Keys Replacement For Cars

If you have a standard mechanical key you should be able to find a replacement at any hardware store for cheap. However, this key must be programmed by a locksmith or dealership.

Smart keys are more complex and require a trip to the dealer to pair them with your vehicle. These types of keys are typically expensive however some insurance companies cover the cost.

Mechanical Keys

There are still car keys that are purely mechanical, such as the ones you place in an ignition lock cylinder, and turn to start your car. If your car is equipped with one of these, it's relatively affordable to replace the key and fob (if lost or stolen).

A locksmith can design an original key for less than you would pay at a dealership. You can also have your neighbor or a friend who is proficient in programming transponder keys from the aftermarket (which are less expensive than keys made by the factory) cut keys and program them. It is essential to have a spare because modern cars won't start when a key that isn't programmed with the proper chip is used.

Transponder keys look like mechanical keys, but they contain a hidden electronic chip inside the base of their plastic shape that communicates with your vehicle's computer system. Your vehicle will recognize the code in the chip and accept it, however it will refuse to start if another code is used.

If your spare key contains a chip it must be programmed at a dealership. They will need to use a special machine to both cut the key and program it. These machines are only available at certain dealerships and it is unlikely that a locksmith will have the equipment needed to make a key using transponder.

Keys with remotes cost a lot to replace, especially if you need a spare. If you have only the key shank missing and a working replacement fob, you can attempt to reprogramme your fob on your own. However, it can be time-consuming and challenging. If you've lost the entire fob and the key however, a dealer is your best bet.

There are other kinds of keys for cars that require a specialized set of skills to replace, such as flip keys and smart keys. They are more complicated and are usually replaced at the dealership. Certain key fobs come with a spring-loaded key that folds into the enclosure and opens a door or uses proximity sensors to open and start your vehicle.

Transponder Keys

If your car was built in the last 10 years or so you're likely to use transponder keys. The keys contain a microchip within the key itself as well as the car's receiver which are both programmed to communicate with one another to start the vehicle.

Transponder keys are a great way to discourage theft because they require two components for the car to be started - the transmitter (transponder) inside the key and the receiver connected to your immobilizer system. The car will not start without the key and the immobilizer system.

These key chips have an unique serial number that is specific to your vehicle. The serial number of the key is then sent to the immobilizer inside the car and checked to match. If it does the engine starts, it will. The only thing that can defeat this security feature is a device that is able to detect the chip and match it with another car keys lost replacement.

When you get a transponder key replaced it is necessary to visit an authorized locksmith who has the tools needed to reprogram the key into your car. Some car dealerships provide this service, however they are generally more expensive than a private locksmith because of their overhead.

The process of getting a new car keys that comes with a chip it can be a complicated procedure. The key needs to be cut on a specific machine in order to have the right tracks which can later be used to program the key to your car. This requires specialized software and the right key cutter to get it done properly.

The majority of auto parts stores can copy some of the less complicated chips keys, but you must know the serial number of the original key to ensure that the correct data is programmed into the key. Many people make the mistake of going to their dealer to get a chip key copied and end in 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, add an extra layer of security to your vehicle. These keys are a great protection against auto theft since they require specialized machinery to duplicate.

Like transponder keys, they feature embedded chips that stop unauthorized key copies from opening your car. They have a unique number that must be programmed into your car to unlock it and start it. This additional layer of security is a fantastic method to safeguard your investment and deter thieves who might be trying to steal your car for parts or to sell it to.

In terms of design, laser-cut keys are slightly different from mechanical cut keys due to having less grooves carved out on the key. They also have a thicker key shaft which is an excellent indication that it's not a regular car key. Generally, locksmiths use a machine called a milling tool to cut these kinds of keys. This type of machine looks much like a drill bit and is designed to remove metal at extremely precise, controlled angles.

They're among the most secure keys you can purchase for your car, because they are extremely difficult to duplicate and can only be cut by a dealer or a licensed locksmith. They're not made with traditional keys. Instead, they are made of a tiny piece of steel that is shaped into a specific code at the factory before being cut with a laser. This type of key is very durable and can endure many years of wear and tear which makes it one of the best options to protect your car.

The key can be folded into the fob, or be released by pressing a button. These types of keys are typically used in German cars and offer an additional layer of security against car thieves. The cylinder is also very robust and difficult to break into, making it extremely difficult for thieves to pick or pick-lock the car.

Smart Keys

Unlike the traditional single piece of carved metal, smart keys use RFID, also known as radio-frequency identification for short, to communicate with the car. They are equipped with a chip that has a unique code, which is encoded on every key. The key sends a signal to the onboard computer of your vehicle every time you open the doors or open the trunk. The computer then signals the right frequency which allows you to open your car and begin it.

The smart key's chip also comes with a variety of security features that guard against theft. First, the key emits a very low-frequency signal which isn't received by any receiver other than your vehicle. If the computer onboard detects this signal, it will send a different one which is an exclusive code that only your car is able to understand. This prevents a tech savvy criminal from using a pulse generator in order to "fool the system" and perform the work on other vehicles.

Some smart keys have specific features, like the ability to store preferences for drivers remote car key replacement opening windows, opening the sunroof remotely and many other. This can be accomplished by activating the key fob's proximity sensor, pressing a button on the key itself or, in some instances, twisting a small metal part inside the key.

Certain key fobs can be opened by holding the dead key in a slot, or by placing it near an inductive coil on the dashboard. Some key fobs feature mechanical (fully emergency) key blade in the key.

Replace a smart key requires visiting a dealer, who can either purchase the replacement or have it on hand. The dealer will also need to program your new key so that it recognizes your vehicle. You can also go to an locksmith to get your replacement key fob to be programmed and replaced. A locksmith may charge more than a dealer, but they'll likely be able to finish the job faster and at a lower cost.