Car Key Replacements
Whether it’s a simple lock-and-key key or a more sophisticated fob key, losing one can cost you a lot. The best way to prevent this is to always have a spare in your wallet.
If you’ve lost keys, the most affordable alternative is to locate an auto locksmith. A dealership may be more expensive, but it’s an option worth considering.
Mechanical Keys
If you have an older vehicle that doesn’t have key fob technology, your car keys are likely mechanical. These standard keys are made from metal like steel, brass or a combination of brass and nickel. They are cut using a key duplicator machine, with the original key placed against one side of the machine, and a blank key aligned to it to serve as an example. The original key is cut using an specialized cutter to make the duplicate.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are integrated in the majority of newer automobiles keys. These chips are used to unlock the car and begin it. These chips are usually placed in the head of the key, but can also be located in the ignition. When the key is turned on in the ignition, the transponder transmits a signal that is received by the car’s computer system. The computer checks the signal and makes sure that it matches the correct serial number.
This makes it nearly impossible for stolen vehicles to start without the owner’s keys. If the signal does not match, the car will not start and remain locked. This is a huge benefit to deter car thefts, as it lowers the risk of someone else stealing your vehicle.
The drawback of transponder keys is that it costs more than a traditional flat metal key. The transponder is a chip that is costly to produce and put into the car key. Typically, these types of keys can cost hundreds of dollars if purchased from a car dealer.
A locksmith can provide less expensive and more trustworthy transponder key replacements. Beishir Lock and Car Key Fob Replacement Security has an extensive selection of these keys. They can program the chip on the spot to function with your car at a fraction the cost of replacement car keys of the dealership.
Make sure to compare quotes when shopping for the replacement transponder keys. There are a variety of factors that influence the final cost, including the make and model of your car, whether you have additional features on your key, like a remote key-fob and where you’ll go to get it copied.
In the end, you must evaluate the advantages of a transponder key versus the cost and ease of use. Transponder keys could be beneficial in the long term when you value security and safety. A non-transponder car key won’t allow the car to start.
Laser-Cut Keys
Although they may sound like something out of an sci-fi film laser cut keys are actually quite common and provide an additional layer of security for cars. They require special key cutting equipment and are much more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick than traditional cut keys.
Laser cut car keys differ from traditional keys that have grooves on one side. They also have two slits on the sides. They can be put into the lock cylinder any way, and they still function. This means that they tend to be more sturdier and thicker than traditional keys.
As a bonus, they can be used to open some high-security locks. The slits are tooled to a certain depth, which matches the codes of different automobile manufacturers. The right depth is crucial because a blade that is not cut correctly could cause damage to the key cutting machine and result in the key not working immediately after being placed into the lock cylinder.
The distinctive slits and greater thickness of the car keys laser-cut make them more resistant to being copied. A lot of these keys have a transponder chip that is unique to your car. This means that when someone copies your car key, even if it has a transponder chips they won’t be able to start your car.
Keys for cars cut with lasers may be more expensive however, they are cheaper than purchasing a replacement from the dealership. Locksmiths often cut keys faster than car dealerships.
Another aspect to be aware of is that the quality of a laser-cut car key can make all the difference. The wrong type of blade could easily damage the machine that cuts keys or your lock cylinder leaving you with an expensive repair bill. It is essential to purchase your laser-cut car key from a locksmith for autos who sells them.
Bibens Ace South Burlington offers a wide selection of replacement car key fob keys for over 250 different models and makes of automobiles, as well as sidewinder keys laser-cut. Visit us today to find out how you can save money on replacement car fobs, without having to go to a dealer!
Remote Keys
It wasn’t that long ago that a car key fob replacement (howell-dahl-2.technetbloggers.de explained in a blog post) key was lost or losing it was not a huge problem. You could call an locksmith, receive an alternative and drive away. Nowadays, however, automobiles are a lot more technologically advanced, and the corresponding keys can be harder to replace and even more difficult for thieves to duplicate. This means that when you lose your car key replacement cost keys it could be more costly than ever to get it replaced.
The cost of replacing a key can vary depending on the kind. For traditional keys, you can have one made for $10 at a hardware store or you can get an automotive locksmith to visit you and make a copy on the spot.
If you own an intelligent key, transponder key with a switchblade or a transponder key with remote start, you’ll be required to visit your local dealer to have it replaced. This can be very costly, and it may take some time to get the new key from the manufacturer, which can delay your getting back on the road.
Like any other electronic device the car key can stop working for no apparent reason. Often, this is due to extreme cold or heat, but it can be due to an unsatisfactory battery or water in the key fob from rain or simply wearing out over time. If you find that your car key is no longer responding, it’s worth trying to reset it first before calling an auto locksmith.
It’s also important to know that your key fob can only function only if it’s within the range of your vehicle. This is why it’s crucial to keep your key fob close to you at all times and not let it leave your pocket unless you are certain that you’ll be able to return it promptly.
The most common way to lose the car key is through misplacing it or dropping it. In some instances this could cause it to break or become stuck in the lock, which is why it’s always recommended to keep a spare in your possession at all times.