Keys Replacement For Cars
You can get a replacement key for a mechanical one at any hardware store. However, this key will need to be programmed by a locksmith or dealer.
Smart keys are more complicated and require a visit to a dealer for the keys to be paired with your car. These kinds of keys are usually expensive, but some car insurance companies cover the cost.
Mechanical Keys
There are still car keys that are only mechanical, such as the ones you place in an ignition lock cylinder, and turn to start your vehicle. If your car uses one of these, it's relatively inexpensive to replace the fob and key (if lost or stolen).
A locksmith can cut a basic key for you at a cheaper price than you would pay at a dealership. You 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 keys for you and have them programmed. It is important to have a spare key as modern vehicles won't start if the key does not have the correct chip.
Transponder keys appear like mechanical keys, but they have a hidden electronic chip in the base of their plastic form that communicates with your vehicle's computer system. Your car will accept the code that is on the chip, but will not start if you use another code.
If your spare key has a chip it must be programmed at a dealership. The dealership will need an exclusive machine for cutting and programming the key. These machines are available only at certain dealerships. It is unlikely that a locksmith will have the tools needed to create a key that has transponder.
Keys with remotes cost a lot to replace, particularly in the event that you need an extra. If you have just the shank of your key missing and a functioning replacement fob you can attempt to reprogramme your fob on your own. However, it could be time-consuming and complicated. You're better off contacting an expert when you've lost the key and the fob.
There are other types of car keys that require a specialized set of skills to replace, for example flip keys and smart keys. They are more complicated and typically need to be replaced at the dealership. Key fobs can be operated by proximity sensors or a door opener with a spring loaded mechanism.
Transponder Keys
If your car was built in the past 10 years or so, it's likely to have a transponder key system. These keys are equipped with an embedded microchip inside the key itself as well as an internal receiver in your car that are both programmed to communicate with each other to start the vehicle.
auto car key replacement are an excellent way to stop theft because they require two components for the car to be able to start that is the transmitter (transponder) in the key and the receiver connected to your immobilizer system. The car will not start without both 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 the ignition, the serial number is then sent to the immobilizer in the car and then verified to make sure it is compatible the number, which allows the engine to run. This security feature is only defeated by a special device that reads the chip and match it with a different car.
When you get a transponder key replacement it is necessary to visit an locksmith with the equipment needed to reprogram the key into your car. Some car dealerships provide this service, but their overhead makes them more expensive than a locksmith who is independent.
Getting a new car key that comes with a chip it can be a very complicated process. The key must first be cut using a particular machine to get the correct tracks in place which can later be used to program the key to your car. It requires specialized software as well as the appropriate key cutter to cut it properly.
Certain of the more basic chip keys can be cloned at the majority of auto parts stores, but you must know the serial number of the original key to ensure that the proper information is being programmed into the new key. Many people make the error of visiting their dealer to have a chip key copied, and end in paying more than they should.
Laser-Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys, also known as sidewinder keys due to their distinctive winding cuts on 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 deterrent against auto-theft.
Like transponder keys, they feature built-in chips that block duplicate keys from opening your vehicle. They also have a unique code on the key, which must be programmed for your particular vehicle to allow it to be opened and started. This extra level of security will safeguard your investment and prevent thieves from trying to steal your vehicle for parts or to sell it.
Laser-cut keys differ from mechanically-cut keys in terms of design. They have fewer grooves carved out on the key. They also have a more robust key shaft that is an indication that it's not your typical car key. Generally, locksmiths make use of milling tool to cut these kinds of keys. This tool is similar to a drill, and it's designed to remove metal at precise angles.
These are the most secure keys you can purchase for your vehicle. They are extremely difficult to duplicate and can only be done be cut by a licensed locksmith or dealer. They're not created using traditional keys. Instead, they are made of a tiny piece of steel that's shaped according to form a code in the factory before being cut with laser. 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 for protecting your vehicle.
The key can be folded in the fob, or pop out by pressing a button. Keys like these are commonly used in German automobiles, and offer an extra layer of security against car thieves. They also make it extremely difficult for a thief to pick your vehicle or pick-lock it, as the cylinder is extremely rugged and difficult to break into.
Smart Keys
In contrast to the traditional single piece of metal, smart keys use radio-frequency identification, or RFID for short, to communicate with the car. This means they have a tiny chip that contains an encrypted code that is unique to each key. The key sends a signal to the onboard computer of your vehicle each time you unlock the doors or open the trunk. The computer then will prompt the right frequency that allows 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 will only be detected by your vehicle. If the computer onboard detects this signal it will send a different one which is an exclusive code that only your car can understand. This prevents a tech savvy criminal from using a pulse generator to "fool the system" and make the key work on other vehicles.
Some smart keys have specific features, like saving preferences for drivers, opening windows remotely or the sunroof remotely and many other. These features are accessible by activating the proximity sensor on the key fob by pressing a button, or, in some cases you can do this by twisting a small piece of metal inside the key.
Some key fobs can be opened by holding the dead key in a slot or by placing it near an inductive coil that is located on the dashboard. Some key fobs feature a mechanical (fully emergency) key blade inside the key.
Replacing a key with a smart chip typically requires a visit the dealer, who will either have the replacement on hand or order it for you. They'll also have to program the new key to recognize the car you are driving. You can also visit a locksmith for your replacement key fob to be programmed and replaced. A locksmith might cost more than the dealer, but they'll likely be able to do the job more quickly and at a lower cost.