Keys Replacement For Cars
If you have a standard mechanical key it is likely to purchase a replacement from any hardware store for relatively affordable. This key will need to be programmed by a dealership or locksmith.
Smart keys are more complicated and require a visit to the dealer for the keys to be paired with your vehicle. These keys are expensive however, many insurance companies will cover the cost.
Mechanical Keys
You can still buy car keys that are only mechanical, like the ones you place in an ignition lock cylinder and turn to start your car. If your vehicle is equipped with one of these, it's cheap to replace the key and fob (if lost or stolen).
A locksmith can create an entry level key for you at a cheaper cost than what you would buy from the dealership. You can also ask a neighbour or friend who knows how to program transponder keys for aftermarket use (which are less expensive than factory keys) to make you a spare key and program it. It is essential to have a spare since modern cars won't be able to start when a key that isn't programmed with the correct chip is used.
Transponder keys are like mechanical keys, but have an electronic chip hidden within the base. The chip communicates with the computer system in your vehicle. Your car will accept the code on the chip, but will not start if you use another code.
If your spare key contains a chip that is programmed, it will have to be programmed at a dealership. They will need to use an equipment that can cut the key and then program it. These machines are only available at certain dealerships. It is unlikely that a locksmith would have the equipment necessary to create a key that has a transponder.
Keys with remotes can be costly to replace, particularly in the event that you need an extra. You could try reprogramming your fob on your own if you're just missing the shank of the key and have a working replacement fob, however it can be time-consuming and difficult. You're better off going to an expert if you've lost both the key and the fob.
There are other types of keys for cars that require a specialized set of skills to replace, for example flip keys and smart keys. These are more complicated and require replacement by a dealer. Key fobs can be operated by proximity sensors or a spring-loaded door opener.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are most likely to be used in vehicles built in the last 10 years. These keys contain a microchip and the receiver is programmed to communicate with start your vehicle.
Transponder keys can be an excellent method of preventing theft, since they require two elements to start the car - the transmitter contained in the key, and the receiver connected to the immobilizer. The car will not start without the key and the 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 of the car and then verified to make sure it matches up and allows the engine to start. This security feature is only defeated by a special device that reads the chip to match it to another vehicle.
If you need a transponder key replacement you'll need to go to a locksmith that has the necessary equipment to reprogram the key to your vehicle. Some car dealerships also offer this service, however their overhead makes them more expensive than an independent locksmith.
Finding a new car key that has a chip in it is a complex procedure. To program your car, the key must be programmed on a specific machine. It requires specialized software as well as the right key cutter to cut it properly.
Most auto parts stores can duplicate some of the more basic chips keys, but you'll need to know the serial number from the original key to ensure the correct information is programmed into the key. Many people make the error of going to their dealer to get a chip key copied, and end in paying more than they should.
Laser-Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys, referred to as sidewinder keys due to their distinctive winding cuts in the key shank provide an additional layer of security to your vehicle. g28carkeys like these are a great deterrent to auto theft because they require specialized equipment to duplicate.
They also come with built-in chips that prevent unauthorised key copying from launching your vehicle. They come with a unique code that must be programmed into your car in order to unlock it and start it. This extra layer of security is an excellent method to safeguard your investment and deter thieves who may be trying to steal your vehicle for parts or to sell it.
Keys cut with lasers differ slightly from mechanically-cut keys in terms of design. They have fewer grooves carved out on the key. They also have a thicker key shaft which is an excellent indication that it's not your typical car key. Locksmiths typically employ a machine known as a milling tool to cut these types of keys. This kind of tool looks like a drill and is designed to remove metal with extremely precise and controlled angles.
These are among the most secure keys you can get for your vehicle, since they are extremely difficult to duplicate and can only be cut by a locksmith who is a certified dealer. They're not created using traditional keys. Instead, they're made from a small piece steel that is cut to a code at the factory, and then cut using a laser. 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.
Depending on the key, it can fold into the fob or pop out at the touch of the button. Keys like this are typically used in German cars and offer an additional layer of security against car thieves. The cylinder is resistant to breaking into, making it very difficult for thieves to pick or pick-lock a vehicle.
Smart Keys Keys
In contrast to the traditional single piece of carved metal, smart keys use RFID, or radio-frequency identification, to communicate with the car. This means they have a tiny chip that contains an encrypted code that is unique to each key. The key sends a message to the computer onboard of your vehicle whenever you unlock the doors or open the trunk. The computer then will prompt the appropriate frequency to allow you to start your car.
The smart key's chip also has a number of security features that protect against theft. First the key emits a very low-frequency signal that isn't picked up by any receiver other than your vehicle. If the computer onboard detects this signal, it will prompt another one that is an exclusive sequence that only your vehicle can understand. This prevents a tech-savvy criminal from using an external generator to "fool" the system and make the key work for other vehicles.
Some smart keys offer specific features, like saving preferences for drivers remote opening windows, opening the sunroof remotely, and many more. These features can be accessed by activating the proximity sensor on the key fob, pressing a button or, in some cases you can do this by twisting a small piece of metal inside the key.
Some key fobs can be opened by placing the dead key in a slot or by placing it near an inductive coil that is located on the dashboard. Some even include an emergency (fully mechanical) key blade concealed in the key to enable this.
Replacing a smart key typically requires a visit to the dealership, where they will either have the replacement in stock or order it for you. The dealer will also have to program your new key to recognize your vehicle. You can also go to an locksmith to get your replacement key fob to be programmed and then replaced. A locksmith might charge more than the dealer, but they'll be able to do the job more quickly and for less.