Keys Replacement For Cars
If you have a basic mechanical key, you should be able to find a replacement at any hardware store for relatively inexpensive. This key will need to be programmed by a locksmith or a dealer.
Smart keys are more complex and require a trip to the dealer to connect them to your vehicle. These kinds of keys can be costly but some insurance companies 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 car uses one of these, it's affordable to replace the fob and key (if lost or stolen).
A locksmith can create new keys for less 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 factory keys) to cut you a spare and then program it. It is essential to have a spare since modern cars won't be able to start if a key without the proper chip is used.
Transponder keys resemble mechanical keys, but contain an electronic chip in the base. The chip 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 not start if any other code is used.
If your spare key has a chip it must be programmed at a dealership. They will need to use an equipment that can cut the key and program it. These machines are available only at certain dealerships and it is unlikely that a locksmith would have the tools needed to create a key that has transponder.
Keys with remotes can be costly to replace, especially if you need an extra. Try reprogramming the fob yourself if you're only missing the key shank and have a functional replacement fob, but it can be time-consuming and laborious. It's better to go to an authorized dealer if you've lost both the fob and the key.
Other types of keys for cars require more special skills to replace. These include flip keys as well as smart keys. These are more complex and are usually replaced at the dealership. Certain key fobs operate by a proximity sensor or a spring-loaded door opener.
Transponder Keys
If your car is built in the recent 10 years or so it's likely to use a transponder key system. These keys are equipped with an embedded microchip inside the key itself and a receiver in your car that are both programmed to communicate with each other in order to start the vehicle.
Transponder keys are an excellent way to stop theft because they require two parts in order for the car to be started - the transmitter (transponder) inside the key and the receiver connected to your immobilizer system. The car won't start without both the key and immobilizer system.
These key chips have a unique serial number for your vehicle. When the key is inserted into the ignition, the serial number is sent to the cars immobilizer and checked to ensure that it is in line and allows the engine to start. The only thing that can be a hindrance to this security feature is a device that is able to detect the chip and match it with another vehicle.
When you get a transponder key replaced you'll need to go to a locksmith that has the tools needed to reprogram the keys to your car. Some car dealerships also offer this service, but their overhead makes them more expensive than an independent locksmith.
It isn't easy to obtain an original key that comes with chip. The key must first be cut using a specific machine to get the proper tracks which can later be used to program the key to your car. This requires specific software and the right key cutter in order to be done correctly.
Most auto parts stores can duplicate some of the more basic keys for chips, but you will need to be aware of the serial number of the original key to ensure that the correct data is programmed into the key. Many people make the error of visiting a dealer to have their chip key copied and end with a bill that is higher than what they need to.
Laser-Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys, also referred to as sidewinder keys due to their distinctive winding cuts on the key shank 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.
Like transponder keys, they have embedded chips that stop unauthorized key copies from starting your car. They have a unique code that needs to be programmed into your vehicle to unlock it and start it. This additional layer of security is a fantastic way to protect your investment and deter thieves who could be trying to steal your car for parts or to sell it on.
Keys cut with lasers differ slightly from mechanically cut keys in terms of design. replacement car key fob have fewer grooves carved out on the key. They also have a larger key shaft that is an indication that it's not your typical car key. Locksmiths usually employ a milling machine to cut these keys. This kind of tool looks much like a drill bit and is designed to remove metal at very precise, controlled angles.
These are the most secure keys that you can purchase for your vehicle. They are difficult to duplicate and can only be done be cut by a certified locksmith or dealer. They're not made with traditional keys. Instead, they're made from a small piece steel that is cut to a code at the factory, and then cut with laser. This type of key is very robust and can stand up to the rigors of wear and wear, making it one of the best options to protect your car.
The key can be folded up into the fob, or be removed by pressing a button. These kinds of keys are commonly used in German cars and offer an extra layer of security against car thieves. The cylinder is resistant to breaking into, which makes it difficult for a thief pick or pick-lock the vehicle.
Smart Keys
Contrary to the conventional single piece of metal, smart keys utilize RFID, also known as radio-frequency identification, to communicate with the car. They are equipped with a chip that has a unique code, which is encoded on every key. Whenever you unlock your car's doors or open the trunk the key sends a signal to the vehicle's computer onboard. The computer then prompts the appropriate frequency, allowing you to access your car and start it.
The chip of the smart key has several security features to protect it from theft. The key emits an extremely low-frequency signal that can only be detected by your car. If the onboard computer detects this signal, it will prompt an alternative one that's an exclusive sequence that only your vehicle will comprehend. This stops a tech-savvy criminal from using an electronic pulse generator to "fool the system" and do the key work on other vehicles.
In addition to locking and starting the car, some smart keys come with additional features like storing specific driver preferences remote opening windows or the sunroof, and more. These features can be accessed by activating the proximity sensor on the key fob by pressing a button or, in some instances it is as simple as twisting a tiny piece of metal inside the key.
Some key fobs can be opened by placing the dead key in a slot, or by placing it near an inductive coil on the dashboard. Some even have an emergency (fully mechanical) key blade concealed in the key to allow this.
Replacing a smart lock requires a trip to the dealer, where they can order the replacement or stock it. They'll also have to program the new key to recognize the car you are driving. You can also go to a locksmith for your replacement key fob to be programmed and then replaced. A locksmith will charge more than a dealer, however, they can do the job faster and at a lower cost.