Keys Replacement For Cars
If you have a standard mechanical key you should be able to purchase a replacement from any hardware store for relatively affordable. This key will need to be programmed either by a locksmith or a dealer.
Smart keys are more complicated and require a trip to the dealer to connect them to your vehicle. These types of keys are usually expensive but some insurance companies cover the cost.
Mechanical Keys
You can still purchase mechanical keys for your car such as the ones you insert into an ignition lock cylinder to start your vehicle. If your car is equipped with one of these, replacing the fob and keys is relatively cheap (if they are lost or stolen).
A locksmith can cut an entry level key for you at a cheaper cost than what you would pay at the dealership. You can also ask a neighbor or friend who knows how to program transponder keys aftermarket (which are cheaper than the factory keys) to cut you a spare and then program it. It is crucial to have a spare key as modern cars will not start in the event that the key does have the proper chip.
Transponder keys are similar to mechanical keys but have an electronic chip hidden inside the base. The chip communicates with the computer system in your vehicle. Your car will be able to recognize the code inside the chip and accept it, but it will not start if any other code is used.
If your spare key is equipped with chip, you'll need to bring it to a dealer to get it programmed. They'll require a special machine to both cut the key and then program it. These machines are only available at specific dealerships, and it is unlikely that a locksmith would have the tools needed to create a key that has a transponder.
It is expensive to replace keys with remotes, especially if you require a spare. If key replacement car have the key shank missing and an operational replacement fob, you could try reprogramming your fob by yourself. However, it can be time-consuming and challenging. You're better off contacting an authorized dealer in the event that you've lost both the key and the fob.
There are other kinds of car keys that require a more specialized set of skills to replace, like flip keys and smart keys. They're more complicated and need to be replaced by a dealer. Some key fobs have keys that are spring-loaded and fold into the enclosure and opens a door or is operated by a proximity sensor to open and start your car.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed in the past 10 years or so, it's likely to use transponder keys. These keys are equipped with a microchip in the key and a receiver in your car that are both programmed to communicate with one another to start the car.
Transponder keys can be an effective method of preventing theft, since they require two parts to start the car - the transmitter inside the key and the receiver that is connected to the immobilizer. Without both the key and the immobilizer system present the car will not start and it will be impossible to connect hotwire.
The key chips are programmed with a unique serial number that is unique to the vehicle you own. The serial number of the key is transmitted to the immobilizer in the car and checked to match. If it does then the engine will begin. The only thing that could stop this security feature is a device that can detect the chip and match it with another vehicle.
You'll need to find a locksmith who has the tools to reprogram your key. Some car dealerships offer this service too, but they tend to be more expensive than a independent locksmith because of their expenses.
It can be difficult to obtain an original key that comes with a chip. To program your car, the key must be programmed on a special machine. It requires specialized software as well as the right key cutter to do it properly.
Some of the less complicated chip keys can be cloned at a variety of auto parts stores but you must know the serial number of the original key to ensure that the proper information is being encoded into the new key. Many people make the mistake of going to their dealer in search of the clone of a chip key and end up paying inflated prices.
Laser-Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys, also known as sidewinder keys due to their distinctive winding cuts on the key shank, add an extra layer of security to your vehicle. Keys like these are a great security measure against theft of your vehicle because they require specialized machinery to duplicate.
They also come with built-in chips that prevent unauthorized key copying from starting your vehicle. They also typically contain a unique code the key, which must be programmed to your specific car in order to unlock and start it. This extra layer of security is a great way to protect your investment and deter thieves who might be trying to steal your vehicle for parts or to sell it on.
In terms of their design laser-cut keys are different from conventional mechanical cut keys, as they have fewer carved-out grooves on the key. They also have a more robust key shaft which is an excellent indication that it's not your regular car key. Locksmiths usually employ a milling machine to cut keys. This kind of machine appears similar to a drill bit and is designed to remove metal at extremely precise and controlled angles.
These are among the most secure keys you can get for your car, as they are extremely difficult to duplicate and only cut by the locksmith who is a certified dealer. They're not created using traditional keys. Instead, they are constructed from a small piece of steel that is shaped to form a code in the factory and then cut with laser. This type of key is extremely robust and can endure a lot of wear and wear which makes it one of the best options to protect your vehicle.
Depending on the key, it can fold in the fob, or pop out at the touch of the button. These kinds of keys are commonly used in German cars and offer an extra layer of security 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
In contrast to the traditional single piece of metal, smart keys utilize radio-frequency identification, or RFID to connect with the car. They have a chip with an individual code, which is encoded on each key. Whenever you unlock your car's doors, or open the trunk key, it sends a signal to your car's onboard computer. The computer then triggers the appropriate frequency, allowing you to access your car and start it.
The chip in the smart key has several security features to guard it from theft. The key emits an extremely low-frequency signal, which will only be detected by your car. If the onboard computer detects this signal, it will prompt an alternative one that's an individual sequence that only your vehicle will understand. This stops a cyber-savvy criminal from using an external pulse generator to "fool" the system and make the key work for other vehicles.
Some smart keys offer special features, like the ability to store preferences for drivers, opening windows remotely or 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 some instances you can do this by twisting a small piece of metal inside the key.
Certain key fobs are opened by placing the dead key in a slot or by placing it next to an inductive coil that is located on the dashboard. Certain key fobs come with a mechanical (fully emergency) key blade inside the key.
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. They'll also have to program the new key to recognize the car you are driving. However, you can also visit a locksmith to have your replacement key fob programed and replaced. Locksmiths will cost more than a dealer but he or she can do the job quicker and for less.