Keys Replacement For Cars
You can get the replacement key for a mechanical key in any hardware store. This key will need to be programmed by a locksmith or dealer.
Smart keys are more complicated and require a trip to the dealer to connect them to your vehicle. These types of keys can be costly but some insurance companies will cover the cost.
Mechanical Keys
There are still car keys that are only mechanical, the kind that you put into an ignition lock cylinder, and turn to start your vehicle. If your car uses one of these, it's affordable to replace the fob and key (if lost or stolen).
A locksmith can make you a new basic key at a lower cost than what you pay at a dealership. You can also have your neighbor or a friend who knows how to program aftermarket transponder keys (which are less expensive than keys from factory) cut you a spare key and have them programmed. It is essential to have a spare key as modern vehicles won't start in the event that the key does have the correct chip.
Transponder keys look like mechanical keys, but they are actually equipped with an electronic chip embedded in the bottom of their plastic design that communicates with the computer system in your vehicle. Your car will recognize the code that is on the chip, but will not start if you use another code.
If your spare key contains chips, it will need to be programmed at a dealership. You'll need a special machine to both cut the key and then program it. These machines are only available at specific dealerships, and it's not likely that a locksmith has the equipment required to create a laser-cut key with a transponder.
It's costly to replace keys using remotes, especially if you require a spare. You can try reprogramming your fob by yourself if you're missing the key shank and have a functioning replacement fob, however it can be time-consuming and laborious. You're better off going to an expert if you've lost both the fob and the key.
There are different kinds of car keys that require a more specific set of skills to replace, such as flip keys and smart keys. These are more complicated and need to be replaced by the dealer. Certain key fobs come with a spring-loaded key that folds into the enclosure and opens doors, or they're operated with the use of a proximity sensor to open and start your car.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are most likely to be found in cars that were built within the past 10 years. These keys are equipped with an embedded microchip inside the key itself as well as the car's receiver that both have been programmed to communicate with each other in order to start the vehicle.
Transponder keys can be a great way of deterring theft since they require two parts to start the car: the transmitter in the key and the receiver that is connected to the immobilizer. Without both the key and the immobilizer system being present, the car will not start and it is not possible to connect hotwire.
The key chips are programmed with a serial number that is unique to the vehicle you own. 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. This security feature can only be blocked by a specially designed device that reads the chip and match it with another car.
You'll need to find an locksmith with the tools to reprogram your key. Some car dealerships also offer this service, however their overhead makes them more expensive than an independent locksmith.
Finding a new car key with a chip inside it can be a complicated process. To program your car, the key has to be programmed on a special machine. This requires specialized software and the right key cutter to get it done properly.
Most auto parts stores can duplicate some of the more basic keys for chips, but you will need to know the serial number of the original key in order to ensure 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 inflated costs.
Laser-Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys are also known as a sidewinder key due to the distinctive winding cut that is made on the shank of the key. They provide an additional layer of security to your car. They are a fantastic protection against auto theft since they require special equipment to duplicate.
They also have built-in chips to prevent unauthorized key copying from starting your car. They also contain a unique code the key, which must be programmed for your particular car in order to unlock it and start it. This extra layer of security will guard your investment and stop thieves from attempting to steal your car for parts or to resell it.
Keys cut with lasers differ slightly from mechanically-cut keys in terms of design. They have fewer grooves cut on the key. The shaft of the key is thicker, which is another indication that this isn't an ordinary car key. Locksmiths typically make use of milling tool to cut these types of keys. This kind of tool looks similar to a drill bit and is designed to cut metal at extremely precise, controlled angles.
They're among the most secure keys you can purchase for your car, as they're very hard to replicate and can only be cut by a locksmith who is a certified dealer. They're not made using traditional keys. Instead, they are made of a tiny piece of steel that is cut to a code at the factory, and then cut using the laser. This kind of key is extremely durable and can endure many years of wear and tear and is one of the best options for protecting your vehicle.
The key can be folded up into the fob, or be removed by pressing the button. Keys like these are commonly used in German automobiles, and offer an extra layer of protection against car thieves. The cylinder is also very robust and difficult to break into, which makes it difficult for a thief pick or pick-lock the car.
Smart Keys Keys
Smart keys communicate with the vehicle by using radio-frequency identification (RFID) instead of the traditional single piece carved metal. They come with a chip with a unique code, which 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 correct frequency which allows you to open your car and start it.
The smart key's chip includes a variety of security features to guard against theft. The key emits a low-frequency signal that can only be detected by your car. If automotive car key replacement will send another one that 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 make the key work on other vehicles.
Some smart keys offer specific features, like saving preferences for drivers and opening windows remotely, or the sunroof from afar and many other. These features can be accessed by activating the proximity sensor on the key fob by pressing a button or, in some instances you can do this by twisting a small piece of metal inside the key.
Some 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 even come with an emergency (fully mechanical) key blade hidden in the key to enable this.
Replacing a key with a smart chip typically requires a visit to the dealer, who will either have the replacement on hand or purchase it for you. They'll also have to program the new key to recognize your vehicle. You can also go to a locksmith for your replacement key fob to be programmed and then replaced. Locksmiths will cost more than a dealer, but he or she can do the job faster and for less.