Keys Replacement For Cars
If you have a standard mechanical key you should be able to find a replacement at any hardware store for relatively affordable. However, the key must be programmed by a locksmith or dealer.
Smart keys are more complex and require a visit to the dealer for the keys to be paired with your vehicle. These kinds of keys are typically expensive but some insurance companies will cover the cost.
Mechanical Keys
You can still purchase car keys that are purely mechanical, such as the ones you place in an ignition lock cylinder, and turn to start your vehicle. If My Home Page is equipped with one of these, replacing the fob and key is relatively cheap (if they are lost or stolen).
A locksmith can create new keys for less than you would buy from a dealer. You can also ask a neighbor or a friend who knows how to program transponder keys for aftermarket use (which are cheaper than the keys made by the factory) to cut you a spare and have it programmed. Getting a spare is important since modern cars won't be able to start when a key that isn't programmed with the correct chip is used.
Transponder keys are like mechanical keys but contain an electronic chip inside the base. The chip communicates with the computer system of your vehicle. Your car will recognize the code in the chip, but will not start if you choose another code.
If the spare key you have has chips, you'll have to take it to a dealership to get it programmed. They will need to use a specific machine to cut the key and then program it. These machines are available only at specific dealerships, and it is unlikely that a locksmith have the equipment needed to create a key that has a transponder.
It's costly to replace keys with remotes, especially if require a spare. If you have only the shank of your key missing and a functioning replacement fob you can attempt to reprogramme your fob on your own. However, it can be time-consuming and challenging. You're better off going to an expert if you've lost both the fob and the key.
Other kinds of car keys require more specific skills to replace. This includes flip keys and smart key. They are more complicated and typically need to be replaced at the dealership. Certain key fobs come with keys that are spring-loaded and fold into the enclosure and opens doors, or they're operated with a proximity sensor to open and start your vehicle.
Transponder Keys
If your car was built in the past 10 years or so, it's likely to have a transponder key system. The keys are equipped with a microchip and an electronic receiver that is programmed to communicate to start your vehicle.
Transponder keys are a great method to deter theft since they require two parts in order for the car to be able to start that is the transmitter (transponder) in the key and the receiver that is connected to your immobilizer system. Without both the key and the immobilizer device present the car will not start and it is not possible to hotwire.
These key chips are programmed with a serial number that is unique to your vehicle. The serial number of the key is then sent to the immobilizer of the car and verified to be in line. If it does the engine starts, it will. This security feature is only overcome by a specific device that reads the chip and match it with another car.
If you need a transponder key replacement you'll need to go to an locksmith with the tools needed to reprogram the keys to your vehicle. Some car dealerships provide this service, however they are generally more expensive than an independent locksmith due to their overhead.
The process of getting a new car keys with a chip inside it can be a complex process. To program your car, the key has to be programmed on a special machine. This requires specialized software and the right key cutter in order to do it correctly.
The majority of auto parts stores can clone some of the simpler chips keys, however you must know the serial number from the original key in order to ensure the correct information is incorporated into the key. Many people make the error of visiting a dealer to get a chip key copied, and end in paying more than they need to.
Laser-Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys, referred to as sidewinder keys because of their distinctive winding cuts on the key shank they add a layer of security to your vehicle. These keys are a great deterrent to auto theft because they require specialized equipment to duplicate.
Like transponder keys. They have built-in chips that block unauthorized key copies from starting your vehicle. They also usually have a unique code on the key, which needs to be programmed for your specific vehicle in order to unlock and start it. This additional layer of security is a great option to protect your investment and deter thieves who could be trying to steal your car for parts or to sell it to.
Laser-cut keys differ slightly from mechanically cut keys in terms of design. They have fewer grooves cut on the key. They also have a thicker key shaft that is an indication that it's not a regular car key. Locksmiths typically use a machine called milling tool to cut these types of keys. This kind of machine appears much like a drill bit and is designed to remove metal at extremely precise controlled angles.
These are the most secure keys that you can purchase for your vehicle. They're hard to duplicate and must be cut by a certified locksmith or dealer. They're not like traditional keys. They're made from a small piece of steel that is made into a code, and then cut with a laser at the factory. This type of key is able to be able to withstand a great deal of wear and tear and is among the best options to protect your vehicle.
Depending on the key, it will fold in the fob or pop out at the touch of a button. These types of keys are typically used in German cars and offer an additional layer of protection against car thieves. The cylinder is resistant to breaking into, making it very difficult for a thief pick or pick-lock the vehicle.
Smart Keys Keys
Smart keys communicate with the vehicle by using radio-frequency identification (RFID) instead of the traditional single piece of carved metal. They are equipped with a chip that has a unique code, which is encoded on every key. The key sends a signal to the onboard computer of your vehicle whenever you unlock the doors or open the trunk. The computer then signals the right frequency which allows you to open your car and begin it.
The chip in the smart key comes with a variety of security features that protect it from 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 transmit an additional signal that is unique and only your car is able to understand. This prevents a tech savvy criminal from using an electronic pulse generator to "fool the system" and perform the work on other vehicles.
In addition to locking and starting the car, some smart keys have special features like storing specific driver preferences remotely opening windows, the sunroof, among others. These can be done by activating the key's proximity sensor or pressing a button on the key itself or, in some instances, twisting a small metal part inside the key.
Some key fobs can be opened by holding the dead key in a slot or by placing it next to an inductive coil on the dashboard. Some key fobs have an electronic (fully emergency) key blade in the key.
Replacing a smart lock requires visiting a dealer, who will either order the replacement or have it in stock. The dealer will also need to program your new key to recognize your vehicle. You can also go to a locksmith for the replacement key fob to be programmed and then replaced. A locksmith may cost more than a dealer but they will do the job faster and for less.