Keys Replacement For Cars
If you have a standard mechanical key it is likely to get a replacement at any hardware store for relatively inexpensive. However, the key will have to be programmed by a locksmith or dealer.
Smart keys are more complicated and require a visit from the dealer to pair them with your car. These types of keys are usually expensive however some insurance companies cover the cost.
Mechanical Keys
You can still purchase mechanical keys for your car such as the ones you insert into an ignition lock for your vehicle to start. If your vehicle is equipped with one of these keys, it's cheap to replace the fob and key (if lost or stolen).
A locksmith can create new keys at a lower cost than what you pay at a dealership. You can 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 factory keys) cut keys for you and have them programmed. Getting a spare is important because modern cars won't start if a key without the correct chip is used.
Transponder keys are similar to mechanical keys, but they have an electronic chip hidden inside the base. This chip is connected to the computer system in your car. Your car will be able to recognize the code contained in the chip and accept it, however it will not start if another code is utilized.
If your spare key has a chip, you'll need to take it to a dealership to get it programmed. They'll require a specific machine to cut the key and then program it. These machines are only available at certain dealerships, and it's unlikely that a locksmith has the equipment required to create keys that are laser-cut with a transponder.
It's costly to replace keys using remotes, especially if require an extra. You could try reprogramming your fob yourself if you're only missing the key shank and have a functioning replacement fob, but it can be time-consuming and laborious. If you've lost your entire fob and the key however you should seek out a dealer as your best bet.
Other types of keys for cars require special skills to replace. They include flip keys as well as smart keys. These are more complicated and need to be replaced by a dealer. Some key fobs are operated by a proximity sensor or a spring-loaded door opener.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys will likely be used in vehicles constructed in the last 10 years. The keys have a microchip and a receiver that is programmed to communicate to start your car.
Transponder keys are a great way to stop theft because they require two parts for the car to be able to start - the transmitter (transponder) inside the key and the receiver connected to your immobilizer system. The car will not start without both the key and the immobilizer system.
The key chips are programmed with a serial number that is unique to your vehicle. When car replacement keys is inserted into the ignition, the serial number is then sent to the immobilizer of the car and then verified to make sure it is compatible the number, which allows the engine to run. The only thing that could stop this security feature is a special device that is able to detect the chip and match it with another car.
You'll have to find a locksmith who has the tools to reprogram your key. Some car dealerships also offer this service, however their overhead makes them more expensive than an independent locksmith.
It can be difficult to obtain an entirely new key that has a chip. To program your car, the key needs to be programmed on a specific machine. It requires specialized software as well as the right key cutter to cut it properly.
Many auto parts stores are able to copy some of the less complicated chips keys, however you'll need to be aware of the serial number of the original key to ensure that the correct information is encoded into the key. Many people make the mistake of going to their dealer to have their chip key copied, and end up paying more than they have to.
Laser-Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys, also known as sidewinder keys because of their distinctive winding cuts in the key shank they add a layer of security to your vehicle. These keys are a great deterrent to auto theft because they require specialized equipment to duplicate.
They also have built-in chips that prevent the copying of keys by unauthorized people from starting your vehicle. They also have a unique code on the key, which needs to be programmed for your specific car in order to unlock it and start it. This extra layer of security is a great way to protect your investment and deter thieves who may be trying to steal your car to make parts or sell it.
In terms of their design, laser-cut keys are slightly different from conventional mechanical cut keys, as they have smaller grooves that have been carved out of the key. The key shaft is more substantial, which is another sign that this is not a regular car key. Locksmiths typically employ a machine known as a milling tool to cut these kinds of keys. This machine is similar to a drill bit, and is designed to remove metal in very precise angles.
They're among the most secure keys you can purchase for your car, because they're very hard to replicate 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 before being cut using the laser. This kind of key is able to withstand a lot wear and tear and is one of the best options to protect your vehicle.
The key can be folded into the fob, or be removed by pressing a button. These keys are used in German cars and offer an extra layer of protection against car thieves. The cylinder is robust and difficult to break into, making it extremely difficult for thieves to pick or pick-lock the car.
Smart Keys Keys
Smart keys communicate with the vehicle by using radio-frequency identification (RFID) instead of the traditional single piece of carved metal. They have a chip with an unique code that is encoded on each key. Whenever you unlock your car's doors or open the trunk the key sends a signal to your vehicle's onboard computer. The computer will then prompt the right frequency that allows you to start your vehicle.
The chip of the smart key comes with a variety of security features that protect against 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 display an alternative one that's an individual sequence that only your car can comprehend. This prevents a tech savvy criminal from using a pulse generator to "fool the system" and do the key work on other vehicles.
Some smart keys have specific features, like storing driver preferences, opening windows remotely or the sunroof via remote and many other. These features are accessible by activating the proximity sensor on the key fob by pressing a button, or, in certain instances, by twisting a small piece of metal inside the key.
Certain 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 key fobs have a mechanical (fully emergency) key blade inside the key.
Replacing a smart key usually requires a visit to the dealer, who will either have the replacement in stock or purchase it for you. The dealer will also have to program your new key so that it recognizes your car. You can also visit an locksmith to get your replacement key fob to be programmed and then replaced. A locksmith may charge more than a dealer, but they'll be able to finish the job more quickly and for less.