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 inexpensive. However, the key must be programmed by a locksmith or dealer.
Smart keys are more complicated and require a visit to the dealer to pair them with your vehicle. They can be expensive, but many car insurance companies will pay for the cost.
Mechanical Keys
You can still purchase mechanical keys for your car which you insert into the ignition lock cylinder to start your car. If your car is equipped with one of these keys, replacing the key and fob is relatively inexpensive (if they get lost or stolen).
A locksmith can design a new basic key for less than what you buy from a dealer. You could also ask your neighbor or a friend who is proficient in programming transponder keys that are made for the aftermarket (which are less expensive than keys from factory) cut keys and program them. It is crucial to have a spare key since modern cars will not start in the event that the key does have the correct chip.
Transponder keys are similar to mechanical keys but contain an electronic chip within the base. This chip communicates with the computer system in your vehicle. Your car will be able to recognize the code contained in the chip and accept it, however it will refuse to start if any other code is utilized.
If the spare key you have has chip, you'll need to take it to a dealership to get it programmed. The dealership will need an exclusive machine for cutting and programming the key. cheap car key replacement are only available at certain dealerships and it is unlikely that a locksmith would have the tools needed to make a key using transponder.
It's costly to replace keys using remotes, especially if you require a spare. If you have only the key shank missing, and an operational replacement fob, you can attempt to reprogramme your fob on your own. However, it could be time-consuming and complicated. 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.
There are other types of car keys that require a more specialized set of skills to replace, for example flip keys and smart keys. They're more complicated and need to be replaced by the dealer. Some key fobs are operated by a proximity sensor or a door opener that is spring-loaded.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed in the recent 10 years or so it's likely to use transponder keys. These keys contain a microchip and an electronic receiver that is programmed to send a signal to start your car.
Transponder keys are a great method to deter theft since they require two parts in order for the car to start - the transmitter (transponder) inside the key and the receiver connected to your immobilizer system. The car will not start without the key and immobilizer system.
The key chips are programmed with a serial number that is unique to the vehicle you own. When the key is inserted into your ignition, the serial number is then sent to the immobilizer in the car and then verified to make sure it matches up and allows the engine to run. The only thing that can be a hindrance to this security feature is a device that is able to read the chip and match it to another vehicle.
You'll have to find a locksmith that has the equipment needed to reprogram your key. Some car dealerships provide this service, but their overhead makes them more costly than an independent locksmith.
It can be difficult to find an entirely new key that has a chip. To program your car, the key has to be programmed using a specific machine. It requires specialized software, and the correct key cutter to do it properly.
Most auto parts stores can duplicate some of the more basic keys for chips, but you'll need to be aware of the serial number of the original key to ensure the correct information is encoded into the key. Many people make the error of visiting a dealer to have a chip key copied, and end in paying more than they need to.
Laser-Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys, also referred to as sidewinder keys due to their distinctive winding cuts in the key shank they add a layer of security to your vehicle. Because it requires specialized equipment to duplicate these keys, they're a great protection against auto theft.
They also come with built-in chips to prevent the copying of keys by unauthorized people from starting your vehicle. They have a unique number that must be programmed to your vehicle to unlock it and start it. This extra layer of security is a great way to protect your investment and deter thieves who may be trying to steal your car to make parts or sell it to.
In terms of their design Laser-cut keys are different from standard mechanical cut keys due to having fewer carved-out grooves on the key. They also have a thicker key shaft that is an indication that it's not your regular car key. Locksmiths typically use a milling machine to cut these keys. This kind of machine appears similar to a drill bit and is designed to remove metal with extremely precise controlled angles.
These are some of the most secure keys you can buy for your car, as they're extremely difficult to duplicate and can only be cut by a dealer or a licensed locksmith. In contrast to traditional keys, they're made from a small piece of steel that is cut into a shape and then cut using a laser at the factory. This kind of key can endure a lot of wear and tear and is among the best choices for protecting your vehicle.
Depending on the key, it will either fold into the fob, or pop out at the touch of a button. These keys are used in German cars, and provide an additional layer of protection against car thieves. The cylinder is tough and difficult to break into, making it extremely difficult for thieves to pick or pick-lock the vehicle.
Smart Keys
Smart keys communicate with the vehicle using radio-frequency identification (RFID) instead of the traditional single piece of carved metal. This means that they are equipped with tiny chips that contain an encrypted code that is unique to each key. The key sends a message to the onboard computer of your vehicle every time you open the doors or open the trunk. The computer will then prompt the appropriate frequency to allow you to start your car.
The smart key's chip comes with a variety of security features to guard against theft. First the key emits a low-frequency signal that isn't detected by any receiver but your vehicle. If the onboard computer detects this signal, it will display another one that is a unique sequence that only your vehicle will understand. This prevents a tech savvy criminal from using an electronic pulse generator to "fool the system" and do the key work on other vehicles.
In addition to locking and opening the car, some smart keys also have additional functions such as storing specific preferences for drivers remotely opening windows, the sunroof, among others. This can be accomplished by activating the key's proximity sensor, pressing a button on the key or, in certain instances, by twisting a tiny metal component inside the key.
Most key fobs have an unlock button that opens the doors on their own, but some have another method of opening them: a slot or holding the dead key near a spot on the dashboard, where it is able to hold an inductive coil which can transfer energy. Some even have an emergency (fully mechanical) key blade that is hidden inside the key to enable this.
Replacing a smart lock typically requires a visit the dealership, 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. However, you can also visit a locksmith to have your new key fob programmed and replaced. A locksmith will charge more than a dealer, however, they can do the job quicker and at a lower cost.