Keys Replacement For Cars
If you have a standard mechanical key it is likely to get 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 complicated and require a visit to the car dealer to be paired with your car. These kinds of keys are typically expensive but some insurance companies will cover the cost.
Mechanical Keys
You can still buy mechanical car keys such as the ones you insert into the ignition lock for your vehicle to start. If your vehicle is equipped with one of these, it's relatively affordable to replace the key and fob (if lost or stolen).
A locksmith can make you new keys at a lower cost than what you purchase from a dealership. You can also ask a neighbor or friend who is able to program transponder keys aftermarket (which are less expensive than factory keys) to cut you a spare and then program it. It is essential to have a spare because modern cars won't begin if a key without the correct chip is used.
Transponder keys are like mechanical keys, but they have an electronic chip hidden within the base. The chip communicates with the computer system in your vehicle. Your car will accept the code on the chip, but will not start if you use another code.
If your spare key has a chip, you'll need to bring it to a dealer to get it programmed. The dealership will need a special machine for both cutting and programming the key. These machines are only available at specific dealerships, and it's not likely 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 you require an extra. If you have only 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 challenging. If you've lost the entire key and fob but you're not sure you should seek out a dealer as the best option.
There are other types of keys for cars that require a more specific set of skills to replace, for example flip keys and smart keys. auto car key replacement are more complex and require replacement by the dealer. Some key fobs feature an electronic key that folds into the enclosure and opens doors or uses the use of a proximity sensor to open and start your vehicle.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed in the past 10 years or so, it's likely to have transponder keys. These keys are equipped with a microchip in the key itself as well as an internal receiver in your car that both have been programmed to communicate with each other in order to start the car.
Transponder keys are a great way of deterring theft, since they require two elements to start the car: the transmitter contained in the key, and the receiver connected to the immobilizer. The car won't start without the key and the immobilizer system.
These key chips have a unique serial number for your vehicle. When the key is inserted into your ignition, the serial number is sent to the immobilizer of the car and then verified to make sure it matches up and allows the engine to run. This security feature can only be blocked by a specially designed device that reads the chip to match it with another car.
You'll require an locksmith with the equipment needed to reprogram your key. Some car dealerships also offer this service, however their overheads make them more costly than an independent locksmith.
It can be difficult to find a new key with a chip. To program your car, the key has to be programmed on a specific machine. It requires specialized software and the correct key cutter to cut it properly.
Some of the less complicated chip keys can be cloned 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 a mistake by going to their dealer for the clone of a chip key and end up paying high costs.
Laser-Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys are also referred 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 vehicle. They are a fantastic deterrent to auto theft because they require specialized equipment to duplicate.
They also have built-in chips that prevent the copying of keys by unauthorized people from starting your vehicle. They also have a unique code on the key that must be programmed for your specific vehicle in order to unlock it and start it. This extra layer of security is a great option to protect your investment and deter thieves who might be trying to steal your car to make parts or sell it on.
Laser-cut keys differ from mechanically-cut keys in terms of design. They have fewer grooves carved out on the key. They also have a more robust key shaft that is an indication that it's not your regular car key. Locksmiths generally use a machine called a milling tool to cut these kinds of keys. It's akin to a drill bit, and it's designed to remove metal with precise angles.
These are among the most secure keys you can buy for your car, because they're very hard to replicate and only cut by a dealer or a licensed locksmith. Unlike traditional keys, they're made using a small piece of steel that is made into a code, and then cut using the laser in the factory. This kind of key can be able to withstand a great deal of wear and tear, and is one of the best options for protecting your vehicle.
The key can be folded in the fob, or it can be removed by pressing the button. These types of keys are commonly used in German automobiles and provide an additional layer of security against car thieves. They also make it difficult for thieves to pick your vehicle or pick-lock it, as the cylinder is extremely durable and is difficult to break.
Smart Keys
Smart keys communicate with the vehicle via radio-frequency identification (RFID) instead of the conventional single piece of carved metal. They come with a chip with a unique code, which is encoded on every key. Whenever you unlock your car's doors or open the trunk, the key transmits a signal to your vehicle's computer onboard. The computer will then prompt the right frequency that allows you to start your car.
The chip in the smart key has several security features that protect it from theft. The key emits a low-frequency signal, which will only be detected by your vehicle. If the computer onboard detects this signal, it will trigger another one that is an exclusive sequence that only your vehicle can comprehend. This stops a cyber-savvy criminal from using an external generator to "fool" the system and make the key work for other vehicles.
In addition to locking and starting the car, certain smart keys have special features like storing specific driver preferences remotely opening windows, the sunroof, among others. These functions can be accessed by activating the proximity sensor on the key fob, pressing a button or, in some cases you can do this by twisting a small piece of metal 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 on the dashboard. Some key fobs have a mechanical (fully emergency) key blade that is inside the key.
Replacing a smart lock usually requires a visit to the dealership, where they 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 car. You can also go to a locksmith for your replacement key fob to be programmed and then replaced. A locksmith may cost more than a dealer, however, they can do the job faster and at a lower cost.