Keys Replacement For Cars
If you have a standard mechanical key it is likely to purchase a replacement from any hardware store for affordable. The key needs to be programmed by a locksmith or a dealer.
Smart keys are more complicated and require a visit to a dealer for the keys to be paired with your car. These keys are expensive however many car insurance companies will cover the cost.
Mechanical Keys
You can still purchase mechanical car keys such as the ones you insert 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 fob and key (if lost or stolen).
A locksmith can cut an entry level key for you at a cheaper cost than what you would buy from a dealership. You could also have a friend or neighbor that knows how to program transponder keys from the aftermarket (which are cheaper than keys from factory) cut you a spare key and program them. It is crucial to have a spare key because modern cars won't start if the key does not have the proper chip.
Transponder keys look like mechanical keys, but they have a hidden electronic chip embedded in the bottom of their plastic shape that communicates with the computer system in your vehicle. Your car will be able to recognize the code contained in the chip and accept it, however it will refuse to start if any other code is utilized.
If your spare key is equipped with chips, you'll have to bring it to a dealership to have it programmed. The dealership will need a special machine for both cutting and programming the key. These machines are only available through certain dealerships, and it's not likely that a locksmith will have the equipment required to create keys that are laser-cut with a transponder.
Keys with remotes cost a lot to replace, especially in the event that you need an extra. Try reprogramming the fob yourself if you're only missing the key shank and have a functional replacement fob, however it can be time-consuming and laborious. If you've lost the entire fob and key, however it's best to contact a dealer as your best bet.
Other kinds of keys for cars require more specialized skills to replace. These include flip keys and smart keys. They're more complicated and require replacement by a dealer. Key fobs can be operated by a proximity sensor or a door opener with a spring loaded mechanism.
Transponder Keys
If your car was built in the past 10 years or so, you're likely to use a transponder key system. These keys are equipped with a microchip in the key itself and an internal receiver in your car that both have been programmed to communicate with each other to start the car.
Transponder keys can be an excellent method of preventing theft, as they require two components to start a car - the transmitter contained in the key, and the receiver connected to the immobilizer. The car won't start without both the key and the immobilizer system.
Key chips have an unique serial number that is specific to 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 is in line and allows the engine to run. This security feature is only blocked by a specially designed device that can read the chip to match it with another car.
You'll have to find a locksmith who has the tools to reprogram your key. Some car dealerships also offer this service, however their overhead makes them more expensive than an independent locksmith.
Getting a new car key with a chip inside it can be a complex process. The key has to be cut using a specific machine in order to have the proper tracks that can then be used to program the key to your car. It requires specialized software and the correct key cutter to cut it properly.
Certain of the more basic chip keys can be cloned at the majority of auto parts stores, but you need to be aware of the serial number of the original key to ensure that the proper information is being transferred to the new key. Many people make a mistake visiting their dealer to purchase a copy of a chip-key and end up paying inflated prices.
Laser-Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys, also referred to as sidewinder keys due to their distinctive winding cuts to the shank of the key they add a layer of security to your vehicle. Because it requires specialized equipment to duplicate these keys, they're a great deterrent against auto-theft.
They also have built-in chips that prevent unauthorised key copying from launching your vehicle. They also contain a unique code the key, which must be programmed to your specific car in order to unlock it and start it. This extra layer of security is a fantastic option to protect your investment and deter thieves who could be trying to steal your car for parts or to sell it.
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 thicker key shaft, which is a good indication that it's not your regular car key. Locksmiths usually employ milling machines to cut keys. This tool is similar to a drill bit, and it's designed to cut metal in very precise angles.
These are the safest keys you can buy for your vehicle. They're hard to duplicate and can only be cut by a licensed locksmith or dealer. In contrast to traditional keys, they're made using a small piece of steel that is cut into a shape and then cut using the laser in the factory. This type of key is extremely robust and can be able to withstand the rigors of wear and tear which makes it one of the best options for protecting your car.
Depending on the key, it will fold in the fob, or pop out by pressing the button. Keys like this are commonly used in German automobiles and provide an additional layer of security against car thieves. They also make it difficult for a thief to pick your vehicle or pick-lock it since the cylinder is extremely tough and hard to break into.
Smart Keys Keys
In contrast to the traditional single piece of metal, smart keys use RFID, or 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. The key sends a message to the onboard computer in your vehicle each time you unlock the doors or open the trunk. The computer then prompts the appropriate frequency, allowing you to access your car and begin it.
The chip inside the smart key is equipped with several security features to protect it from theft. First how much is car key replacement emits a low-frequency signal that can't be received by any receiver other than your car. If the onboard computer detects this signal, it will trigger a different one that is an individual sequence that only your vehicle can understand. This stops a tech-savvy criminal from using a pulse generator in order to "fool the system" and perform the work on other vehicles.
In addition to locking and starting the car, certain smart keys have special features such as storing specific preferences for drivers, remotely opening windows or the sunroof, and more. These features are accessible by activating the proximity sensor on the key fob, pressing a button or, in some instances it is as simple as twisting a tiny piece of metal inside the key.
The majority of these key fobs have buttons that open the doors on their own however some come with an additional method to open them with a slot or by placing the dead key in the dashboard where it holds an inductive coil that is able to transfer energy. Some even come with an emergency (fully mechanical) key blade hidden in the key to allow this.
Replacing a key with a smart chip typically requires a visit to the dealer, who will either have the replacement in stock or order it for you. The dealer will also have to program your new key to identify your vehicle. However, you can also visit a locksmith to have your new key fob programmed and replaced. A locksmith may cost more than the dealer, but they'll be able to do the job faster and less expensively.