Keys Replacement For Cars
If you have a basic mechanical key it is likely to find a replacement at any hardware store for relatively affordable. The key needs to be programmed either by a locksmith or dealer.
Smart keys are more complex and require a visit to the dealer to pair them with your vehicle. These kinds of keys can be costly however some insurance companies cover the cost.
Mechanical Keys
You can still buy 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 fairly inexpensive (if they are lost or stolen).
A locksmith can make you new keys at a lower cost than what you pay at a dealership. You can also have your neighbor or a friend who knows how to program transponder keys that are made for the aftermarket (which are cheaper than keys made by the factory) cut keys and have them programmed. It is important to have a spare key because modern vehicles won't start when the key does not have the proper chip.
Transponder keys look like mechanical keys, but they contain a hidden electronic chip in the base of their plastic design that communicates with your vehicle's computer system. The car will accept the code on the chip, but it will not start if you choose another code.
If the spare key you have has chips, it will need to be programmed by a dealer. The dealership will need a special machine for both cutting and programming the key. These machines are available only at certain dealerships and it is unlikely that a locksmith would have the equipment needed to create a key with transponder.
It is expensive to replace keys using remotes, especially if require an extra. Try reprogramming the fob yourself if you're only missing the shank on the key and you have a functioning replacement fob, however it can be time-consuming and laborious. If you've lost the complete fob and key, however, a dealer is the best option.
Other kinds of car keys require more specialized skills to replace. They include flip keys and smart key. They are more complex and must be replaced by a dealer. Certain key fobs operate by a proximity sensor or a door opener that is spring-loaded.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed in the recent 10 years or so it's likely to have transponder keys. The keys contain a microchip in the key itself as well as an internal receiver in your car that are both programmed to communicate with each other in order to start the vehicle.
Transponder keys can be an effective method of preventing theft, since they require two components to start the car: the transmitter inside the key and the receiver that is connected to the immobilizer. Without both the key and the immobilizer system being in place, the car won't start and it is not possible to hotwire.
Key chips have a unique serial number for your vehicle. The serial number of the key is transmitted to the immobilizer inside the car and verified to match. If it does, the engine will start. This security feature can only be blocked by a specially designed device that reads the chip to match it with a different car.
If you need a transponder key replaced it is necessary to visit a locksmith that has the necessary equipment to reprogram the key to your car. Some car dealerships also offer this service, but their overhead makes them more expensive than an independent locksmith.
It can be difficult to obtain a new key with chip. To program your car, the key needs to be programmed on a specific machine. It requires specialized software as well as the right key cutter to do the job correctly.
Certain of the more basic chip keys can be copied at the majority of auto parts stores, but you must know the serial number of the original key to ensure that the proper information is being encoded into the new key. Many people make the mistake of going to their dealer to have their chip key copied, and end up paying more than they have to.
Laser-Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys, also referred to as sidewinder keys due their distinctive winding cuts in the key shank, add an extra layer of security to your vehicle. Because it takes specialized machinery to duplicate these keys, they're a fantastic deterrent against auto-theft.
Like transponder keys. They have embedded chips that stop unauthorised copies of keys from starting your vehicle. They also usually contain a unique code the key, which needs to be programmed for your particular car in order to unlock and start it. This extra layer of security will protect your investment and stop thieves from trying to steal your vehicle for parts or to resell it.
Laser-cut keys differ slightly from mechanically cut keys in terms of design. replacements car key have fewer grooves that are carved on the key. The key shaft is thicker, which is another indication that this isn't an ordinary car key. Generally, locksmiths employ a machine known as a milling tool to cut these kinds of keys. It's akin to a drill bit, and is designed to remove metal at precise angles.
These are the safest keys you can buy for your vehicle. They are extremely difficult to duplicate and can only be done be cut by a licensed locksmith or dealer. In contrast to traditional keys, they're made from a small piece of steel that is made into a code, and then cut using a laser at the factory. This kind of key is very durable and is able to stand up to a lot of wear and tear, making it one of the best options for protecting your vehicle.
The key can be folded into the fob, or pop out by pressing the button. Keys like these are commonly used in German automobiles, and offer an extra layer of security against car thieves. The cylinder is also very tough and difficult to break into, making it extremely difficult for a thief pick or pick-lock the vehicle.
Smart Keys
Contrary to the conventional single piece of carved metal smart keys use RFID, also known as radio-frequency identification to connect with the car. This means they have a small chip that has an encrypted code that is unique to each key. When you open your car's doors, or open the trunk the key transmits a signal to your car's onboard computer. The computer will then prompt the correct frequency to allow you to start your vehicle.
The chip of the smart key has several security features to protect it from theft. The key emits an extremely low-frequency signal, which can only be detected by your vehicle. If the computer onboard detects this signal, it will trigger another one that is a unique sequence that only your vehicle will understand. This will stop a tech-savvy criminal from using a pulse generator to "fool the system" and perform the work on other vehicles.
Certain smart keys come with special features, such as the ability to store preferences for drivers remote opening windows, opening the sunroof via remote, and many 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.
Some key fobs can be opened by holding the dead key in a slot or by placing it next to an inductive coil that is located on the dashboard. Some even include an emergency (fully mechanical) key blade concealed in the key to enable this.
Replacing a key with a smart chip typically requires a visit the dealership, who will either have the replacement in stock or make it available for you to purchase. They'll also need to program the new key to recognize your vehicle. However, you can also visit a locksmith to get your replacement key fob programed and replaced. Locksmiths will cost more than a dealer but they will do the job quicker and cheaper.