Keys Replacement For Cars
If you have a standard mechanical key you should be able to purchase a replacement from any hardware store for cheap. The key needs to be programmed by a dealership or locksmith.
Smart keys are more complicated and require a visit to the dealer to connect them to your vehicle. They are costly however many car insurance companies will cover the cost.
Mechanical Keys
You can still purchase mechanical keys for cars which you put into an ignition lock cylinder to start your car. If your car is equipped with one of these keys, replacing the fob and keys is relatively inexpensive (if they're lost or stolen).
A locksmith can cut a basic key for you at a cheaper cost than what you would buy from the dealership. You can also have your neighbor or a friend who is proficient in programming transponder keys from the aftermarket (which are less expensive than keys from factory) cut keys for you and have them programmed. Getting a spare is important because modern cars won't begin if a key without the proper chip is used.
auto car key replacement are similar to mechanical keys, but have an electronic chip hidden in the base. This chip is connected to the computer system in your car. Your car will accept the code in the chip, but it will not start if you try to use another code.
If the spare key you have has a chip it must be programmed by a dealer. They will need to use a specific machine to cut the key and program it. These machines are only available at specific dealerships, and it is unlikely that a locksmith have the equipment needed to create a key with a transponder.
It's costly to replace keys with remotes, particularly if you require an extra. If you have only the shank of your key missing and a functioning replacement fob you can attempt to reprogramme your fob on your own. However, it can be time-consuming and challenging. If you've lost your entire fob and key, however it's best to contact a dealer as your best bet.
There are other kinds of keys for cars that require a more specific set of skills to replace, such as flip keys and smart keys. They are more complex and must be replaced by a dealer. Key fobs can be operated by a proximity sensor or a spring-loaded door opener.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are likely to be used in cars built within the past 10 years. The keys are equipped with an embedded microchip and the receiver is programmed to communicate with start your vehicle.
Transponder keys are an effective method of preventing theft, as they require two components to start a car - the transmitter in the key and the receiver that is connected to the immobilizer. The car will not start without the key and immobilizer system.
The key chips are programmed with a serial number that is unique to the vehicle you own. When the key is inserted into the ignition, the serial number is then sent to the immobilizer in the car and then verified to make sure it is compatible and allows the engine to start. The only thing that could defeat this security feature is a device that can read the chip and match it with another vehicle.
You'll require a locksmith who has the equipment needed to reprogram your key. Some car dealerships offer this service, however their overheads make them more expensive than a locksmith who is independent.
It isn't easy to obtain an entirely new key that has chip. To program your car, the key must be programmed using a specific machine. This requires specific software and the right key cutter to do it correctly.
Many auto parts stores are able to duplicate some of the more basic keys for chips, but you must be aware of the serial number of the original key in order to ensure the correct information is encoded into the key. Many people make the error of visiting a dealer to have a chip key copied and end with a bill that is higher than what they should.
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. Keys like these are a great protection against auto theft since they require specialized machinery to duplicate.
Like transponder keys. They have built-in chips that prevent unauthorised copies of keys from opening your car. They also usually have a unique code on the key that must be programmed for your specific car in order to unlock it and start it. This extra layer of security is a great option to protect your investment and deter thieves who may be trying to steal your vehicle to make parts or sell it.
Keys cut with lasers differ slightly from mechanically cut keys in terms of design. They have fewer grooves carved out on the key. The key shaft is more substantial, which is another sign that this is not an ordinary car key. Locksmiths usually employ a milling machine to cut keys. This kind of tool looks like a drill and is designed to cut metal with extremely precise controlled angles.
They are the most secure keys that you can purchase for your vehicle. They are difficult to duplicate and can only be done by cut by a certified locksmith or dealer. Unlike traditional keys, they're made using a small piece of steel that's shaped into a code and then cut with a laser at the factory. This type of key is extremely durable and is able to stand up to many years of wear and tear, making it one of the best options for protecting your vehicle.
Depending on the key, it could fold in the fob or pop out by pressing the button. The keys are typically used in German cars and offer an extra layer of protection against car thieves. They also make it very difficult for thieves to pick your vehicle or pick-lock it since the cylinder is extremely rugged and hard to break into.
Smart Keys Keys
Smart keys communicate with the vehicle by using radio-frequency identification (RFID) instead of the traditional single piece carved metal. They are equipped with a chip that has an unique code that is encoded on every key. Whenever you unlock your car's doors or open the trunk, the key sends a signal to your car's onboard computer. The computer then triggers the right frequency which allows you to open your car and begin it.
The chip of the smart key includes a variety of security features that guard against theft. First the key emits a very low-frequency signal that isn't picked up by any other receiver, not even your vehicle. If the onboard computer detects this signal, it will trigger another one that is a unique sequence that only your vehicle can comprehend. This prevents a tech-savvy criminal from using an external generator to "fool" the system and perform the work for other vehicles.
In addition to locking and opening the car, some smart keys also have additional functions such as storing specific preferences for drivers, remotely opening windows or the sunroof, among others. These features can be accessed by activating the proximity sensor on the key fob by pressing a button, or, in certain instances it is as simple as twisting a tiny piece of metal inside the key.
Some key fobs can be opened by holding the dead key in a slot, or by placing it in proximity to an inductive coil on the dashboard. Some even have an emergency (fully mechanical) key blade hidden in the key to allow this.
Replacing a smart lock requires a trip to the dealer, who can either order the replacement or have it in stock. The dealer will also need to program the new key so that it recognizes your car. You can also go to a locksmith for the replacement key fob to be programmed and replaced. Locksmiths will cost more than dealers, however, they can do the job quicker and for less.