Keys Replacement For Cars
You can purchase the replacement key for a mechanical key in any hardware store. The key must be programmed by a locksmith or a dealer.
Smart keys are more complicated and require a visit to a car dealer to be paired with your car. These kinds of keys can be costly however some insurance companies will cover the cost.
Mechanical Keys
You can still purchase mechanical car keys which you insert into the ignition lock cylinder to start your car. If your car has one of these keys, replacing the key and fob is relatively inexpensive (if they get lost or stolen).
A locksmith can make the basic key for you at a cheaper cost than what you'd pay in a dealership. You could also have someone close to you who knows how to program aftermarket transponder keys (which are cheaper than factory keys) cut keys and program them. It is important to have a spare key because modern vehicles won't start when the key does not have the correct chip.
Transponder keys are similar to mechanical keys but have an electronic chip hidden within the base. This chip communicates with the computer system in your car. auto replacement key will recognize the code in the chip and accept it, however it will not start if another code is utilized.
If your spare key is equipped with chip, you'll need to take it to a dealership to get it programmed. They'll require an equipment that can cut the key and then program it. These machines are only available at specific dealerships, and it is unlikely that a locksmith will have the tools needed to create a key that has transponder.
It's costly to replace keys using remotes, especially if require a spare. You can try reprogramming your fob by yourself if you're 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 your entire fob and the key but you're not sure it's best to contact a dealer as the best option.
Other kinds of keys for cars require specialized skills to replace. auto replacement key includes flip keys and smart key. These are more complicated and must be replaced by the dealer. replacement car key come with an electronic key that folds into the enclosure and opens a door or is operated by the use of a proximity sensor to open and start your car.
Transponder Keys
If your car is built in the last 10 years or so it's likely to use transponder keys. The keys have an embedded microchip and the receiver is programmed to send a signal to start your car.
Transponder keys are an excellent method of preventing theft, as they require two elements to start the car: the transmitter contained in the key and the receiver that is connected to the immobilizer. The car won't start without the key and immobilizer system.
Key chips have an unique serial number that is specific to your vehicle. When the key is inserted into the ignition the serial number is then sent to the cars immobilizer and then verified to make sure it is in line the number, which allows the engine to start. The only thing that can defeat this security feature is a device that can detect the chip and match it to another car.
You'll need to find an locksmith with the equipment needed to reprogram your key. Some car dealerships also offer this service, but their overhead makes them more expensive than an independent locksmith.
It isn't easy to find a new key with chip. To program your car, the key must be programmed using a specific machine. This requires specialized software and the right key cutter to get it done properly.
Some of the less complicated chip keys can be cloned at a variety of auto parts stores, but you must 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 in search of the clone of a chip-key and end up paying high costs.
Laser-Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys, also referred to as sidewinder keys because of their distinctive winding cuts to the shank of the key they add a layer of security to your vehicle. Keys like these are a great protection against auto theft since they require specialized machinery to duplicate.
They also come with built-in chips to stop unauthorized key copying from starting your vehicle. They also usually come with a unique code on the key, which needs to be programmed to your specific vehicle to unlock it and start it. This extra layer of security will protect your investment and prevent thieves from attempting to steal your car for parts or to resell it.
In terms of design laser-cut keys are different from conventional mechanical cut keys, as they have smaller grooves that have been carved out of the key. They also have a larger key shaft, which is a good indication that it's not a regular car key. Locksmiths usually employ milling machines to cut these keys. This kind of tool looks like a drill and is designed to remove metal at extremely precise, controlled angles.
They're among the most secure keys you can buy for your car, as they are extremely difficult to duplicate and can only be cut by a dealer or a certified locksmith. Unlike traditional keys, they're made from a small piece of steel that's shaped 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 one of the best options to protect your vehicle.
The key can be folded into the fob, or pop out by pressing the button. The keys are typically used in German automobiles, and offer an extra layer of security against car thieves. The cylinder is also very robust and difficult to break into, making it extremely difficult for a thief pick or pick-lock a vehicle.
Smart Keys
Smart keys communicate with the vehicle via radio-frequency identification (RFID) instead of the traditional single piece carved metal. This means that they are equipped with tiny chips that contain an encrypted code that is unique to each 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 signal the appropriate frequency to allow you to start your car.
The chip in the smart key is equipped with several security features to guard it from theft. First the key emits a low-frequency signal that can't be received by any receiver other than your car. If the computer onboard detects this signal, it will send another one that is unique and only your car can understand. This stops a tech-savvy criminal from using a pulse generator to "fool the system" and do the key work on other vehicles.
Certain smart keys come with specific features, like the ability to store preferences for drivers and opening windows remotely, or the sunroof remotely and many more. These functions can be accessed by activating the proximity sensor on the key fob by pressing a button or, in certain instances you can do this by twisting a small piece of metal inside the key.
Certain key fobs are opened by placing the dead key in a slot, or by placing it next to an inductive coil that is located on the dashboard. Some even come with an emergency (fully mechanical) key blade that is hidden inside the key to allow this.
Replacing a smart lock requires visiting a dealer, where they can order the replacement or have it on hand. They'll also need to program the new key to recognize the car you are driving. You can also visit an locksmith to get your replacement key fob to be programmed and replaced. A locksmith will charge more than a dealer, but they will do the job faster and cheaper.