Keys Replacement For Cars
You can purchase the replacement key for a mechanical key at any hardware store. However, the key must be programmed by a locksmith or dealership.
Smart keys are more complicated and require a trip to the dealer to connect them to your vehicle. They can be expensive however, many insurance companies will pay for the cost.
Mechanical Keys
You can still purchase mechanical car keys such as the ones you put into an ignition lock cylinder to start your car. If your car has one of these keys, replacing the key and fob is relatively cheap (if they get lost or stolen).
auto car key replacement can make an entry level key for you at a cheaper cost than what you'd pay in a dealership. You could also ask a friend or neighbor that is proficient in programming transponder keys from the aftermarket (which are less expensive than keys from factory) cut you a spare key and then program them. It is crucial to have a spare key since modern cars will not start when the key does not have the correct chip.
Transponder keys are similar to mechanical keys, but contain an electronic chip in the base. This chip communicates with the computer system in your vehicle. Your car will be able to recognize the code inside the chip and accept it, but it will refuse to start if any other code is utilized.
If the spare key you have has chips it must be programmed by a dealer. They will need to use a special machine to both cut the key and program it. These machines are only available through certain dealerships, and it's unlikely that a locksmith will have the equipment required to create keys that are laser-cut with a transponder.
Keys with remotes cost a lot to replace, particularly in the event that you need an extra. Try reprogramming the fob by yourself if you're missing the key shank and have a working replacement fob, but it could be difficult and time-consuming. It's better to go to an authorized dealer if you've lost both the key and the fob.
There are other types of keys for cars that require a specialized set of skills to replace, like flip keys and smart keys. These are more complicated and need to be replaced by a dealer. Some key fobs are operated by a proximity sensor or a spring-loaded door opener.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are most likely to be used in vehicles built in the last 10 years. These keys have a microchip within the key itself and an internal receiver in your car which are both programmed to communicate with each other to start the vehicle.
Transponder keys are an excellent way to discourage theft because they require two components for the car to start which is the transmitter (transponder) in the key and the receiver connected to your immobilizer system. Without automotive key replacement and the immobilizer system present, the car will not start and is impossible to connect hotwire.
The key chips come with a unique serial number for your vehicle. When the key is inserted into your ignition, the serial number is sent to the immobilizer of the car and then verified to make sure it matches up and allows the engine to start. The only thing that can be a hindrance to this security feature is a special device that can read the chip and match it with another vehicle.
You'll have to find a locksmith that has the equipment to reprogram your key. Some car dealerships offer this service, however they tend to be more expensive than a private locksmith because of their costs.
It isn't easy to find a new key with a chip. To program your car, the key must be programmed on a special machine. It requires specialized software as well as the appropriate key cutter to do the job properly.
Certain of the more basic chip keys can be copied at most auto part stores, but you must know the serial number of the original key to ensure that the correct information is encoded into the new key. Many people make the error of going to their dealer to have their chip key copied, and end with a bill that is higher than what they should.
Laser-Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys are also referred to as a sidewinder keys due to the distinctive winding cut that is made on the key shank. They provide an additional layer of security to your vehicle. Because it takes specialized machinery to duplicate these keys, they're a great deterrent against auto-theft.
Like transponder keys. They have embedded chips that stop duplicate keys from opening your vehicle. They also contain a unique code the key that must be programmed for your particular vehicle to allow it to be opened and started. This additional level of security will safeguard your investment and stop thieves from attempting to steal your vehicle in exchange for parts or to resell it.
Keys cut with lasers differ slightly from mechanically cut keys in terms of design. They have fewer grooves cut on the key. They also have a larger key shaft, which is a good indication that it's not your regular car key. Locksmiths generally use a machine called milling tool to cut these types of keys. This type of machine looks similar to a drill bit and is designed to cut metal with extremely precise and controlled angles.
These are among the most secure keys you can purchase for your vehicle, since they're extremely difficult to duplicate and can only be cut by the locksmith who is a certified dealer. They're not made using traditional keys. Instead, they're made from a small piece steel that is cut into a specific code at the factory before being cut with the laser. This kind of key can withstand a lot wear and tear, and is among the best options to protect your vehicle.
Depending on the key, it can fold in the fob or be released at the touch of a button. These kinds of keys are typically used in German cars and offer an additional layer of protection against car thieves. They also make it difficult for thieves to pick or pick-lock your vehicle, as the cylinder is extremely durable and difficult to break into.
Smart Keys Keys
In contrast to the traditional single piece of carved metal smart keys use RFID, or radio-frequency identification for short, to communicate with the car. They are equipped with a chip that has a unique code, which is encoded on each key. The key sends a signal to the onboard computer in your vehicle each time you unlock the doors or open the trunk. The computer then signals the appropriate frequency which allows you to open your car and start it.
The chip of the smart key has a number of security features that guard against theft. The key emits a low-frequency signal that can only be detected by your car. If the computer onboard detects this signal, it will display a different one that is a unique sequence that only your car can recognize. This prevents a tech savvy criminal from using an electronic pulse generator to "fool the system" and do the key work on other vehicles.
Some smart keys offer specific features, like storing driver preferences and opening windows remotely, or the sunroof via remote and many more. These features are accessible by activating the proximity sensor on the key fob, pressing a button or, in certain instances you can do this by twisting a small piece of metal inside the key.
Some key fobs can be opened by placing the dead key in a slot, or by placing it near an inductive coil that is located on the dashboard. Some even come with an emergency (fully mechanical) key blade concealed in the key to activate this.
Replacing a smart key typically requires a visit to the dealership, who will either have the replacement on hand or purchase it for you. They'll also have to program the new key to recognize your car. You can also go to an locksmith to get your replacement key fob to be programmed and then replaced. Locksmiths may cost more than the dealer, but they'll be able to complete the job more quickly and less expensively.