Keys Replacement For Cars
If you own a basic mechanical key you should be able to get a replacement at any hardware store for relatively cheap. However, the key will have to be programmed by a locksmith or dealer.
Smart keys are more complicated and require a visit from the dealer to pair them with your vehicle. They can be expensive however, many insurance companies will pay for the cost.
Mechanical Keys
You can still purchase car keys that are solely mechanical, such as the ones you place in an ignition lock cylinder and turn to start your car. If your car is equipped with one of these keys, it's affordable to replace the key and fob (if lost or stolen).
A locksmith can make you a new basic key at a lower cost than what you buy from a dealer. You could also ask a neighbor or friend who is able to program transponder keys for aftermarket use (which are less expensive than keys made by the factory) to cut you a spare and have it programmed. It is essential to have a spare key as modern cars won't start when the key does not have the right chip.
Transponder keys look like mechanical keys, but they contain a hidden electronic chip inside the base of their plastic shape that communicates with the computer system in your vehicle. Your car will recognize the code on the chip, but will not start if you try to use another code.
If the spare key you have has chips, it will need to be programmed at a dealership. The dealership will require an exclusive machine for cutting and programming the key. These machines are only available through certain dealerships, and it's unlikely that a locksmith has the equipment needed to create keys that are laser-cut with a transponder.
It's costly to replace keys with remotes, especially if require a spare. If you have just the key shank missing and a working replacement fob, you can attempt to reprogramme your fob on your own. However, it could be time-consuming and difficult. You're better off contacting an expert when you've lost the fob and the key.
Other kinds of car keys require more special skills to replace. These include flip keys as well as smart keys. They are more complicated and are usually replaced at the dealership. Some key fobs are operated by a proximity sensor or a door opener that is spring-loaded.
Transponder Keys
If your car is built in the last 10 years or so it's likely to have transponder keys. The keys have a microchip and the receiver is programmed to send a signal to start your vehicle.
Transponder keys are a fantastic method to deter theft since they require two components for the car to be able to start that is 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 it is not possible to hotwire.
The 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 in the car and verified to be in line. If it does the engine starts, it will. This security feature can only be overcome by a specific device which can read the chip to match it with a different car.
When you get a transponder key replaced it is necessary to visit an authorized locksmith who has the equipment needed to reprogram the key to your vehicle. Some car dealerships provide this service too, but they are typically more expensive than an independent locksmith due to their overhead.
It can be difficult to get an original key that comes with chip. To program your car, the key has to be programmed on a specific machine. It requires specialized software, as well as the appropriate key cutter to do it properly.
Certain of the more basic chip keys can be cloned at most auto part stores but you must know the serial number of the original key to ensure the correct information is transferred to the new key. Many people make a mistake by going to their dealer in search of a copy of a chip key and end up paying inflated costs.
Laser-Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys, also known as sidewinder keys due their distinctive winding cuts on the key shank they add a layer of security to your vehicle. Because it requires specialized equipment to duplicate these keys, they're an excellent protection against auto theft.
Like transponder keys, they have embedded chips that stop duplicate keys from getting into your car. They have a unique code that needs to be programmed into your vehicle to unlock it and begin it. This extra layer of security will guard your investment, and deter thieves from attempting to steal your vehicle for parts or to sell it.
In terms of design laser-cut keys are different from standard mechanical cut keys, as they have smaller grooves that have been carved out of the key. auto key replacement have a more robust key shaft, which is a good indication that it's not a regular 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 remove metal at extremely precise, controlled angles.
These are the most secure keys that you can purchase for your vehicle. They are extremely difficult to duplicate and can only be cut by a licensed locksmith or dealer. In contrast to traditional keys, they're constructed from a tiny piece of steel which is shaped into a code and then cut with a laser at the factory. This type of key is very robust and can endure many years of wear and tear, making it one of the best options to protect your car.
Depending on the key, it will either fold into the fob or pop out with the click of a button. Keys like these are commonly used in German cars and offer an extra layer of security against car thieves. The cylinder is resistant to breaking into, which makes it difficult for thieves to pick or pick-lock the car.
Smart Keys Keys
Smart keys communicate with the vehicle using radio-frequency identification (RFID) instead of the traditional single piece of carved metal. This means they have a tiny chip that contains an encrypted code that is unique to each key. When you open your car's doors, or open the trunk, the key sends a signal to the 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. First, the key emits a low-frequency signal that can't be received by any receiver but your car. If the computer onboard detects this signal, it will send a different one which is unique and only your vehicle can comprehend. This prevents a tech-savvy criminal from using an external pulse generator to "fool" the system and create the key function for other vehicles.
In addition to locking and starting the car, some smart keys have special features such as storing specific preferences for drivers remote opening windows or the sunroof, and more. This can be accomplished by activating the key's proximity sensor, pressing a button on the key itself or, in certain instances, twisting a small metal piece inside the key.
The majority of these key fobs come with buttons that open the doors by themselves However, some key fobs have another method of opening them with a slot or by placing the dead key near the dashboard, where it is able to hold an inductive coil that can transfer energy. Some key fobs feature an electronic (fully emergency) key blade in the key.
Replacing a smart key usually requires a visit to the dealer, who will either have the replacement on hand or purchase it for you. They'll also need to program the new key to recognize your vehicle. You can also go to a locksmith for the replacement key fob to be programmed and replaced. A locksmith may cost more than a dealer, but he or she can do the job faster and for less.