Keys Replacement For Cars
You can buy an alternative key for a mechanical key at any hardware store. However, the key will need to be programmed by a locksmith or dealership.
Smart keys are more complex and require a visit from the car dealer to be paired with your vehicle. These keys are expensive however many car insurance companies will cover the cost.
Mechanical Keys
You can still purchase car keys that are purely mechanical, such as the ones you place in an ignition lock cylinder and then turn to start your vehicle. If your car is equipped with one of these keys, replacing the fob and keys is relatively cheap (if they get lost or stolen).
A locksmith can make a basic key for you at a lower cost than what you'd pay at a dealership. You could also ask a neighbor or a friend who knows how to program transponder keys for aftermarket use (which are cheaper than the factory keys) to make you a spare key and program it. It is important to have a spare key since modern cars will not start if the key does not have the correct chip.
Transponder keys are like mechanical keys but have an electronic chip hidden in the base. This chip is connected to the computer system in your car. Your car will recognize the code contained in the chip and accept it, but it will not start if a different code is utilized.
If your spare key contains chips, it will need to be programmed by a dealer. The dealership will need an equipment that is specifically designed for cutting and programming the key. These machines are only available at certain dealerships, and it's unlikely that a locksmith has the equipment needed to create a laser-cut key with a transponder.
Keys with remotes are expensive to replace, especially if you need a spare. You could try reprogramming your fob yourself if you're only missing the key shank and have a functional replacement fob, but it can be difficult and time-consuming. If you've lost the complete fob and the key but you're not sure you should seek out a dealer as your best bet.
Other kinds of keys for cars require more special skills to replace. They include flip keys and smart key. These are more complex and are usually replaced at the dealership. Certain key fobs operate by a proximity sensor or a door opener with a spring loaded mechanism.
Transponder Keys
If your car is built in the last 10 years or so it's likely to have transponder keys. These keys are equipped with a microchip in the key and the car's receiver which are both programmed to communicate with each other to start the vehicle.
Transponder keys can be a great way of deterring theft, since they require two elements to start a car - the transmitter in the key and the receiver attached to the immobilizer. Without both the key and the immobilizer system being present the car will not start and it will be impossible to connect hotwire.
The key chips are programmed with a serial number that is unique to your vehicle. When the key is inserted into your ignition, the serial number is then sent to the immobilizer of the car and then verified to make sure it is in line and allows the engine to run. The only thing that can be a hindrance to this security feature is a device that can detect the chip and match it to another vehicle.
You'll need to find a locksmith who has the equipment needed to reprogram your key. Some car dealerships offer this service, however they are generally more expensive than a private locksmith because of their costs.
It can be difficult to find a new key with chip. The key needs to be cut using a specific machine to ensure that it has the correct tracks in place that can be programmed to assign the key to your car. This requires specific software and the right key cutter to get it done properly.
Some of the simpler chip keys can be copied at the majority of auto parts stores, but you must be aware of the serial number of the original key to ensure the proper information is being programmed into the new key. Many people make a mistake by visiting their dealer to purchase a copy of a chip-key and end up paying high prices.
Laser-Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys are also referred to as a sidewinder keys due to the distinctive winding cut that is made on the key shank. They add an additional layer of security to your vehicle. car key replacement are a great protection against auto theft since they require specialized equipment to duplicate.
Like transponder keys, they feature built-in chips that prevent unauthorized key copies from starting your car. They also usually contain a unique code the key, which must be programmed to your specific vehicle in order to unlock it and start it. This additional layer of security is a fantastic method to safeguard your investment and deter thieves who could be trying to steal your car for parts or to sell it to.
Laser-cut keys differ from mechanically cut keys in terms of design. They have fewer grooves cut on the key. The key shaft is also larger, which is a sign that this is not a regular car key. Locksmiths usually use a milling machine to cut keys. This machine is similar to a drill, and it's designed to cut metal at precise angles.
These are among the most secure keys you can buy for your car, because they're extremely difficult to duplicate and only cut by a dealer or a licensed locksmith. They're not made using traditional keys. Instead, they're made from a small piece steel that is cut to form a code in the factory before being cut using the laser. This type of key can withstand a lot wear and tear and is among the best choices for protecting your vehicle.
The key can be folded in the fob, or pop out by pressing the button. The keys are typically used in German cars, and provide an additional layer of protection against car thieves. They also make it very difficult for a thief to pick or pick-lock your car, as the cylinder is extremely tough and difficult to break into.
Smart Keys
Smart keys communicate with the vehicle by using radio-frequency identification (RFID) instead of the traditional single piece carved metal. This means they come with a small chip that has an encrypted code that is unique to each key. The key transmits a message to the onboard computer of your vehicle each time you unlock the doors or open the trunk. The computer then signals the correct frequency and allows you to connect to your car and start it.
The chip of the smart key has several security features to protect it from theft. The key emits a low-frequency signal, which will only be detected by your vehicle. If the onboard computer detects this signal, it will display another one that is an individual sequence that only your vehicle can understand. This stops a cyber-savvy criminal from using an external generator to "fool" the system and perform the work for other vehicles.
Some smart keys offer special features, like saving preferences for drivers remote opening windows, opening the sunroof from afar and many more. These features are accessible by activating the proximity sensor on the key fob, pressing a button or, in certain instances you can do this by twisting a small piece of metal inside the key.
Most key fobs come with a button that can unlock the doors for themselves However, some key fobs have another method of opening them with a slot or by placing the dead key in an area on the dashboard, where it is able to hold an inductive coil that is able to transfer energy. Some even include an emergency (fully mechanical) key blade hidden in the key to allow this.
Replacing a smart key usually requires a visit to the dealership, where they will either have the replacement on hand or order it for you. They'll also need to program the new key to recognize the car you are driving. You can also go to a locksmith for your replacement key fob to be programmed and then replaced. A locksmith will charge more than dealers, but they will complete the task faster and for less.