Keys Replacement For Cars
You can purchase an alternative key for a mechanical key in any hardware store. However, the key will have to be programmed by a locksmith or dealer.
Smart keys are more complex and require a trip to the dealer to connect them to your vehicle. These types of keys are typically expensive, but some car insurance companies cover the cost.
Mechanical Keys
You can still purchase mechanical car keys which you put into the ignition lock cylinder to start your vehicle. If your vehicle is equipped with one of these, it's relatively cheap to replace the fob and key (if lost or stolen).
A locksmith can make you an original key for less than you would pay at a dealership. You can also ask a neighbor or friend who is able to program transponder keys aftermarket (which are less expensive than factory keys) to make you a spare key and have it programmed. It is essential to have a spare because modern cars won't begin when a key that isn't programmed with the correct chip is used.
Transponder keys appear like mechanical keys, but they contain a hidden electronic chip inside the base of their plastic shape that communicates with your vehicle's computer system. Your car will recognize the code contained in the chip and accept it, however it will not start if a different code is used.
If your spare key has chips, you'll have to bring 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 available only at certain dealerships and it is unlikely that a locksmith will have the equipment necessary to create a key that has transponder.
Keys with remotes cost a lot to replace, especially in the event that you need a spare. You can try reprogramming your fob yourself if you're only missing the key shank and have a functional replacement fob, but it can be difficult and time-consuming. You're better off going to an expert in the event that you've lost both the key and the fob.
There are different kinds of keys for cars that require a more specialized set of skills to replace, like flip keys and smart keys. They are more complex and must be replaced by a dealer. Certain key fobs come with keys that are spring-loaded and fold into the enclosure and opens a door or uses proximity sensors to open and start your vehicle.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed in the past 10 years or so, it's likely to have transponder keys. The keys contain a microchip within the key itself and an internal receiver in your car which are both programmed to communicate with one another to start the car.
Transponder keys are an excellent way to stop 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 that is connected to your immobilizer system. The car will not start without the key and the immobilizer system.
These key chips are programmed with a 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 the engine starts, it will. This security feature is only blocked by a specially designed device which can read the chip to match it with a different car.
When you get a transponder key replacement you'll need to go to a locksmith that has the tools needed to reprogram the keys to your vehicle. Some car dealerships offer this service, however their overhead makes them more costly than an independent locksmith.
The process of getting a new car keys with a chip inside it is a complex procedure. To program your car, the key must be programmed on a specific machine. It requires specialized software as well as the right key cutter to cut it properly.
keys replacement for cars are able to copy some of the less complicated chips keys, but you must know the serial number from the original key in order to ensure that the correct information is programmed into the key. Many people make the mistake of visiting a dealer to have a chip key copied, and end up paying more than they need to.
Laser-Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys, also referred to as sidewinder keys because of 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 security measure against auto theft.
They also come with built-in chips to stop unauthorised key copying from launching your vehicle. They also come with a unique code on the key, which must be programmed for your particular vehicle to unlock it and start it. This additional level of security is an excellent way to protect your investment and deter thieves who might be trying to steal your vehicle for parts or sell it.
In terms of design laser-cut keys are different from conventional mechanical cut keys in that they have less grooves carved out on the key. They also have a larger key shaft which is an excellent indication that it's not your typical car key. Generally, locksmiths use a machine called milling tool to cut these kinds of keys. This kind of machine appears 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 buy for your car, because they're extremely difficult to duplicate and only cut by the locksmith who is a certified dealer. Unlike traditional keys, they're made from a small piece of steel which is made into a code, and then cut with the laser in the factory. This kind of key is able to be able to withstand a great deal of wear and tear, and is among the best options to protect your vehicle.
The key can be folded into the fob, or it can be released by pressing the button. Keys like this are commonly used in German automobiles and provide an extra layer of security against car thieves. They also make it very difficult for thieves to pick or pick-lock your car, as the cylinder is extremely durable and hard to break into.
Smart Keys
Unlike the traditional single piece of carved metal smart keys utilize RFID, or radio-frequency identification to connect with the car. They have a chip with a unique code, which is encoded on every key. The key sends a signal to the onboard computer in your vehicle every time you open the doors or open the trunk. The computer will then prompt the correct frequency to allow you to start your car.
The smart key's chip also comes with a variety of security features that guard against theft. First the key emits a low-frequency signal that can't be detected by any receiver but your vehicle. If the computer onboard detects this signal, it will send a different one which is a unique code that only your car can 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 have special features, such as storing driver preferences remote opening windows, opening the sunroof from afar, and many more. These can be done by activating the key fob's proximity sensor or pressing a button on the key or, in some instances, by twisting a tiny metal component inside the key.
The majority of these key fobs come with a button that can unlock the doors on their own however some come with another method of opening 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 even have an emergency (fully mechanical) key blade concealed in the key to allow this.
Replacing a smart lock usually requires a visit to the dealership, where they will either have the replacement on hand or order it for you. They'll also need to program the new key to recognize your car. But, you can visit a locksmith to get your replacement key fob programed and replaced. A locksmith will charge more than dealers, however, they can complete the task faster and at a lower cost.