Keys Replacement For Cars
You can buy the replacement key for a mechanical one at any hardware store. However, the key must be programmed by a locksmith or dealership.
Smart keys are more complicated and require a visit from the car dealer to be paired with your car. These types of keys can be costly but some insurance companies will cover the cost.
Mechanical Keys
You can still buy mechanical keys for your car, the ones that you put into an ignition lock cylinder to start your vehicle. If your vehicle is equipped with one of these keys, it's affordable to replace the key and fob (if lost or stolen).
A locksmith can create new keys at a lower cost than what you pay at a dealership. You can also ask a neighbour or friend who is able to program transponder keys aftermarket (which are cheaper than the keys made by the factory) to cut you a spare and then program it. It is crucial to have a spare key as modern vehicles won't start if the key does not have the right chip.
Transponder keys look like mechanical keys, however they have 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 in the chip, but it will not start if you use another code.
If the spare key you have has a chip, you'll need to bring it to a dealer to have it programmed. They'll require a specific machine to cut the key and then program it. These machines are available only at specific dealerships, and it is unlikely that a locksmith have the equipment needed to create a key that has a transponder.
Keys with remotes are expensive to replace, particularly when you require an extra. You can try reprogramming your fob by yourself if you're missing the key shank and have a working replacement fob, but it could be difficult and time-consuming. If you've lost the entire key and fob, however it's best to contact a dealer as the best option.
There are other kinds of car keys that require a more specific set of skills to replace, such as flip keys and smart keys. They're more complicated and require replacement by a dealer. Some key fobs feature a spring-loaded key that folds into the enclosure and opens a door, or they're operated with proximity sensors to open and start your vehicle.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys will likely be found in cars that were built in the past 10 years. The keys have a microchip and the receiver is programmed to communicate to start your car.
Transponder keys are a great way of deterring theft since they require two parts to start the car - the transmitter contained in the key and the receiver attached to the immobilizer. Without both the key and the immobilizer system present the car will not start and is impossible to hotwire.
The key chips come with a unique serial number for your vehicle. The serial number of the key is sent to the immobilizer in the car, and then checked to match. If it does, the engine will start. The only thing that could defeat this security feature is a special device that is able to detect the chip and match it with another car.
When you get a transponder key replacement it is necessary to visit an locksmith with the necessary equipment to reprogram the keys to your vehicle. Some car dealerships also offer this service, but their overhead makes them more expensive than an independent locksmith.
Getting a new car key that comes with a chip it is a complex procedure. The key has to be cut using a specific machine to get the correct tracks in place that can then be used to program the key to your car. It requires specialized software and the correct key cutter to do it correctly.
Some of the less complicated chip keys can be cloned at the majority 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 a mistake by going to their dealer for the clone of a chip-key and end up paying high prices.
Laser-Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys, also referred to as sidewinder keys due to their distinctive winding cuts on the key shank provide an additional layer of security to your vehicle. Keys like these are a great deterrent to auto theft because they require special equipment to duplicate.
They also have built-in chips that prevent the copying of keys by unauthorized people from starting your car. They come with a unique code that needs to be programmed into your car to unlock it and start it. This additional layer of security is a fantastic method to safeguard your investment and deter thieves who could be trying to steal your car for parts or to sell it to.
Laser-cut keys differ slightly from mechanically cut keys in terms of design. They have fewer grooves that are carved on the key. The shaft of the key is thicker, which is another sign that this is not a standard car key. Locksmiths generally employ a machine known as milling tool to cut these types of keys. This machine is similar to a drill bit and it's designed to remove metal in very precise angles.
They are the most secure keys you can purchase for your vehicle. They are difficult to duplicate and must by cut by a certified locksmith or dealer. They're not made with traditional keys. Instead, they are made from a small piece steel that is cut into a specific code at the factory and then cut using a laser. This type of key is able to be able to withstand a great deal of wear and tear and is among the best choices for protecting your vehicle.
The key can be folded up into the fob, or it can pop out by pressing the button. The keys are typically used in German automobiles, and offer an extra layer of protection against car thieves. The cylinder is tough and difficult to break into, making it extremely difficult for a thief pick or pick-lock the vehicle.
Smart Keys Keys
Unlike the traditional single piece of carved metal smart keys make use of RFID, or radio-frequency identification, to communicate with the car. This means they have a tiny chip that contains an encrypted code that is unique to each key. When you open your car doors or pop the trunk key, it transmits a signal to your vehicle's computer onboard. automotive key replacement and allows you to connect to your car and start it.
The chip inside the smart key comes with a variety of security features to protect it from theft. First, the key emits a low-frequency signal that can't be detected by any other receiver, not even your vehicle. If the computer onboard detects this signal, it will transmit another one that is unique and only your car can understand. This prevents a tech savvy criminal from using an electronic pulse generator to "fool the system" and perform the work on other vehicles.
Some smart keys offer specific features, like storing driver preferences, opening windows remotely or the sunroof remotely and many other. These features are accessible by activating the proximity sensor on the key fob, pressing a button or, in some instances you can do this by twisting a small piece of metal inside the key.
Most key fobs have buttons that open the doors on their own however some come with an additional method to open them by a slot or placing the dead key close to the dashboard, where it is able to hold an inductive coil that can transfer energy. Some even come with an emergency (fully mechanical) key blade concealed in the key to enable this.
Replacing a key with a smart chip usually requires a visit to the dealership, who will either have the replacement on hand or make it available for you to purchase. The dealer will also have to program your new key to recognize your car. 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 quicker and at a lower cost.