Keys Replacement For Cars
You can get a replacement key for a mechanical key in any hardware store. auto key replacement cost must be programmed either by a dealership or locksmith.
Smart keys are more complicated and require a visit to the dealer to pair them with your vehicle. These types of keys can be costly but some insurance companies will cover the cost.
Mechanical Keys
You can still buy mechanical car keys, the ones that you insert into the ignition lock cylinder to start your vehicle. If your vehicle is equipped with one of these, it's relatively affordable to replace the fob and key (if lost or stolen).
A locksmith can make you a new basic key for less than what you purchase from a dealership. You can also have someone close to you who knows how to program transponder keys from the aftermarket (which are cheaper than keys from factory) cut keys for you and program them. It is essential to have a spare key since modern vehicles won't start in the event that the key does have the proper chip.
Transponder keys are like mechanical keys, but they contain an electronic chip in the base. This chip communicates with the computer system of your vehicle. Your car will be able to recognize the code contained in the chip and accept it, however it will not start if any other code is used.
If your spare key is equipped with chip, you'll need to take it to a dealership to have it programmed. They will need to use a specific machine to cut the key and program it. The machines are available at certain dealerships. It is unlikely that a locksmith have the equipment necessary to create a key with a transponder.
Keys with remotes are expensive to replace, especially if you need an extra. Try reprogramming the fob on your own if you're just missing the shank on the key and you have a working replacement fob, but it can be time-consuming and difficult. You're better off contacting an authorized dealer when you've lost the fob and the key.
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. They are more complex and need to be replaced by a dealer. Some key fobs are operated by proximity sensors or a spring-loaded door opener.
Transponder Keys
If your car is built in the last 10 years or so it's likely to have a transponder key system. The keys contain a microchip in the key itself as well as a receiver in your car which are both programmed to communicate with one another to start the car.
Transponder keys can be an effective method of preventing theft since they require two components to start the car: the transmitter contained in the key and the receiver attached to the immobilizer. The car will not start without the key and the immobilizer system.
These key chips are programmed with a unique serial number that is unique to your vehicle. When the key is inserted into the ignition, the serial number is then sent to the immobilizer in the car and checked to ensure that it is compatible the number, which allows the engine to run. This security feature is only blocked by a specially designed device which can read the chip to match it with another car.
You'll need to find a locksmith who has the equipment to reprogram your key. Some car dealerships provide this service, however their overhead makes them more costly than an independent locksmith.
The process of getting a new car keys that has a chip in it can be a complex procedure. The key must first be cut using a specific machine to get the proper tracks that can be programmed to assign the key to your car. It requires specialized software as well as the appropriate key cutter to do it properly.
Some of the simpler chip keys can be cloned at the majority of auto parts stores but you must be aware of the serial number of the original key to ensure that the correct information is programmed into the new key. Many people make the mistake of visiting their dealer to get a chip key copied and end in paying more than they have to.
Laser-Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys are also referred as a sidewinder key due to the distinctive winding cut that is made on the shank of the key. They add an additional layer of security to your car. Keys like these are a great deterrent to auto theft because they require specialized machinery to duplicate.
They also come with built-in chips that prevent unauthorized key copying from starting your car. They also typically come with a unique code on the key that must be programmed for your particular vehicle to allow it to be opened and started. This additional level of security will protect your investment and stop thieves from trying to steal your vehicle in exchange for parts or to sell it.
Keys cut with lasers differ slightly from mechanically-cut keys in terms of design. They have fewer grooves that are carved on the key. They also have a thicker key shaft which is an excellent indication that it's not your regular car key. Locksmiths typically employ a machine known as a milling tool to cut these types of keys. It's akin to a drill bit, and is designed to remove metal at precise angles.
These are the most secure keys you can purchase for your vehicle. They are difficult to duplicate and can only by cut by a certified locksmith or dealer. In contrast to traditional keys, they're constructed from a tiny piece of steel that is shaped into a code and then cut using a laser at the factory. This type of key is extremely robust and can endure the rigors of wear and tear, making it one of the best options for protecting your car.
Depending on the key, it can fold in the fob, or pop out by pressing a button. These kinds of keys are commonly used in German cars and offer an extra layer of security against car thieves. The cylinder is also very resistant to breaking into, making it very difficult for a thief pick or pick-lock a vehicle.
Smart Keys Keys
In contrast to the traditional single piece of carved metal, smart keys utilize radio-frequency identification, or RFID for short, to communicate with the car. This means that they are equipped with a tiny chip that contains an encrypted code that is unique to each key. When you open your car's doors, or open the trunk key, it sends a signal to your car's onboard computer. The computer then signals the correct frequency, allowing you to access your car and begin it.
The chip inside the smart key has several security features that protect it from theft. The key emits an extremely low-frequency signal that can only be detected by your car. 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 prevents a tech-savvy criminal from using an external pulse generator to "fool" the system and create the key function for other vehicles.
In addition to locking and starting the car, certain smart keys also have additional functions like storing specific driver preferences remote opening windows or the sunroof, and many more. These are accomplished by activating the key's proximity sensor by pressing a button on the key itself or, in certain cases, twisting a small metal piece inside the key.
Certain key fobs are opened by placing the dead key in a slot, or by placing it in proximity to an inductive coil on the dashboard. Some even include an emergency (fully mechanical) key blade that is hidden inside the key to allow this.
Replacing a smart lock usually requires a visit to the dealer, who will either have the replacement in stock or make it available for you to purchase. They'll also have to program the new key to recognize your car. You can visit a locksmith to get your new key fob programmed and replaced. A locksmith might cost more than the dealer, but they'll be able to do the job more quickly and less expensively.