15 Shocking Facts About Car Key Replacements
Car Key Replacements
Whether it's a simple lock-and-key keys or a sophisticated fob key, losing one could cost you a lot. The best way to prevent this is to keep a spare in your wallet.
The cheapest option is to call an auto locksmith if you have lost your key. A dealership might be more expensive, but it is an option worth considering.
Mechanical Keys
The keys to your car are likely to be mechanical if you have an older vehicle that doesn't have key fobs. Keys that are standard can be made of steel, brass, or a combination between nickel and brass. The keys are cut on the key duplicator, which uses the blank key as a template, and an original key placed on the opposite side of the machine. The original key is then cut with a specialized cutter to create a duplicate.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are integrated into most newer cars keys. These chips are used to unlock the car and start it. These chips are usually placed inside the key head, but they can also be found in the ignition. The transponder transmits an electronic signal to the computer of the car when the key is turned into the ignition. The computer examines the signal and ensures it matches the correct serial number.
It's nearly impossible to start an automobile without the owner's keys. If the signal does not match the car won't start and remain locked. This is a huge benefit to help deter car thefts as it reduces the likelihood of someone else stealing your vehicle.
The drawback of a transponder key is that it is more expensive than a conventional flat metal key. The reason for this is that the transponder is equipped with a tiny microchip that isn't cheap to manufacture and then install into the car key. The keys are usually expensive when purchased from a car dealership.
A locksmith can offer less expensive and more secure transponder key replacements. Beishir Lock and Security carries an extensive selection of these keys and can even reprogram the chip to work with your car on-the-spot for a fraction of cost of the dealership.
Be sure to check out estimates when looking for the replacement transponder keys. There are many factors that influence the final price, including the model and make of your car, if you have any additional features on your key, such as a remote key-fob or a remote key-fob, and also the location you choose to copy it.
In the end, you need to weigh the benefits of a transponder key against the cost and ease of use. Transponder keys might be beneficial in the long term when you value security and safety. A non-transponder car key will not allow the car to start.
Laser-Cut Keys
Laser cut keys can look like something from a sci-fi flick However, they are actually very common. They provide an additional layer of security to automobiles. These keys are made with special key cutting machines and are much harder to copy or pick for thieves than traditional cut keys.
Unlike traditional keys that feature grooves cut into one side the laser cut keys have slits tooled on both sides. They can be inserted into the lock cylinder in any way and still function. As a result, they tend to be sturdy and stronger than standard keys.
They can also be employed as a bonus feature to open certain high-security locks. The slits are tooled to a certain depth that matches the codes of various car manufacturers. Getting the right depth is essential since a wrongly cut blade could cause damage to the key cutting machine and cause the key to stop functioning shortly after it is placed into the lock cylinder.
The distinctive slits and the increased thickness of laser-cut car keys make them more resistant to copying. Additionally, many of these keys have transponder chips that are unique to your vehicle. This means that if someone copies your car keys, even if it contains transponder chips, they will not be able to start your vehicle.
Although these extra layers of security could make a laser-cut car key more expensive than other types, the fact is that they're still cheaper than getting a new replacement from your dealership. Locksmiths can often cut these keys more quickly than dealerships selling cars.
The quality of a laser-cut car key can make a big difference. The wrong type of blade can easily harm the machine that cuts keys or your lock cylinder leaving you with an expensive repair cost. This is why it's crucial to purchase your laser cut car key from a reliable supplier who sells them to auto locksmiths.
Bibens Ace South Burlington offers an extensive selection of car key FOB replacement keys for more than 250 different models and makes of vehicles, as well as sidewinder keys laser-cut. Stop by today and see how we can help save you money on car key replacement online key fob replacements without the hassle of having to go to a dealer!
Remote Keys
Not too long ago the possibility of losing or misplacing your car keys wasn't an issue. You could contact an expert locksmith, get a replacement and still drive away. Today's cars are more technologically advanced and the keys that correspond to them can be harder to replace. They also are difficult to steal. It's now more expensive to replace the key to a car that has been lost.
Depending on the type of key that you own, the cost to replace it can vary. For traditional keys, you can have a copy made for about $10 at a hardware shop, or you can hire an locksmith from the automotive industry to visit you and make a copy on the spot.
If you own an intelligent key, a transponder key with a switchblade or a transponder with remote start, you will have to visit your dealer to get it replaced. This can be expensive and you might have to wait for a long period of time before the manufacturer will send you an alternative key.
Your car key might cease to function without a clear cause as do other electronic devices. This is often due to extreme heat or cold, but can also be due to an ineffective battery or the presence of water in the keyfob from rain. If you find that your car key is no responding, you should consider trying to reset it before calling an auto locksmith.
You should also be aware that your keyfob will only function if you are within the reach of the vehicle. It's essential to always keep your key fob close to you, and never take it out of your pocket unless necessary.
The majority of people lose their keys to their car by dropping them or misplacing keys. In certain instances this could cause it to break or be stuck in the lock and that's why it's always an ideal idea to have a spare available at all times.