Keys Replacement For Cars
If you own a basic mechanical key, you should be able to purchase a replacement from any hardware store for affordable. However, the key must be programmed by a locksmith or dealership.
Smart keys are more complicated and require a visit to the dealer to pair them with your car. These types of keys are usually expensive but some insurance companies cover the cost.
Mechanical Keys
You can still buy mechanical car keys which you insert into the ignition lock cylinder to start your car. 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 a basic key for you at a cheaper cost than what you would buy from the dealership. You could also ask your neighbor or a friend who is proficient in programming transponder keys that are made for the aftermarket (which are cheaper than keys made by the factory) cut you a spare key and have them programmed. It is essential to have a spare key because modern cars will not start if the key does not have the right chip.
Transponder keys are like mechanical keys, but contain an electronic chip inside the base. auto key replacement is connected to the computer system in your vehicle. Your vehicle will recognize the code inside the chip and accept it, however it will refuse to start if another code is utilized.
If your spare key contains a chip that is programmed, it will have to be programmed at a dealership. They will need to use a specific machine to cut the key and then program it. These machines are only available at certain dealerships, and it's unlikely that a locksmith has the equipment required to create keys that are laser-cut with a transponder.
It's costly to replace keys using remotes, particularly if you require an extra. You could try reprogramming your fob yourself if you're only missing the shank of the key and have a functioning replacement fob, however it can be difficult and time-consuming. It's better to go to an expert in the event that you've lost both the fob and the key.
There are other kinds of keys for cars that require a more specific set of skills to replace, like flip keys and smart keys. They are more complicated and usually have to be replaced at the dealership. Some key fobs feature keys that are spring-loaded and fold into the enclosure and opens a door, or they're operated with the use of a proximity sensor to open and start your vehicle.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys will likely be used in vehicles constructed in the past 10 years. The keys are equipped with an embedded microchip and a receiver that is programmed to communicate to start your vehicle.
Transponder keys are a fantastic way to discourage theft because they require two components for the car to be able to start which is the transmitter (transponder) in the key and the receiver that is connected to your immobilizer system. The car won't start without both the key and immobilizer system.
These key chips are programmed with a serial number that is unique to the vehicle you own. The serial number of the key is then sent to the immobilizer of the car and verified to match. If it does the engine starts, it will. The only thing that could stop this security feature is a special device that can read the chip and match it to another vehicle.
You'll need to find a locksmith that has the tools to reprogram your key. Some car dealerships provide this service as well but they tend to be more expensive than an independent locksmith because of their overhead.
It isn't easy to obtain an entirely new key that has chip. To program your car, the key has to be programmed using a specific machine. It requires specialized software, and the correct key cutter to do it properly.
Certain of the more basic chip keys can be copied at a variety of auto parts stores but you must know the serial number of the original key to ensure the correct information is transferred to the new key. Many people make the mistake of visiting a dealer to have a chip key copied and end in paying more than they have to.
Laser-Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys, referred to as sidewinder keys because of their distinctive winding cuts on the key shank, add an extra layer of security to your vehicle. Keys like these are a great security measure against theft of your vehicle because they require specialized machinery to duplicate.
Like transponder keys. They have built-in chips that block unauthorized key copies from opening your vehicle. They have a unique code that needs to be programmed into your car in order to unlock it and start it. This extra level of security will safeguard your investment, and deter thieves from attempting to steal your vehicle for parts or to resell it.
In terms of their design Laser-cut keys are different from mechanical cut keys due to having less grooves carved out on the key. They also have a more robust key shaft that is an indication that it's not a regular car key. Locksmiths usually use milling machines to cut keys. This type of machine looks much like a drill bit and is designed to remove metal at very precise controlled angles.
These are among the most secure keys you can purchase for your car, as they're very hard to replicate and can only be cut by the locksmith who is a certified dealer. They're not made with traditional keys. Instead, they're constructed from a small piece of steel that's shaped according to a code at the factory before being cut using the laser. This type 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 into the fob, or pop out by pressing a button. Keys like this are used extensively in German cars and offer an extra layer of security against car thieves. The cylinder is resistant to breaking into, making it very difficult for a thief pick or pick-lock a vehicle.
Smart Keys
Smart keys communicate with the vehicle by using radio-frequency identification (RFID) instead of the conventional single piece of carved metal. This means they have tiny chips that contain an encrypted code that is unique to each key. Whenever you unlock your car's doors or open the trunk key, it sends a signal to your car's onboard computer. The computer then signals the correct frequency, allowing you to access your car and begin it.
The smart key's chip also has a number of security features that protect against theft. The key emits an extremely low-frequency signal that can only be detected by your car. If the computer onboard detects this signal it will transmit another one that is unique and only your vehicle can comprehend. This stops a tech-savvy criminal from using a pulse generator to "fool the system" and make the key work on other vehicles.
Certain smart keys come with specific features, like storing driver preferences, opening windows remotely or the sunroof remotely, and many more. These functions can be accessed by activating the proximity sensor on the key fob by pressing a button or, in some cases you can do this by twisting a small piece of metal inside the key.
Most key fobs have buttons that open the doors for themselves, but some have an additional way to open them by a slot or placing the dead key close to the dashboard, where it houses an inductive coil that is able to transfer energy. Some even come with an emergency (fully mechanical) key blade concealed in the key to enable this.
Replacing a smart lock requires an appointment with a dealer, where they can order the replacement or have it on hand. They'll also have to program the new key to recognize your vehicle. You can also go to a locksmith for the replacement key fob to be programmed and replaced. A locksmith might charge more than a dealer, but they'll likely be able to finish the job quicker and at a lower cost.