If you own a basic mechanical key, you should be able to purchase a replacement key fobs for cars from any hardware store for inexpensive. However, the key will have to be programmed by a locksmith or dealer.
Smart keys are more complicated and require a visit to the dealer for the keys to be paired with your car. These kinds of keys can be costly, but some car insurance companies will cover the cost.
Mechanical Keys
You can still buy car keys that are solely mechanical, the kind that you insert into an ignition lock cylinder, and turn to start your car. If your car is equipped with one of these keys, it’s affordable to replace the fob and key (if lost or stolen).
A locksmith can make you an original key for less than what you buy from a dealer. You can also have someone close to you who knows how to program transponder keys from the aftermarket (which are cheaper than factory keys) cut keys for you and then program them. It is crucial to have a spare key as modern vehicles won’t start in the event that the key does have the correct chip.
Transponder keys are similar to mechanical keys, but they have an electronic chip hidden inside the base. The chip communicates with the computer system in your car. Your car will recognize the code contained in the chip and accept it, however it will refuse to start if any other code is used.
If the spare key you have has chips, it will need to be programmed at a dealership. The dealership will need a special machine for both cutting and programming the key. These machines are available only at specific dealerships, and it is unlikely that a locksmith will have the tools needed to make a key using a transponder.
It is expensive to replace keys with remotes, particularly if you require a spare. If you only have the shank of your key missing and a functioning replacement fob you can try to reprogramme your fob on your own. However, it can be time-consuming and difficult. It’s better to go to an expert if you’ve lost both the key and the fob.
Other types of keys for cars require more specific skills to replace. They include 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 is built in the last 10 years or so it’s likely to use a transponder key system. These keys are equipped with a microchip within the key and an internal receiver in your car which are both programmed to communicate with each other to start the car.
Transponder keys can be a great way of deterring theft, since they require two parts to start the car – the transmitter contained in the key, and the receiver connected to the immobilizer. Without both the key and Keys Replacement for cars the immobilizer system present the car will not start and is impossible to connect hotwire.
These key chips are programmed with a unique serial number that is unique to your vehicle. The serial number of the key is sent to the immobilizer in the car, and then checked to be in line. If it does then the engine will begin. The only thing that could stop this security feature is a device that can detect the chip and match it with another car.
When you have a transponder key replacement it is necessary to visit a locksmith that has the tools needed to reprogram the key to your vehicle. Some car dealerships provide this service as well but they tend to be more expensive than an independent locksmith because of their costs.
It isn’t easy to find an original key that comes with chip. To program your car, the key must be programmed on a special machine. This requires specialized software and the right key cutter in order to do it correctly.
Some of the simpler chip keys can be copied at the majority of auto parts stores, but you need to know the serial number of the original key to ensure the correct information is encoded into the new key. Many people make a mistake visiting their dealer to purchase a copy of a chip key and end up paying high prices.
Laser-Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys are also referred as sidewinder key because of the distinctive winding cut on the shank of the key. They add an extra layer of security to your car. These keys are a great security measure against theft of your vehicle because they require special equipment to duplicate.
Like transponder keys. They have built-in chips that prevent duplicate keys from starting your car. They also typically contain a unique code the key, which must be programmed for your specific vehicle to unlock and start it. This extra level of security will safeguard your investment, and deter thieves from attempting to steal your car for parts or to resell it.
In terms of their design Laser-cut keys are different from standard mechanical cut keys in that they have less grooves carved out on the key. The shaft of the key is more substantial, which is another sign that this is not a standard car key. Locksmiths typically use milling machines to cut these keys. This machine is similar to a drill bit, and it’s designed to cut metal in very precise angles.
They are the most secure keys you can buy for your vehicle. They are extremely difficult to duplicate and can only be done be cut by a licensed locksmith or dealer. They’re not made using traditional keys. Instead, they’re made from a small piece steel that’s shaped according to form a code in the factory, and then cut using the laser. This kind of key is able to be able to withstand a great deal of wear and tear, and is one of the best choices for protecting your vehicle.
The key can be folded in the fob, or it can be removed by pressing a button. These keys are used in German automobiles, and offer an extra layer of protection against car thieves. They also make it very difficult for thieves to pick or pick-lock your car, as the cylinder is extremely rugged and difficult to break into.
Smart Keys Keys
In contrast to the traditional single piece of carved metal smart keys use RFID, or radio-frequency identification to connect with the car. They have a chip with an individual code, which is encoded on every key. The key sends a signal to the onboard computer of your vehicle whenever you unlock the doors or open the trunk. The computer then signals the appropriate frequency and allows you to connect to your car and begin it.
The chip in the smart key has several security features to guard it from theft. First, the key emits a very low-frequency signal that isn’t received by any receiver other than your car. If the computer onboard detects this signal, it will prompt a different one that is an individual sequence that only your vehicle can understand. This prevents a tech-savvy criminal from using an external generator to “fool” the system and perform the work for other vehicles.
In addition to locking and starting the car, some smart keys also have additional functions such as storing particular driver preferences remotely opening windows, the sunroof, among others. These features are accessible by activating the proximity sensor on the key fob, pressing a button or, in some cases it is as simple as twisting a tiny piece of metal inside the key.
Certain key fobs can be opened by placing the dead key in a slot, or by placing it in proximity to an inductive coil that is located on the dashboard. Some even include an emergency (fully mechanical) key blade that is hidden inside the key to enable this.
Replace a smart key requires a trip to the dealer, where they can request the replacement keys car or have it in stock. They’ll also need to program the new key to recognize your vehicle. But, you can visit a locksmith to have your replacement key fob programmed and replaced. Locksmiths may charge more than the dealer, but they’ll be able to finish the job faster and at a lower cost.