Keys Replacement For Cars
You can buy an alternative key for a mechanical one at any hardware store. However, the key will need to be programmed by a locksmith or dealer.
Smart keys are more complicated and require a trip to the dealer to pair them with your vehicle. They are costly however many car insurance companies will pay for the cost.
Mechanical Keys
There are still car keys that are purely mechanical, like the ones you put into an ignition lock cylinder, and turn to start your car. If your car is equipped with one of these, it's relatively cheap to replace the key and fob (if lost or stolen).
A locksmith can make the basic key for you at a less cost than what you would pay in a dealership. You could also ask a neighbor or friend who knows how to program transponder keys (which are less expensive than keys made by the factory) to cut you a spare and program it. It is essential to have a spare key because modern cars won't start when the key does not have the right chip.
Transponder keys look a lot like mechanical keys, however they are actually equipped with an electronic chip inside the base of their plastic form that communicates with your vehicle's computer system. Your car will accept the code that is on the chip, but will not start if you use another code.
If your spare key has a chip it must be programmed by a dealer. The dealership will require a special machine for both cutting and programming the key. The machines are available at specific dealerships, and it is unlikely that a locksmith have the equipment needed to create a key with transponder.
It's expensive to replace keys using remotes, especially if you require a spare. You can try reprogramming your fob yourself if you're only missing the shank of the key and have a working replacement fob, but it can be time-consuming and laborious. If you've lost your entire fob and key but you're not sure it's best to contact a dealer as the best option.
There are other kinds of car keys that require a specialized set of skills to replace, like flip keys and smart keys. They are more complicated and usually have to be replaced at the dealership. Certain key fobs operate by a proximity sensor or a door opener with a spring loaded mechanism.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are likely to be used in cars constructed in the past 10 years. The keys have an embedded microchip and a receiver that is programmed to communicate with start your vehicle.
Transponder keys are an effective method of preventing theft, since they require two parts to start a car - the transmitter contained in the key, and the receiver connected to the immobilizer. The car will not start without both the key and the immobilizer system.
These key chips have a unique serial number for your vehicle. When the key is inserted into your ignition, the serial number is then sent to the cars immobilizer and verified that it matches up, it will then allow the engine to run. The only thing that could be a hindrance to this security feature is a device that is able to detect 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 are generally more expensive than an independent locksmith due to their expenses.
It can be difficult to get an original key that comes with a chip. To program your car, the key needs to be programmed on a specific machine. This requires special software and the correct key cutter in order to be done correctly.
funny post of the less complicated chip keys can be copied at most auto part stores, but you need to be aware of the serial number of the original key to ensure the correct information is transferred to the new key. Many people make the mistake of going to their dealer to have their chip key copied and end with a bill that is higher than what they need to.
Laser-Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys, also known as sidewinder keys due to their distinctive winding cuts to the shank of the key provide an additional layer of security to your vehicle. Because it requires specialized equipment to duplicate these keys, they're a great security measure against auto theft.
They also have built-in chips that prevent unauthorised key copying from launching your vehicle. They have a unique number that needs to be programmed into your car in order to unlock it and start it. This additional layer of security is a great way to protect your investment and deter thieves who could be trying to steal your vehicle for parts or sell it to.
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 more robust key shaft, which is a good indication that it's not your regular car key. Locksmiths typically use milling machines to cut keys. This kind of tool looks much like a drill bit and is designed to cut metal with extremely precise, controlled angles.
These are the most secure keys you can purchase for your vehicle. They are extremely difficult to duplicate and can only be done be cut by a licensed locksmith or dealer. They're not made using traditional keys. Instead, they're made of a tiny piece of steel that's shaped according to a code at the factory and then cut with laser. This type of key can endure a lot of wear and tear and is one of the best options to protect your vehicle.
Depending on the key, it can fold into the fob, or pop out with the click of a button. These kinds of keys are used extensively in German automobiles and provide an additional layer of security against car thieves. The cylinder is also very tough and difficult to break into, which makes it difficult for a thief pick or pick-lock the car.
Smart Keys Keys
Smart keys communicate with the vehicle using radio-frequency identification (RFID) instead of the traditional single piece of carved metal. This means they come with a small chip that has an encrypted code that is unique to each key. The key sends a message to the computer onboard of your vehicle every time you open the doors or open the trunk. The computer then signals the appropriate frequency, allowing you to access your car and start it.
The chip in the smart key comes with a variety of security features to protect it from theft. The key emits a low-frequency signal that can only be detected by your vehicle. If the computer onboard detects this signal, it will send an additional signal that is unique and only your vehicle can comprehend. This will stop a criminal with a high-tech background from using an external pulse generator to "fool" the system and perform the work for other vehicles.
In addition to locking and opening the car, some smart keys also have additional functions like storing specific driver preferences, remotely opening windows or the sunroof, among others. This can be accomplished by activating the key fob's proximity sensor by pressing a button on the key itself or, in some instances, by twisting a tiny metal component inside the key.
Some key fobs can be opened by placing the dead key in a slot or by placing it in proximity to an inductive coil on the dashboard. Some even have an emergency (fully mechanical) key blade that is hidden inside the key to enable this.
Replacing a smart lock usually requires a visit to the dealership, who will either have the replacement on hand or order it for you. The dealer will also need to program your new key to identify your car. However, you can also go to a locksmith shop to have your new key fob programmed and replaced. Locksmiths will cost more than a dealer, however, they can do the job faster and for less.