Keys Replacement For Cars
If you have a basic mechanical key, you should be able to find a replacement at any hardware store for relatively inexpensive. This key will need 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 vehicle. They can be expensive however many car insurance companies will pay for the cost.
Mechanical Keys
There are still car keys that are purely mechanical, the kind that you put into an ignition lock cylinder and then turn to start your vehicle. If your vehicle is equipped with one of these, it's inexpensive to replace the key and fob (if lost or stolen).
A locksmith can cut a basic key for you at a cheaper price than you would buy from a dealership. You can also ask a neighbour or friend who is able to program transponder keys for aftermarket use (which are cheaper than the factory keys) to make you a spare key and program it. Getting a spare is important because modern cars won't begin when a key is not programmed with the correct chip is used.
Transponder keys look like mechanical keys, however they have a hidden electronic chip inside the base of their plastic shape that communicates with your car's computer system. The car will accept the code on the chip, but it will not start if you try to use another code.
If the spare key you have has a chip that is programmed, it will have to be programmed by a dealer. The dealership will need a special machine for both cutting and programming the key. These machines are only available at specific dealerships, and it's unlikely that a locksmith has the equipment needed to create a laser-cut key with a transponder.
It's costly to replace keys with remotes, especially if require a spare. If you have only the key shank missing and a working replacement fob, you can try to reprogramme your fob by yourself. However, it could be time-consuming and difficult. You're better off contacting an authorized dealer when you've lost the key and the fob.
Other types of keys for cars require specialized skills to replace. These include flip keys and smart keys. They are more complex and must be replaced by a dealer. Some key fobs feature an electronic key that folds into the enclosure and opens a door or uses proximity sensors to open and start your vehicle.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are most likely to be used in cars built in the last 10 years. The keys have the microchip as well as the receiver is programmed to send a signal to start your vehicle.
Transponder keys are a great way to discourage theft because they require two parts for the car to be able to start that is the transmitter (transponder) inside the key and the receiver that is connected to your immobilizer system. Without both the key and the immobilizer device present the car will not start and it is not possible to connect hotwire.
These key chips are programmed with a serial number that is unique to your vehicle. 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 the number, which allows the engine to start. This security feature can only be blocked by a specially designed device which can read the chip to match it with another car.
If you need a transponder key replacement it is necessary to visit a locksmith that has the necessary equipment to reprogram the key into your car. Some car dealerships also offer this service, but their overhead makes them more expensive than an independent locksmith.
Getting a new car key that comes with a chip it is a complex process. To program your car, the key must be programmed using a specific machine. This requires special software and the correct key cutter to do it correctly.
The majority of auto parts stores can clone some of the simpler keys for chips, but you must know the serial number of the original key in order to ensure the correct information is encoded into the key. Many people make the mistake of going to their dealer for a copy of a chip key and end up paying inflated prices.
Laser-Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys, referred to as sidewinder keys because of their distinctive winding cuts on the key shank, add an extra layer of security to your vehicle. Because it requires specialized equipment to duplicate these keys, they're a fantastic protection against auto theft.
Like transponder keys, they feature built-in chips that prevent duplicate keys from opening your vehicle. They have a unique number that must be programmed into your vehicle to unlock it and begin it. This additional level of security is an excellent option to protect your investment and deter thieves who might be trying to steal your vehicle for parts or to sell it.
Laser-cut keys differ from mechanically-cut keys in terms of design. car key replacement locksmith have fewer grooves that are carved on the key. The key shaft is thicker, which is another indication that this isn't a standard car key. Generally, locksmiths make use of milling tool to cut these types of keys. This kind of tool looks like a drill and is designed to cut metal at extremely precise controlled angles.
These are the safest keys that you can purchase for your vehicle. They are difficult to duplicate and can only be done be cut by a certified locksmith or dealer. Unlike traditional keys, they're made using a small piece of steel that's shaped into a code and then cut using the laser in the factory. This type of key is very durable and can endure the rigors of wear and tear which makes it one of the best options for protecting your vehicle.
The key can be folded in the fob, or it can be released by pressing the button. The keys are typically used in German cars, and provide an extra layer of protection against car thieves. They also make it difficult for a thief to pick your vehicle or pick-lock it since the cylinder is extremely rugged and hard to break into.
Smart Keys
Smart keys communicate with the vehicle via radio-frequency identification (RFID) instead of the traditional single piece carved metal. This means they have tiny chips that contain an encrypted code that is unique to each key. When you open your car's doors, or open the trunk, the key transmits a signal to your vehicle's computer onboard. The computer then prompts the appropriate frequency and allows you to connect to your car and start it.
The chip inside the smart key is equipped with several security features to protect it from theft. The key emits an extremely low-frequency signal, which will only be detected by your car. If the computer onboard detects this signal, it will transmit an additional signal that is an exclusive code that only your vehicle can comprehend. This prevents a tech savvy criminal from using an electronic pulse generator to "fool the system" and make the key work on other vehicles.
In addition to locking and starting the car, certain smart keys have special features such as storing particular driver preferences remotely opening windows, the sunroof, and more. This can be accomplished by activating the key's proximity sensor or pressing a button on the key or, in some cases, twisting a small metal piece inside the key.
Most of these key fobs have an unlock button that opens the doors by themselves, but some have an additional way to open them by a slot or placing the dead key in the dashboard, where it is able to hold an inductive coil that is able to transfer energy. Some even come with an emergency (fully mechanical) key blade concealed in the key to enable this.
Replacing a smart key typically requires a visit to the dealer, who will either have the replacement in stock or purchase it for you. The dealer will also have to program your new key to identify your vehicle. You can also visit an locksmith to get your replacement key fob to be programmed and replaced. A locksmith might charge more than a dealer, but they'll likely be able to do the job more quickly and for less.