Keys Replacement For Cars
You can get an alternative key for a mechanical key at any hardware store. However, the key must be programmed by a locksmith or dealer.
Smart keys are more complex and require a visit to a car dealer to be paired with your vehicle. These types of keys are typically expensive, but some car insurance companies will cover the cost.
Mechanical Keys
You can still purchase mechanical keys for cars which you insert into an ignition lock cylinder to start your vehicle. If your car is equipped with one of these keys, replacing the fob and keys is relatively cheap (if they get lost or stolen).
A locksmith can design new keys for less than what you purchase from a dealership. car key replacement service 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. A spare key is crucial because modern cars won't start when a key that isn't programmed with the proper chip is used.
Transponder keys appear like mechanical keys, but they are actually equipped with an electronic chip inside the base of their plastic design that communicates with your car's computer system. Your car will be able to recognize the code in the chip and accept it, however it will not start if any other code is used.
If your spare key has chip, you'll need to bring it to a dealer to have it programmed. The dealership will need an exclusive machine for cutting and programming the key. These machines are only available through certain dealerships, and it's not likely that a locksmith will have the equipment required to create an engraved key using a laser transponder.
Keys with remotes are expensive to replace, especially when you require an extra. Try reprogramming the fob on your own if you're just missing the shank on the key and you have a functional replacement fob, but it can be time-consuming and difficult. If you've lost the entire key and fob however, a dealer is the best option.
There are other kinds of keys for cars that require a more specific set of skills to replace, such as flip keys and smart keys. These are more complicated and require replacement by the dealer. Certain key fobs come with a spring-loaded key that folds into the enclosure and opens a door, or they're operated with 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 have transponder keys. The keys contain a microchip in the key and a receiver in your car that both have been programmed to communicate with each other to start the car.
Transponder keys are a great way to discourage theft because they require two components for the car to be able to start - the transmitter (transponder) in the key and the receiver connected to your immobilizer system. The car won't start without the key and immobilizer system.
These key chips are programmed with a unique serial number that is unique to the vehicle you own. When the key is inserted into your ignition, the serial number is transmitted to the cars immobilizer and then verified to make sure it is in line the number, which allows the engine to run. The only thing that can stop this security feature is a special device that is able to detect the chip and match it to another car.
You'll require a locksmith that has the equipment needed to reprogram your key. Some car dealerships offer this service, however their overheads make them more costly than an independent locksmith.
It can be difficult to find an original key that comes with a chip. The key must first be cut using a particular machine to ensure that it has the proper tracks that can then be used to program the key to your car. It requires specialized software and the correct key cutter to cut it correctly.
Some of the simpler chip keys can be copied at a variety of auto parts stores, but you need to be aware of the serial number of the original key to ensure the correct information is encoded into the new key. Many people make the mistake of going to their dealer for an exact copy of a chip key and end up paying overpriced costs.
Laser-Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys, referred to as sidewinder keys due to their distinctive winding cuts in the key shank they add a layer of security to your vehicle. They are a fantastic deterrent to auto theft because they require specialized machinery to duplicate.
They also have built-in chips to stop unauthorised key copying from launching your vehicle. They also typically come with a unique code on the key, which needs to be programmed for your particular vehicle in order to allow it to be opened and started. This extra layer of security is a great method to safeguard your investment and deter thieves who could be trying to steal your car for parts or sell it on.
Keys cut with lasers differ slightly from mechanically-cut keys in terms of design. They have fewer grooves cut on the key. They also have a larger key shaft, which is a good indication that it's not your typical car key. Generally, locksmiths make use of a milling tool to cut these types of keys. This machine is similar to a drill bit and it's designed to remove metal with precise angles.
These are the safest keys you can purchase for your vehicle. They are extremely difficult to duplicate and must be cut by a certified locksmith or dealer. They're not like traditional keys. They're made using a small piece of steel that is shaped into a code and then cut with the laser in the factory. This kind of key is extremely robust and can stand up to many years of wear and wear and is one of the best options to protect your vehicle.
The key can be folded into the fob, or pop out by pressing a button. The keys are typically used in German automobiles, and offer an extra layer of protection against car thieves. The cylinder is also very robust 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 via radio-frequency identification (RFID) instead of the traditional single piece of carved metal. They come with a chip with an individual code, which is encoded on each key. The key transmits a message to the computer onboard of your vehicle every time you open the doors or open the trunk. The computer then triggers the correct frequency, allowing you to access your car and start it.
The chip in the smart key comes with a variety of security features that protect it from theft. The key emits a low-frequency signal that can only be detected by your vehicle. If the onboard computer detects this signal, it will trigger a different one that is an individual sequence that only your car can comprehend. This stops a tech-savvy criminal from using an electronic pulse generator to "fool the system" and do the key work on other vehicles.
Some smart keys offer special features, such as the ability to store preferences for drivers remote opening windows, opening the sunroof via remote and many other. These features can be accessed by activating the proximity sensor on the key fob by pressing a button or, in certain instances it is as simple as twisting a tiny piece of metal inside the key.
Certain key fobs can be opened by placing the dead key in a slot or by placing it near an inductive coil on the dashboard. Some key fobs have an electronic (fully emergency) key blade inside the key.
Replace a smart key requires an appointment with a dealer, where they can request the replacement or have it in stock. 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 might charge more than the dealer, but they'll likely be able to do the job more quickly and at a lower cost.