10 Unquestionable Reasons People Hate Car Key Replacements
Car Key Replacements
Whether it's a simple lock-and-key key or a sophisticated fob key, losing one can cost you big time. It's best to keep one spare key in your wallet.
If you've lost a key, the cheapest alternative is to locate an auto locksmith. A dealership might be more expensive, but it is a good choice.
Mechanical Keys
If you own an older car that doesn't utilize key fob technology, your car keys are probably mechanical. The standard keys are made from steel, brass or a mix of brass and nickel. They are cut using a key duplicator machine, with the original key placed against one side of the machine and a blank key aligned with it to function as a template. The original key is cut using an specialized cutter to make an exact copy.
Transponder Keys
The majority of newer cars are equipped with a transponder chip built into the key that can be used to unlock and start the car. These chips are usually placed in the key head but can also be located in the ignition. The transponder sends signals to the car's computer when the key is inserted into the ignition. The computer then analyzes the signal to ensure that it matches with the correct serial number.
This makes it nearly impossible for a stolen car to be started without owner's keys. If the signal isn't compatible, the car will not start and remain locked. This is a huge benefit that helps stop car thieves from taking your car as the likelihood of someone else starting and driving off with your vehicle are drastically decreased.
The drawback of a transponder key is that it costs more than a standard flat metal key. The transponder is a microchip that is expensive to create and install into a car key. Typically, these kinds of keys can cost hundreds of dollars if purchased through the car dealership.
A locksmith can provide much more reliable and cheaper transponder key replacements. Beishir Lock and Security carries many of keys, and they can reprogram the chip to work with your car in-the-moment for a fraction of the cost of a dealership.
If you're looking for a transponder replacement key ensure you request multiple quotes. There are a variety of factors that influence the final price, such as the make and model of your car, if you have any additional features on your key, such as a remote key-fob and where you decide to go to get it copied.
In the end, you must weigh the benefits of a transponder-based key against the cost and convenience. If you are concerned about security and safety, then a transponder keys could be worth the cost in the long in the long run. Additionally, many modern cars have an immobilizer that doesn't allow the car to start if a key that is not transponder is utilized which is another factor to consider.
Laser-Cut Keys
While they might appear like something from a sci-fi movie laser cut keys are actually quite common and Car Key Fob Replacement offer an additional security measure for cars. These keys are made with specially designed key cutting equipment and are more difficult to duplicate or steal from thieves than traditional cut keys.
Contrary to traditional keys, which have grooves cut into one side, laser cut car keys feature slits that are tooled on both sides. They can be inserted in the lock cylinder either way and still work. This means that they tend to be more sturdy and stronger than standard keys.
They can also be used as a bonus to unlock certain locks with high security. The slits are drilled to a certain depth, which matches the codes of different automobile manufacturers. It is important to get the right depth, as an incorrectly-cut blade can cause damage to the cutting machine and cause the key not to work after it has been inserted into the lock.
The thicker and more distinctive slits in laser cut car keys make them less prone to being copied or picked. A lot of these keys contain transponder chip that is unique to your car. This means that even if a person makes a copy of your car key with transponder chips they will not be able to start your vehicle.
Although these additional layers of security may make a laser-cut car key more expensive than other types however, the reality is that they're still much less than getting a new replacement from your dealership. In addition, locksmiths are usually able to cut these keys more quickly than car dealerships.
Another aspect to be aware of is that the quality of a laser cut car keys replacements key can make a huge difference. The wrong blade could harm the machine that cuts keys or lock cylinder, leaving you with a large repair cost. It is crucial to purchase your laser-cut car key from a locksmith that sells them.
Bibens Ace South Burlington offers an extensive selection of car key FOB replacement keys for over 250 different makes and models of vehicles, as well as sidewinder keys laser-cut. Visit us today to see how we can help you save money on car key fob replacements without the hassle of having to go to a dealership!
Remote Keys
Not so long ago the possibility of losing or misplacing keys to your car wasn't an issue. Call a locksmith to get a new key and drive away. Nowadays, however, cars are more advanced in technology and keys are more difficult to replace and harder for thieves to copy. This means that if you lose your car key it will be more costly than ever to get it replaced.
Depending on the type of key you have, the cost to replace it will differ. You can have traditional keys for just $10 at a local hardware store or hire an automotive locksmith who will visit you to make it immediately.
If you own an electronic key, a transponder key with switchblade, or a transponder key that has remote start, you will need to visit your dealership to have it replaced. It can be very expensive, and it may take some time to get the new key from the manufacturer which could delay getting back on the road.
Your car key can not function for no apparent reason as with other electronic devices. Most often, this happens due to extreme cold or heat, but it can also be caused by an ineffective battery or key fob from rain, or just wearing out over time. If you notice that your car key isn't longer responding, it's worth trying to reset it first before calling an auto locksmith.
It's also important to know that your key fob can only function only if it's within the range of the vehicle. It's essential to always keep your key fob close to you, and never take it out of your pocket unless it's absolutely essential.
The most common way to lose keys to cars is not locating it or dropping it. In some instances, this can cause it to break or get stuck in the lock, which is why it's a good idea to have an extra key available at all times.