Keys Replacement For Cars
If you have a standard mechanical key it is likely to find a replacement at any hardware store for relatively affordable. However, the key will need to be programmed by a locksmith or dealer.
Smart keys are more complex and require a visit to a dealer to pair them with your car. These types of keys are usually expensive, but some car insurance companies will cover the cost.
Mechanical Keys
You can still purchase car keys that are solely mechanical, such as the ones you put into an ignition lock cylinder and turn to start your car. If your car has one of these keys, replacing the key and fob is relatively cheap (if they get lost or stolen).
A locksmith can make the basic key for you at a lower cost than what you'd buy from a dealership. You could also have your neighbor or a friend who is proficient in programming transponder keys that are made for the aftermarket (which are less expensive than keys made by the factory) cut keys for you and then program them. It is crucial to have a spare key since modern cars won't start if the key does not have the proper chip.
Transponder keys are similar to mechanical keys but have an electronic chip hidden inside the base. The chip communicates with the computer system in your vehicle. Your vehicle will recognize the code contained in the chip and accept it, but it will not start if a different code is used.
If the spare key you have has chip, you'll need to bring it to a dealer to get it programmed. The dealership will require a special machine for both cutting and programming the key. These machines are only available at specific dealerships, and it's unlikely that a locksmith will have the equipment needed to create keys that are laser-cut with a transponder.
It is expensive to replace keys with remotes, especially if you require a spare. Try reprogramming the fob by yourself if you're missing the shank on the key and you have a functioning replacement fob, however it can be time-consuming and difficult. You're better off going to an authorized dealer in the event that you've lost both the fob and the key.
Other types of keys for cars require specific 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 have keys that are spring-loaded and fold into the enclosure and opens doors or is operated by a proximity sensor to open and start your car.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed in the recent 10 years or so you're likely to use transponder keys. These keys are equipped with an embedded microchip inside the key itself and an internal receiver in your car which are both programmed to communicate with each other in order to start the vehicle.
Transponder keys can be an effective method of preventing theft since they require two elements to start the car: the transmitter contained in the key and the receiver attached to the immobilizer. Without both the key and the immobilizer device in place, the car won't start and it will be impossible to hotwire.
replacements car key 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 transmitted to the immobilizer in the car and checked to ensure that it matches up, it will then allow 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 to another car.
If you need a transponder key replaced you'll need to go to a locksmith that has the tools needed to reprogram the key into your vehicle. Some car dealerships offer this service, however their overhead makes them more expensive than an independent locksmith.
Getting a new car key that has a chip in it is a complex procedure. The key needs to be cut using a specific machine in order to have the proper tracks which can later be programmed to assign the key to your car. It requires specialized software, and the correct key cutter to do it properly.
Many auto parts stores are able to copy some of the less complicated chips keys, but you will need to be aware of the serial number of the original key to ensure that the correct data is incorporated into the key. Many people make the error of visiting a dealer to have a chip key copied and end up paying more than they need to.
Laser-Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys are also referred to as a sidewinder key due to the distinctive winding cut that is made on the shank of the key. They add an additional layer of security to your vehicle. They are a fantastic security measure against theft of your vehicle because they require specialized equipment to duplicate.
Like transponder keys, they have embedded chips that stop unauthorised copies of keys from getting into your car. They have a unique number that must be programmed into your car in order to unlock it and start it. This extra level of security will protect your investment and prevent thieves from attempting 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 cut on the key. The shaft of the key is larger, which is a indication that this isn't an ordinary car key. Locksmiths typically use a milling machine to cut keys. This tool is similar to a drill, and is designed to remove metal in very precise angles.
These are among the most secure keys you can purchase for your vehicle, since they are extremely difficult to duplicate and only cut by the locksmith who is a certified dealer. They're not made using traditional keys. Instead, they're constructed from a small piece of steel that's shaped according into a specific code at the factory and then cut using laser. This kind of key is very robust and can stand up to a lot of wear and tear and is one of the best options for protecting your vehicle.
Depending on the key, it can fold in the fob, or pop out by pressing a button. Keys like these are commonly used in German automobiles, and offer an extra layer of protection against car thieves. They also make it extremely difficult for a thief to pick or pick-lock your vehicle since the cylinder is extremely durable and hard to break into.
Smart Keys Keys
Smart keys communicate with the vehicle via radio-frequency identification (RFID) instead of the conventional single piece of carved metal. This means they come with a tiny chip that contains an encrypted code that is unique to each key. The key transmits a message to the computer onboard of your vehicle each time you unlock the doors or open the trunk. The computer will then signal the right frequency that allows you to start your vehicle.
The chip of the smart key is equipped with several security features to guard it from theft. The key emits a low-frequency signal, which can only be detected by your vehicle. If the onboard computer detects this signal, it will trigger an alternative one that's a unique sequence that only your vehicle will comprehend. This will stop a tech-savvy criminal from using a pulse generator in order to "fool the system" and make the key work on other vehicles.
In addition to locking and starting the car, certain smart keys have special features such as storing particular driver preferences, remotely opening windows or the sunroof, among others. These are accomplished by activating the key's proximity sensor, pressing a button on the key or, in certain cases, twisting a small metal component inside the key.
Certain key fobs can be opened by holding the dead key in a slot or by placing it next to an inductive coil on the dashboard. Some key fobs have an electronic (fully emergency) key blade in the key.
Replacing a smart lock typically requires a visit to the dealership, where they will either have the replacement in stock or order it for you. The dealer will also need to program your new key so that it recognizes your vehicle. You can also visit an locksmith to get your replacement key fob to be programmed and replaced. A locksmith may cost more than dealers, but he or she can complete the task faster and for less.