Keys Replacement For Cars
If you have a basic mechanical key, you should be able to purchase a replacement from any hardware store for relatively cheap. However, this key will have to be programmed by a locksmith or dealer.
Smart keys are more complex and require a trip to the dealer to pair them with your vehicle. These kinds of keys are typically expensive, but some car insurance companies will cover the cost.
Mechanical Keys
You can still purchase car keys that are purely mechanical, the kind that you place in an ignition lock cylinder and then turn to start your car. If your car uses one of these keys, it's affordable to replace the fob and key (if lost or stolen).
A locksmith can make an entry level key for you at a lower cost than what you would buy from the dealership. You can also have someone close to you who knows how to program aftermarket transponder keys (which are less expensive than keys made by the factory) cut keys and then program them. It is crucial to have a spare key since modern cars will not start if the key does not have the right chip.
Transponder keys look a lot like mechanical keys, however they are actually equipped with an electronic chip inside the base of their plastic shape that communicates with your vehicle's computer system. Your car will recognize the code in the chip, but it will not start if you try to use another code.
If your spare key contains a chip that is programmed, it will have to be programmed at a dealership. The dealership will need a special machine for both cutting and programming the key. These machines are only available at certain dealerships, and it's unlikely that a locksmith has the equipment needed to create an engraved key using a laser transponder.
Keys with remotes are expensive to replace, particularly if you need an extra. Try reprogramming the fob by yourself if you're missing the shank of the key and have a functional replacement fob, but it could be difficult and time-consuming. You're better off going to an expert if you've lost both the key and the fob.
Other types of keys for cars require special skills to replace. These include flip keys and smart keys. They are more complicated and usually have to be replaced at the dealership. Key fobs can be operated by a proximity sensor or a door opener with a spring loaded mechanism.
Transponder Keys
If your car is built in the last 10 years or so it's likely to use transponder keys. The keys contain a microchip within the key and a receiver in your car which are both programmed to communicate with each other in order to start the vehicle.
Transponder keys are a great method to deter theft since they require two parts in order for the car to be started - the transmitter (transponder) in the key and the receiver that is connected to your immobilizer system. Without both the key and the immobilizer system in place, the car won't start and it is not possible to connect hotwire.
The key chips are programmed with a unique 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 cars immobilizer and verified that it is compatible the number, which allows the engine to run. This security feature is only blocked by a specially designed device which can read the chip to match it to another vehicle.
If you need a transponder key replaced you'll need to go to an locksmith with the necessary equipment to reprogram the keys to your vehicle. Some car dealerships offer this service, but their overheads make them more expensive than an independent locksmith.
Getting a new car key that has a chip in it can be a complicated procedure. The key has to be cut using a specific machine to get the correct tracks in place that can then be programmed to assign the key to your car. This requires special software and the correct key cutter to be done correctly.
Most auto parts stores can duplicate some of the more basic chips keys, however you must know the serial number from the original key to ensure that the correct information is programmed into the key. Many people make the mistake of visiting a dealer to get a chip key copied, and end up paying more than they should.
Laser-Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys, also referred to as sidewinder keys due their distinctive winding cuts to the shank of the key, add an extra layer of security to your vehicle. Because it requires specialized equipment to duplicate these keys, they're a great security measure against auto theft.
They also come with built-in chips to stop the copying of keys by unauthorized people from starting your car. They also contain a unique code the key that must be programmed for your particular vehicle to unlock it and start it. This additional layer of security is a fantastic method to safeguard your investment and deter thieves who could be trying to steal your vehicle for parts or to sell it to.
Keys cut with lasers differ slightly from mechanically cut keys in terms of design. They have fewer grooves carved out on the key. They also have a thicker key shaft which is an excellent indication that it's not your typical car key. Locksmiths typically use milling machines to cut keys. It's akin to a drill bit and it's designed to cut metal at precise angles.
These are among the most secure keys you can get for your car, as they're extremely difficult to duplicate and only cut by the dealer or a certified locksmith. They're not made using traditional keys. Instead, they are made of a tiny piece of steel that is cut to a code at the factory, and then cut using a laser. This type of key is able to endure a lot of wear and tear and is one of the best options to protect your vehicle.
The key can be folded up into the fob, or it can be removed by pressing a 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 a thief to pick your vehicle or pick-lock it because the cylinder is extremely durable and hard to break into.
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In contrast to the traditional single piece of carved metal, smart keys utilize RFID, or radio-frequency identification for short, to communicate with the car. This means they come with a tiny chip that contains an encrypted code that is unique to each 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 appropriate frequency which allows you to open your car and begin it.
The chip of the smart key is equipped with several security features that protect it from theft. The key emits a low-frequency signal, which will only be detected by your car. If the computer onboard detects this signal, it will prompt a different one that is an exclusive sequence that only your vehicle can understand. This prevents a tech savvy criminal from using an electronic pulse generator to "fool the system" and make the key work on other vehicles.
In addition to locking and opening the car, some 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 by pressing a button on the key itself or, in certain cases, twisting a small metal component 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 that is located on the dashboard. Certain key fobs come with an electronic (fully emergency) key blade inside the key.
Replacing a smart lock requires visiting a dealer, who can either order the replacement or stock it. The dealer will also have to program your new key to identify your car. But, you can visit a locksmith to get your replacement key fob programed and replaced. A locksmith may cost more than dealers, but they will do the job faster and cheaper.