Keys Replacement For Cars
If you have a basic mechanical key, you should be able to purchase a replacement from any hardware store for 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. They are costly however many car insurance companies will pay for the cost.
Mechanical Keys
You can still buy mechanical keys for your car such as the ones you put into the ignition lock cylinder to start your car. If your car is equipped with one of these, replacing the fob and keys is fairly inexpensive (if they get lost or stolen).
A locksmith can create a basic key for you at a less cost than what you'd pay at a 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 less expensive than keys from factory) cut keys and then program them. It is crucial to have a spare key as modern cars will not start in the event that the key does have the right chip.
Transponder keys appear like mechanical keys, but they are actually equipped with an electronic chip in the base of their plastic design that communicates with your vehicle's computer system. The car will accept the code that is on the chip, but will not start if you choose another code.
If the spare key you have has chips, you'll have 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 will have the equipment required to create an engraved key using a laser transponder.
Keys with remotes can be costly to replace, particularly in the event that you need an extra. Try reprogramming the fob yourself if you're only missing the shank on the key and you have a functional replacement fob, but it could be time-consuming and difficult. If you've lost your entire fob and key however you should seek out a dealer as your best bet.
Other kinds of keys for cars require more specialized skills to replace. This includes flip keys and smart key. They are more complicated and typically need to be replaced at the dealership. Some key fobs are operated by proximity sensors or a door opener with a spring loaded mechanism.
Transponder Keys
If your car was built in the last 10 years or so you're likely to use a transponder key system. These keys have a microchip in the key itself as well as the car's receiver 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, as they require two elements to start the car: the transmitter contained in the key and the receiver that is connected to the immobilizer. Without both the key and the immobilizer system present the car will not start and is impossible to hotwire.
These key chips are programmed with a serial number that is unique to your vehicle. When the key is inserted into the ignition, the serial number is sent to the cars immobilizer and then verified to make sure it is compatible and allows the engine to start. The only thing that can defeat this security feature is a special device that is able to detect the chip and match it to another car.
If you need a transponder-related key replaced, you'll need to visit an locksmith with the necessary equipment to reprogram the key into your car. Some car dealerships provide this service, however they are generally more expensive than an independent locksmith because of their overhead.
Finding a new car key that comes with a chip it is a complicated procedure. The key must first be cut using a particular machine in order to have the right tracks that can be used to program the key to your car. It requires specialized software as well as the appropriate key cutter to cut it correctly.
Some of the simpler chip keys can be copied at most auto part stores, but you must be aware of the serial number of the original key to ensure the correct information is programmed into the new key. Many people make the mistake of visiting their dealer to purchase a copy of a chip-key and end up paying high prices.
Laser-Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys are also referred as sidewinder key because of the distinctive winding cut on the shank of the key. They provide an additional layer of security to your car. Because it takes specialized machinery to duplicate these keys, they're a great deterrent against auto-theft.
Like transponder types of car keys , they have built-in chips that prevent unauthorised copies of keys from opening your vehicle. They also come with a unique code on the key, which must be programmed for your specific car in order to allow it to be opened and started. This extra level of security will protect your investment and stop thieves from attempting to steal your vehicle in exchange for parts or to sell it.
Keys cut with lasers differ slightly from mechanically cut keys in terms of design. They have fewer grooves cut on the key. They also have a thicker key shaft, which is a good indication that it's not your typical car key. Locksmiths typically employ a machine known as milling tool to cut these types of keys. This type of machine looks much like a drill bit and is designed to remove metal at extremely precise, controlled angles.
These are among the most secure keys you can get for your car, because they are extremely difficult to duplicate and only cut by a dealer or a licensed locksmith. They're not made using traditional keys. Instead, they are made from a small piece steel that's shaped according to a code at the factory and then cut using laser. This type of key is able to endure a lot of wear and tear, and is among the best options for protecting your vehicle.
The key can be folded up into the fob, or be released by pressing the button. These kinds of keys are typically used in German cars and offer an additional layer of security against car thieves. The cylinder is resistant to breaking into, which makes it difficult for a thief pick or pick-lock a vehicle.
Smart Keys
Smart keys communicate with the vehicle using radio-frequency identification (RFID) instead of the traditional single piece of carved metal. They come with a chip with an unique code that is encoded on each key. The key sends a signal to the onboard computer in your vehicle whenever you unlock the doors or open the trunk. The computer then signals the appropriate frequency which allows you to open your car and start it.
The smart key's chip 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 send a different one which is unique and only your vehicle can comprehend. This stops a tech-savvy criminal from using a pulse generator in order to "fool the system" and perform the work on other vehicles.
Certain smart keys come with specific features, like storing driver preferences remote opening windows, opening the sunroof remotely and many more. This can be accomplished by activating the key's proximity sensor, pressing a button on the key itself or, in certain cases, twisting a small metal part inside the key.
Certain key fobs can be opened by holding the dead key in a slot or by placing it near an inductive coil on the dashboard. Some key fobs have a mechanical (fully emergency) key blade that is inside the key.
Replacing a key with a smart chip usually requires a visit to the dealer, who will either have the replacement in stock or order it for you. The dealer will also need to program the new key to recognize your car. You can also go to a locksmith for the replacement key fob to be programmed and then replaced. A locksmith will charge more than a dealer, but they will do the job quicker and for less.