring-loaded key that folds into the enclosure and opens a door, or they're operated with a proximity sensor to open and start your car.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys will likely be used in cars constructed in the past 10 years. The keys are equipped with a microchip and an electronic receiver that is programmed to communicate to start your car.
Transponder keys are a great method to deter theft since they require two components for the car to be started that is the transmitter (transponder) in the key and the receiver that is connected to your immobilizer system. Without both the key and the immobilizer system being present the car will not start and it will be impossible to hotwire.
These key chips are programmed with a unique serial number that is unique to the vehicle you own. The serial number of the key is then sent to the immobilizer inside the car and verified to be in line. If it does then the engine will begin. The only thing that could stop this security feature is a special device that can read the chip and match it to another vehicle.
When you get a transponder key replacement it is necessary to visit an authorized locksmith who has the tools needed to reprogram the key to your car. Some car dealerships offer this service, but their overheads make them more expensive than a locksmith who is independent.
It can be difficult to find a new key with chip. The key needs to be cut using a particular machine to ensure that it has the correct tracks in place that can then be programmed to assign the key to your car. It requires specialized software and the correct key cutter to do it properly.
Many auto parts stores are able to duplicate some of the more basic chips keys, but you'll need to know the serial number of the original key to ensure the correct information is programmed into the key. Many people make the mistake of going to their dealer in search of an exact copy of a chip key and end up paying overpriced prices.
Laser-Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys are also referred as a sidewinder keys due to the distinctive winding cut that is made on the shank of the key. They provide an additional layer of security to your vehicle. Because it requires specialized equipment to duplicate these keys, they're a fantastic deterrent against auto-theft.
They also have built-in chips to stop unauthorized key copying from starting your car. They come with a unique code that must be programmed to your car to unlock it and begin it. This extra layer of security is a great method to safeguard your investment and deter thieves who could be trying to steal your vehicle for parts or sell it to.
In terms of their design Laser-cut keys are different from conventional mechanical cut keys, as they have smaller grooves that have been carved out of the key. The key shaft is also more substantial, which is another indication that this isn't an ordinary car key. Locksmiths usually employ a milling machine to cut keys. This type of machine looks like a drill and is designed to remove metal with extremely precise, controlled angles.
These are the safest keys you can buy for your vehicle. They're hard to duplicate and can only be done be cut by a certified locksmith or dealer. They're not like traditional keys. They're made using a small piece of steel that is shaped into a code and then cut with a laser at the factory. This kind of key is extremely durable and can endure the rigors of wear and tear and is one of the best options for protecting your vehicle.
Depending on the key, it could either fold into the fob or be released by pressing the button. Keys like this are typically used in German cars and offer an additional layer of security against car thieves. They also make it very difficult for thieves to pick or pick-lock your car because the cylinder is extremely rugged and hard to break into.
Smart Keys
Smart keys communicate with the vehicle using radio-frequency identification (RFID) instead of the conventional single piece of carved metal. This means they have a small chip that has an encrypted code that is unique to each key. Whenever you unlock your car's doors or open the trunk key, it sends a signal to your vehicle's onboard computer. The computer then prompts the correct frequency which allows you to open your car and begin it.
The smart key's chip comes with a variety of security features that protect against theft. The key emits an extremely low-frequency signal, which can only be detected by your car. If the onboard computer detects this signal, it will prompt an alternative one that's an individual sequence that only your vehicle can recognize. This will stop a criminal with a high-tech background from using an external pulse generator to "fool" the system and perform the work for other vehicles.
Certain smart keys come with special features, like storing driver preferences, opening windows remotely or the sunroof from afar, and many more. These functions can be accessed by activating the proximity sensor on the key fob, pressing a button or, in certain instances, by twisting a small piece of metal inside the key.
Certain key fobs can be opened by placing the dead key in a slot, or by placing it next to an inductive coil on the dashboard. Some even come with an emergency (fully mechanical) key blade hidden in the key to enable this.
Replace a smart key requires visiting a dealer, where they can purchase the replacement or have it in stock. They'll also have to program the new key to recognize the car you are driving. You can also go to an locksmith to get your replacement key fob to be programmed and then replaced. Locksmiths will cost more than a dealer, but they will do the job quicker and cheaper.