Keys Replacement For Cars
If you own a basic mechanical key you should be able to find a replacement at any hardware store for cheap. The key must be programmed by a locksmith or dealer.
Smart keys are more complex and require a visit to the dealer to pair them with your vehicle. These types of keys can be costly but some insurance companies cover the cost.
Mechanical Keys
You can still buy car keys that are solely mechanical, such as the ones you insert into an ignition lock cylinder and turn to start your car. If your vehicle is equipped with one of these, 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'd buy from a dealership. You can also ask a neighbor or friend who knows how to program transponder keys for aftermarket use (which are less expensive than keys that are factory-made) to cut you a spare and then program it. Getting a spare is important because modern cars won't begin when a key is not programmed with the proper chip is used.
Transponder keys are similar to mechanical keys, but they contain an electronic chip in the base. The chip communicates with the computer system in your car. Your car will be able to recognize the code contained in the chip and accept it, but it will not start if a different code is utilized.
If the spare key you have has chips, you'll have to take it to a dealership to have it programmed. The dealership will need an exclusive machine for cutting and programming the key. These machines are available only at specific dealerships, and it is unlikely that a locksmith would have the tools needed to make a key using a transponder.
It is expensive to replace keys using remotes, especially if you require a spare. You could try reprogramming your fob on your own if you're just missing the key shank and have a functioning replacement fob, however it can be time-consuming and laborious. You're better off going to an expert in the event that you've lost both the fob and the key.
Other kinds of car keys require more specialized skills to replace. They include flip keys as well as smart keys. car key replacement are more complicated and require replacement by the dealer. Certain key fobs come with keys that are spring-loaded and fold into the enclosure and opens doors, or they're operated with proximity sensors to open and start your vehicle.
Transponder Keys
If your car was built in the last 10 years or so it's likely to use transponder keys. The keys have the microchip as well as the receiver is programmed to communicate with start your vehicle.
Transponder keys are a great way to discourage theft because they require two components for the car to be able to start which is the transmitter (transponder) inside the key and the receiver that is connected to your immobilizer system. The car won't start without the key and immobilizer system.
These key chips are programmed with a serial number that is unique to the vehicle you own. When the key is inserted into the ignition the serial number is transmitted to the immobilizer in the car and checked to ensure that it is compatible, it will then allow the engine to start. This security feature is only defeated by a special device that reads the chip and match it with a different car.
When you get a transponder key replaced, you'll need to visit an locksmith with the tools needed to reprogram the key into your vehicle. Some car dealerships offer this service, but their overhead makes them more costly than an independent locksmith.
It isn't easy to find a new key with a chip. To program your car, the key must be programmed on a special machine. This requires special software and the correct key cutter to do it correctly.
Most auto parts stores can clone some of the simpler chips keys, but 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 error of visiting their dealer to have their chip key copied and end in paying more than they need to.
Laser-Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys are also referred to as sidewinder key because of the distinctive winding cut 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 special equipment to duplicate.
Like transponder keys, they feature built-in chips that block unauthorized key copies from starting your vehicle. They also contain a unique code the key that must be programmed for your specific vehicle in order to allow it to be opened and started. This extra layer of security will guard your investment and prevent thieves from trying to steal your car for parts or to sell it.
Laser-cut keys differ from mechanically cut keys in terms of design. They have fewer grooves carved out on the key. The key shaft is more substantial, which is another sign that this is not an ordinary car key. Generally, locksmiths make use of a milling tool to cut these kinds of keys. It's akin to a drill bit and it's designed to cut metal with precise angles.
These are among the most secure keys you can purchase for your vehicle, since they're very hard to replicate and can only be 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 with the 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 in the fob, or be removed by pressing the button. Keys like this are typically used in German automobiles and provide an additional layer of protection against car thieves. The cylinder is resistant to breaking into, making it extremely difficult for a thief pick or pick-lock a vehicle.
Smart Keys
Unlike the traditional single piece of carved metal smart keys utilize RFID, or radio-frequency identification to connect with the car. They have a chip with a unique code, which is encoded on each key. The key transmits a message to the onboard computer of your vehicle every time you open 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 smart key's chip also includes a variety of security features to guard against theft. First, the key emits a low-frequency signal that can't be picked up by any receiver but your car. If the computer onboard detects this signal, it will transmit an additional signal that is a unique code that only your car is able to understand. This stops a tech-savvy criminal from using a pulse generator in order to "fool the system" and make the key work on other vehicles.
Certain smart keys come with special features, such as saving preferences for drivers and opening windows remotely, or the sunroof remotely and many more. These features are accessible by activating the proximity sensor on the key fob, pressing a button or, in some cases, by twisting a small piece of metal inside the key.
Some 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 even include an emergency (fully mechanical) key blade that is hidden inside the key to activate this.
To replace a smart key, you'll need an appointment with a dealer, who can either request the replacement or have it on hand. They'll also need to program the new key to recognize your car. But, you can visit a locksmith to get your replacement key fob programed and replaced. A locksmith might charge more than the dealer, but they'll be able to complete the job more quickly and for less.