Keys Replacement For Cars
If you have a standard mechanical key it is likely to get a replacement at any hardware store for cheap. This key will need to be programmed either by a dealership or locksmith.
Smart keys are more complicated and require a visit to a car dealer to be paired with your vehicle. They can be expensive, but many car insurance companies will cover the cost.
Mechanical Keys
You can still purchase mechanical car keys which you put into an ignition lock for your vehicle to start. If your vehicle is equipped with one of these, it's relatively inexpensive to replace the fob and key (if lost or stolen).
A locksmith can make you new keys for less than what you buy from a dealer. You could also have someone close to you who is proficient in programming transponder keys from the aftermarket (which are less expensive than factory keys) cut you a spare key and then program them. It is essential to have a spare because modern cars won't start when a key that isn't programmed with the proper chip is used.
Transponder keys look a lot like mechanical keys, however they have a hidden electronic chip in the base of their plastic form that communicates with your car's computer system. Your vehicle will recognize the code contained in the chip and accept it, however it will refuse to start if another code is used.
If the spare key you have has chips it must be programmed by a dealer. The dealership will require an equipment that is specifically designed for cutting and programming the key. These machines are available only at specific dealerships, and it is unlikely that a locksmith would have the equipment necessary to create a key with transponder.
Keys with remotes cost a lot to replace, particularly in the event that you need an extra. If you only have the key shank missing and a working replacement fob, you can attempt to reprogramme your fob by yourself. However, it can be time-consuming and difficult. If you've lost the entire key and fob however you should seek out a dealer as your best bet.
There are different kinds of keys for cars that require a more specialized set of skills to replace, like flip keys and smart keys. They're more complicated and must be replaced by the dealer. Certain key fobs operate by a proximity sensor or a spring-loaded door opener.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed in the last 10 years or so it's likely to have a transponder key system. The keys are equipped with the microchip as well as the receiver is programmed to communicate to start your car.
Transponder keys are an effective method of preventing theft, since they require two components to start the car: the transmitter inside the key, and the receiver connected to the immobilizer. The car will not start without the key and immobilizer system.
The 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 in the car, and then checked to match. If cost of a car key replacement does the engine starts, it will. The only thing that can defeat this security feature is a special device that is able to read the chip and match it with another vehicle.
You'll need to find a locksmith who has the tools to reprogram your key. Some car dealerships provide this service, however they tend to be more expensive than a private locksmith due to their overhead.
It isn't easy to obtain an entirely new key that has chip. To program your car, the key needs to be programmed using a specific machine. This requires specific software and the right key cutter to be done correctly.
Certain of the more basic chip keys can be cloned at a variety of auto parts stores, but you must know the serial number of the original key to ensure the correct information is programmed into the new key. Many people make the mistake of going to their dealer for a copy of a chip key and end up paying inflated prices.
Laser-Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys are also known as a sidewinder keys due to the distinctive winding cut that is made on the shank of the key. They add an extra layer of security to your vehicle. Because it requires specialized equipment to duplicate these keys, they're a fantastic protection against auto theft.
They also come with built-in chips to prevent unauthorized key copying from starting your car. They also typically come with a unique code on the key, which must be programmed for your particular vehicle to unlock and start it. This additional level of security is a fantastic option to protect your investment and deter thieves who could be trying to steal your vehicle for parts or sell it.
Laser-cut keys differ slightly from mechanically-cut keys in terms of design. They have fewer grooves carved out on the key. The key shaft is thicker, which is another sign that this is not an ordinary car key. Locksmiths usually employ a milling machine to cut these keys. This machine is similar to a drill bit, and is designed to remove metal in very precise angles.
These are the most secure keys that you can purchase for your vehicle. They are extremely difficult to duplicate and can only be done 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 to form a code in the factory and then cut using laser. This kind of key can endure a lot of wear and tear and is among the best options for protecting your vehicle.
Depending on the key, it can fold into the fob or be released by pressing the button. These kinds of keys are commonly used in German automobiles and provide an additional layer of protection against car thieves. The cylinder is also very robust and difficult to break into, making it extremely difficult for a thief pick or pick-lock a vehicle.
Smart Keys Keys
In contrast to the traditional single piece of carved metal smart keys use radio-frequency identification, or RFID to connect with the car. They come with a chip with an individual code, which is encoded on each key. The key transmits a message to the onboard computer in your vehicle whenever you unlock the doors or open the trunk. The computer will then prompt the correct frequency to allow you to start your vehicle.
The chip in the smart key comes with a variety of security features to guard it from theft. First the key emits a low-frequency signal that can't be received by any receiver but your vehicle. If the computer onboard detects this signal, it will prompt another one that is an individual sequence that only your vehicle will recognize. This will stop a criminal with a high-tech background from using an external pulse generator to "fool" the system and make the key work for other vehicles.
In addition to locking and starting the car, some smart keys come with additional features such as storing particular driver preferences, remotely opening windows or the sunroof, and more. These are accomplished by activating the key's proximity sensor, pressing a button on the key, or, in some cases, 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 even have an emergency (fully mechanical) key blade that is hidden inside the key to activate this.
Replace a smart key requires a trip to the dealer, who will either purchase the replacement or have it on hand. They'll also need to program the new key to recognize your car. You can also visit a locksmith for your replacement key fob to be programmed and replaced. A locksmith might charge more than a dealer, but they'll be able to finish the job quicker and less expensively.