Keys Replacement For Cars
You can purchase the replacement key for a mechanical key in any hardware store. However, this key will need to be programmed by a locksmith or dealer.
Smart keys are more complex and require a visit to a dealer to pair them with your vehicle. These types of keys can be costly however some insurance companies will cover the cost.
Mechanical Keys
There are still car keys that are purely mechanical, like 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, replacing the fob and keys is relatively cheap (if they're lost or stolen).
A locksmith can create a basic key for you at a less price than you would pay in a dealership. You can also ask a neighbor or a friend who knows how to program transponder keys (which are less expensive than keys that are factory-made) to cut you a spare and then program it. It is crucial to have a spare key since modern vehicles won't start if the key does not have the right chip.
Transponder keys look a lot like mechanical keys, but they are actually equipped with an electronic chip in the base of their plastic design that communicates with your vehicle's computer system. Your car will recognize the code on the chip, but it will not start if you try to use another code.
If your spare key has a chip, you'll need to take it to a dealership to get it programmed. The dealership will require a special machine for both cutting and programming the key. These machines are only available at certain dealerships, and it's not likely that a locksmith will have the equipment needed to create a laser-cut key with a transponder.
Keys with remotes cost a lot to replace, particularly when you require a spare. If you have just the key shank missing and a functioning replacement fob you can try to reprogramme your fob on your own. However, it can be time-consuming and challenging. It's better to go to an expert if you've lost both the key and the fob.
There are other types of keys for cars that require a specialized set of skills to replace, such as flip keys and smart keys. They are more complicated and typically need to be replaced at the dealership. Certain key fobs come with a spring-loaded key that folds into the enclosure and opens doors or is operated by proximity sensors to open and start your vehicle.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys will likely be found in cars that were constructed in the past 10 years. These keys are equipped with a microchip within the key itself as well as the car's receiver which are both programmed to communicate with each other in order to start the car.
Transponder keys are a fantastic way to discourage theft because they require two parts for the car to be able to start which is the transmitter (transponder) in the key and the receiver connected to your immobilizer system. 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 your vehicle. The serial number of the key is then sent to the immobilizer in the car and verified to be in line. If it does the engine starts, it will. The only thing that can be a hindrance to this security feature is a special device that is able to detect the chip and match it to another vehicle.
You'll require an locksmith with the equipment to reprogram your key. Some car dealerships provide this service, but their overheads make them more expensive than an independent locksmith.
It isn't easy to get an entirely new key that has chip. To program your car, the key must be programmed on a special machine. It requires specialized software as well as the appropriate key cutter to do it properly.
The majority of auto parts stores can duplicate some of the more basic keys for chips, but you must know the serial number from the original key to ensure the correct information is programmed into the key. Many people make the mistake of visiting a dealer to get a chip key copied, and end up paying more than they have to.
Laser-Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys are also known as a sidewinder keys due to the distinctive winding cut on the shank of the key. They 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 to stop the copying of keys by unauthorized people from starting your vehicle. They have a unique number that needs to be programmed into your car to unlock it and begin it. This extra layer of security is a great option to protect your investment and deter thieves who might be trying to steal your vehicle to make parts or sell it on.
In terms of design laser-cut keys are different from mechanical cut keys due to having less grooves carved out on the key. They also have a larger key shaft which is an excellent indication that it's not your regular car key. Generally, key replacement for car make use of milling tool to cut these kinds of keys. This tool is similar to a drill bit and is designed to remove metal with precise angles.
These are among the most secure keys you can buy for your car, because they are extremely difficult to duplicate and can only be cut by the locksmith who is a certified dealer. They're not created using traditional keys. Instead, they're constructed from a small piece of steel that is cut to form a code in the factory, and then cut using the laser. This type of key is very durable and can be able to withstand the rigors of wear and wear which makes it one of the best options for protecting your car.
Depending on the key, it could fold in the fob or pop out at the touch of a button. These types of keys are typically used in German automobiles and provide an additional layer of security against car thieves. The cylinder is also very resistant to breaking into, making it very difficult for a thief pick or pick-lock a vehicle.
Smart Keys
Smart keys communicate with the vehicle using radio-frequency identification (RFID) instead of the traditional single piece carved metal. They are equipped with a chip that has a unique code, which is encoded on every key. Whenever you unlock your car's doors, or open the trunk the key sends a signal to your vehicle's computer onboard. The computer will then prompt the correct frequency to allow you to start your vehicle.
The smart key's chip has a number of security features that protect against theft. The key emits an extremely low-frequency signal, which can only be detected by your car. If the computer onboard detects this signal, it will transmit another one that is a unique code that only your car is able to 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 storing driver preferences and opening windows remotely, or the sunroof from afar and many more. This can be accomplished by activating the key's proximity sensor, pressing a button on the key or, in some cases, twisting a small metal component inside the key.
Most of these key fobs have an unlock button that opens the doors for themselves However, some key fobs have an additional way to open them with a slot or by placing the dead key near a spot on the dashboard, where it houses an inductive coil which can transfer energy. Some even have an emergency (fully mechanical) key blade concealed in the key to enable this.
To replace a smart key, you'll need an appointment with a dealer, who can either purchase the replacement or stock it. They'll also have to program the new key to recognize the car you are driving. However, you can also go to a locksmith shop to have your new key fob programmed and replaced. Locksmiths will cost more than a dealer but they will do the job faster and cheaper.