Keys Replacement For Cars
If you have a basic mechanical key it is likely to purchase a replacement from any hardware store for cheap. The key must be programmed by a locksmith or dealer.
Smart keys are more complicated and require a visit to the dealer to connect them to your vehicle. These keys are expensive however, many insurance companies will pay for the cost.
Mechanical Keys
There are still car keys that are purely mechanical, like the ones you put into an ignition lock cylinder, and turn to start your vehicle. If your car has one of these, 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 lower cost than what you'd pay in a dealership. You could also ask your neighbor or a friend who knows how to program aftermarket transponder keys (which are cheaper than keys from factory) cut keys for you and have them programmed. It is essential to have a spare since modern cars won't be able to start when a key is not programmed with the correct chip is used.
Transponder keys appear like mechanical keys, however they contain a hidden electronic chip in the base of their plastic shape that communicates with your car's computer system. Your car will recognize the code that is on the chip, but it will not start if you choose another code.
If your spare key contains a chip, it will need to be programmed by a dealer. The dealership will require a special machine for both cutting and programming the key. These machines are only available through certain dealerships, and it's unlikely that a locksmith has the equipment needed to create a laser-cut key with a transponder.
It's costly to replace keys with remotes, especially if require a spare. If you have just the key shank missing and an operational replacement fob, you can attempt to reprogramme your fob by yourself. However, it could be time-consuming and difficult. If you've lost the entire fob and the key however it's best to contact a dealer as your best bet.
There are different kinds of keys for cars that require a more specific set of skills to replace, for example flip keys and smart keys. They are more complicated and usually have to be replaced at the dealership. Some key fobs are operated by proximity sensors or a spring-loaded door opener.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed in the last 10 years or so it's likely to have transponder keys. These keys have an embedded microchip inside the key and the car's receiver which are both programmed to communicate with each other in order to start the car.
Transponder keys can be an effective method of preventing theft, as they require two components to start the car: the transmitter contained in the key and the receiver that is connected to the immobilizer. The car won't start without the key and the immobilizer system.
These key chips have an individual serial number specific to your vehicle. When the key is inserted into your ignition, the serial number is transmitted to the immobilizer of the car and checked to ensure that it is in line, it will then allow the engine to run. This security feature can only be defeated by a special device that reads the chip to match it with a different car.
You'll have to find a locksmith that has the equipment needed to reprogram your key. Some car dealerships provide this service as well but they tend to be more expensive than a independent locksmith because of their expenses.
Getting a new car key that has a chip in it is a complicated process. The key has to be cut on a specific machine in order to have the correct tracks in place that can be programmed to assign the key to your car. This requires special software and the correct key cutter in order to be done correctly.
The majority of auto parts stores can clone some of the simpler keys for chips, but you will need to know the serial number of the original key to ensure that the correct data is programmed into the key. Many people make a mistake going to their dealer for an exact copy of a chip key and end up paying high costs.
Laser-Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys are also referred as a sidewinder key due to the distinctive winding cut that is made on the key shank. They add an extra layer of security to your vehicle. They are a fantastic security measure against theft of your vehicle because they require specialized machinery to duplicate.
They also come with built-in chips that prevent unauthorised key copying from launching your car. They have a unique number that must be programmed to your car in order to unlock it and begin it. This extra layer of security will safeguard your investment and prevent thieves from attempting to steal your vehicle in exchange for parts or to sell it.
Laser-cut keys differ slightly from mechanically-cut keys in terms of design. They have fewer grooves cut on the key. The shaft of the key is more substantial, which is another indication that this isn't an ordinary car key. Locksmiths typically use a machine called milling tool to cut these types of keys. This tool is similar to a drill, and is designed to remove metal at precise angles.
These are the safest keys you can buy for your vehicle. They are extremely difficult to duplicate and must be cut by a licensed locksmith or dealer. They're not made using traditional keys. Instead, automotive key replacement made of a tiny piece of steel that's shaped according to form a code in the factory, and then cut with a laser. This type of key is able to be able to withstand a great deal 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 removed by pressing the button. The keys are typically used in German automobiles, and offer an extra layer of security against car thieves. They also make it extremely difficult for thieves to pick your vehicle or pick-lock it because the cylinder is extremely durable and difficult to break into.
Smart Keys 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 a tiny chip that contains an encrypted code that is unique to each key. When automotive key replacement open your car doors or pop the trunk, the key sends a signal to the car's onboard computer. The computer then signals the appropriate frequency and allows you to connect to your car and begin it.
The chip inside the smart key has several security features to protect it from theft. The key emits an extremely low-frequency signal, which will only be detected by your car. If the computer onboard detects this signal, it will send an additional signal that is an exclusive code that only your vehicle can comprehend. This stops a tech-savvy criminal from using an electronic pulse generator to "fool the system" and make the key work on other vehicles.
Some smart keys have special features, like saving preferences for drivers, opening windows remotely or the sunroof from afar and many other. These are accomplished by activating the key fob's proximity sensor by pressing a button on the key itself or, in certain instances, by twisting a tiny metal piece inside the key.
The majority of these key fobs feature buttons that open the doors for themselves however some come with another method of opening them: a slot or holding the dead key in a spot on the dashboard where it holds an inductive coil which can transfer energy. Some even have an emergency (fully mechanical) key blade concealed in the key to enable this.
Replacing a smart lock typically requires a visit the dealer, who will either have the replacement in stock or order it for you. They'll also have to program the new key to recognize your vehicle. However, you can also visit a locksmith to get your replacement key fob programmed and replaced. Locksmiths may cost more than the dealer, but they'll be able to finish the job faster and at a lower cost.