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, the key must be programmed by a locksmith or dealership.
Smart keys are more complicated and require a trip to the dealer to connect them to your vehicle. They can be expensive, but many car insurance companies will pay for the cost.
Mechanical Keys
You can still buy car keys that are purely mechanical, like the ones you insert into an ignition lock cylinder, and turn to start your car. If your car is equipped with one of these, replacing the key and fob is relatively cheap (if they're lost or stolen).
A locksmith can create an original key at a lower cost than what you purchase 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 made by the factory) to make you a spare key and then program it. A spare key is crucial since modern cars won't be able to start when a key is not programmed with the proper chip is used.
Transponder keys appear like mechanical keys, however they contain a hidden electronic chip inside the base of their plastic shape that communicates with your car's computer system. Your car will be able to recognize the code contained in the chip and accept it, however it will refuse to start if another code is used.
If the spare key you have has a chip, you'll need to bring it to a dealer to have it programmed. The dealership will require an equipment that is specifically designed for cutting and programming the key. These machines are only available through certain dealerships, and it's not likely that a locksmith will have the equipment required to create keys that are laser-cut with a transponder.
It's expensive to replace keys with remotes, especially if require a spare. You could try reprogramming your fob on your own if you're just missing the shank of the key and have a functional replacement fob, however it can be time-consuming and difficult. If you've lost your entire fob and the key, however it's best to contact a dealer as your best bet.
Other kinds of keys for cars require specialized skills to replace. This includes flip keys and smart key. These are more complicated and must be replaced by the dealer. Certain key fobs operate by proximity sensors or a door opener that is spring-loaded.
Transponder Keys
If your car was built in the last 10 years or so it's likely to have a transponder key system. These keys have an embedded microchip inside the key itself as well as a receiver in your car that both have been programmed to communicate with each other to start the vehicle.
Transponder keys are an effective method of preventing theft, since they require two components to start the car - the transmitter in the key, and the receiver connected to the immobilizer. The car will not start without the key and immobilizer system.
Read the Full Report are programmed with a unique serial number that is unique to your vehicle. The serial number of the key is then sent to the immobilizer in the car and verified to match. If it does, the engine will start. This security feature is only blocked by a specially designed device which can read the chip to match it to another vehicle.
You'll require a locksmith that has the tools to reprogram your key. Some car dealerships provide this service, but their overheads make them more costly than an independent locksmith.
Finding a new car key that has a chip in it can be a complex process. To program your car, the key has to be programmed using a specific machine. It requires specialized software and the correct key cutter to do the job properly.
Most auto parts stores can copy some of the less complicated chips keys, however you will need to be aware of the serial number of the original key to ensure that the correct information is incorporated into the key. Many people make the mistake of going to their dealer in search of a copy of a chip-key and end up paying high costs.
Laser-Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys, also referred to as sidewinder keys because of their distinctive winding cuts on the key shank they add a layer of security to your vehicle. Because it takes specialized machinery to duplicate these keys, they're a great protection against auto theft.
They also have built-in chips to prevent unauthorized key copying from starting your vehicle. They also have a unique code on the key that must be programmed to your specific car in order to unlock it and start it. This extra level of security will guard your investment and prevent thieves from attempting to steal your vehicle in exchange for parts or to sell it.
Keys cut with lasers differ slightly from mechanically cut keys in terms of design. They have fewer grooves cut on the key. The key shaft is thicker, which is another sign that this is not a regular car key. Locksmiths typically use milling machines to cut keys. This kind of machine appears like a drill and is designed to cut metal at extremely precise, controlled angles.
They are the most secure keys you can purchase for your vehicle. They are difficult to duplicate and must by cut by a certified locksmith or dealer. They're not like traditional keys. They're made using a small piece of steel which is made into a code, and then cut using a laser at the factory. This kind of key can be able to withstand a great deal of wear and tear and is among the best choices for protecting your vehicle.
The key can be folded in the fob, or it can be released by pressing a button. The keys are typically used in German automobiles, and offer an additional layer of protection against car thieves. They also make it extremely difficult for a thief to pick or pick-lock your vehicle because the cylinder is extremely rugged and hard to break into.
Smart Keys Keys
In contrast to the traditional single piece of metal, smart keys utilize radio-frequency identification, or RFID to connect with the car. They come with a chip with an unique code that is encoded on every key. The key sends a signal to the onboard computer of your vehicle each time you unlock the doors or open the trunk. The computer then prompts the appropriate frequency, allowing you to access your car and start it.
The smart key's chip also includes a variety of security features to guard against theft. The key emits an extremely low-frequency signal, which will only be detected by your vehicle. If the computer onboard detects this signal it will transmit an additional signal that is an exclusive code that only your car can understand. This prevents a tech-savvy criminal from using an external generator to "fool" the system and create the key function for other vehicles.
In addition to locking and starting the car, some smart keys have special features such as storing particular driver preferences remotely opening windows, the sunroof, among others. This can be accomplished by activating the key's proximity sensor by pressing a button on the key or, in some instances, twisting a small metal piece inside the key.
The majority of these key fobs come with a button that can unlock the doors on their own However, some key fobs have an additional way to open them with a slot or by placing the dead key near the dashboard, where it houses an inductive coil that can transfer energy. Some key fobs feature a mechanical (fully emergency) key blade inside the key.
Replacing a key with a smart chip typically requires a visit to the dealership, where they will either have the replacement on hand or order it for you. They'll also have to program the new key to recognize the car you are driving. You can go to a locksmith shop to have your replacement key fob programmed and replaced. A locksmith might charge more than a dealer, but they'll be able to do the job more quickly and less expensively.