Keys Replacement For Cars
You can purchase a replacement key for a mechanical one at any hardware shop. However, this key will need to be programmed by a locksmith or dealer.
Smart keys are more complex and require a visit to the dealer to connect them to your car. They are costly, but many car insurance companies will cover the cost.
Mechanical Keys
You can still buy mechanical car keys, the ones that you insert into an ignition lock for your vehicle to start. If your car has one of these, replacing the key and fob is relatively inexpensive (if they're lost or stolen).
A locksmith can make you an original key for less than you would pay at a dealership. vehicle key replacement can also have your neighbor or a friend who knows how to program transponder keys that are made for the aftermarket (which are less expensive than keys from factory) cut you a spare key and then program them. It is important to have a spare key since modern cars will not start in the event that the key does have the proper chip.
Transponder keys look like mechanical keys, however they are actually equipped with an electronic chip embedded in the bottom of their plastic shape 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 has a chip, it will need to be programmed at a dealership. They'll require a specific machine to cut the key and then program it. These machines are only available at specific dealerships, and it's not likely that a locksmith will have the equipment required to create keys that are laser-cut with a transponder.
Keys with remotes are expensive to replace, especially if you need a spare. If you only have the key shank missing and a working replacement fob, you could try reprogramming your fob on your own. However, it can be time-consuming and challenging. You're better off contacting a dealer in the event that you've lost both the key and the fob.
There are other types of car keys that require a specialized set of skills to replace, like flip keys and smart keys. These are more complicated and must be replaced by the dealer. Certain key fobs come with an electronic key that folds into the enclosure and opens doors, or they're operated with proximity sensors to open and start your car.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys will likely be found in cars that were built in the last 10 years. These keys are equipped with a microchip within the key and the car's receiver that both have been programmed to communicate with one another to start the vehicle.
Transponder keys can be an effective method of preventing theft, as they require two components to start a car - the transmitter in the key, and the receiver connected to the immobilizer. The car will not start without the key and the immobilizer system.
The key chips come with an unique serial number that is specific to your vehicle. The serial number of the key is then sent to the immobilizer of the car, and then checked to be in line. If it does then the engine will begin. The only thing that can defeat this security feature is a device that can read the chip and match it to another vehicle.
You'll require a locksmith who has the tools to reprogram your key. Some car dealerships offer this service too, but they are typically more expensive than a independent locksmith because of their overhead.
The process of getting a new car keys that has a chip in it is a complicated process. The key has to be cut using a particular machine to ensure that it has the right tracks that can then be used to program the key to your car. This requires specific software and the right key cutter in order to do it correctly.
The majority of auto parts stores can copy some of the less complicated keys for chips, but you must know the serial number from the original key in order to ensure that the correct data is encoded into the key. Many people make the mistake of going to their dealer to have their chip key copied and end up paying more than they should.
Laser-Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys, also referred to as sidewinder keys due to their distinctive winding cuts in the key shank provide an additional layer of security to your vehicle. Because it requires specialized equipment to duplicate these keys, they're a great deterrent against auto-theft.
They also have built-in chips to prevent the copying of keys by unauthorized people from starting your vehicle. They also usually come with a unique code on the key, which needs to be programmed for your specific vehicle in order to unlock it and start it. This extra layer of security is a great method to safeguard your investment and deter thieves who may be trying to steal your vehicle for parts or sell it.
In terms of their design, laser-cut keys are slightly different from mechanical cut keys due to having fewer carved-out grooves on the key. The shaft of the key is more substantial, which is another indication that this isn't a standard car key. Locksmiths usually use milling machines to cut these keys. This type of machine looks like a drill and is designed to cut metal with extremely precise and controlled angles.
These are the safest keys that you can purchase for your vehicle. They're hard to duplicate and can only be cut by a certified locksmith or dealer. They're not created using traditional keys. Instead, they are made from a small piece steel that's shaped according into a specific code at the factory, and then cut using laser. This type of key is very robust and can endure many years of wear and tear, making it one of the best options for protecting your car.
Depending on the key, it will fold in the fob or pop out at the touch of the button. These kinds of keys are commonly used in German automobiles and provide an additional layer of security against car thieves. The cylinder is robust and difficult to break into, making it extremely difficult for a thief pick or pick-lock a vehicle.
Smart Keys Keys
Smart keys communicate with the vehicle by using radio-frequency identification (RFID) instead of the traditional single piece of carved metal. They come with a chip with an unique code that is encoded on every key. The key sends a message to the onboard computer of your vehicle whenever you unlock the doors or open the trunk. The computer then triggers the correct frequency, allowing you to access your car and start it.
The chip of the smart key includes a variety of security features to guard against theft. First the key emits a low-frequency signal that can't be received by any receiver but your vehicle. If the computer onboard detects this signal it will transmit another one that is an exclusive code that only your car is able to understand. This stops a tech-savvy criminal from using a pulse generator to "fool the system" and perform the work on other vehicles.
Some smart keys offer specific features, like storing driver preferences remote opening windows, opening the sunroof via remote and many more. These are accomplished by activating the key's proximity sensor or pressing a button on the key itself or, in certain instances, by twisting a tiny metal component inside the key.
Most key fobs feature a button that can unlock the doors by themselves However, some key fobs have an additional way to open them: a slot or holding the dead key near a spot on the dashboard, where it houses an inductive coil that is able to transfer energy. Some key fobs have mechanical (fully emergency) key blade in the key.
Replacing a key with a smart chip typically requires a visit the dealer, who will either have the replacement in stock or order it for you. They'll also need to program the new key to recognize your car. You can also visit a locksmith for the replacement key fob to be programmed and replaced. A locksmith may cost more than a dealer however, they can complete the task faster and at a lower cost.