Keys Replacement For CarsYou can buy a replacement key for a mechanical key at any hardware shop. However, the key will have to be programmed by a locksmith or dealer.
Smart keys are more complicated and require a visit from the dealer to pair them with your vehicle. These kinds of keys are usually expensive but some insurance companies will cover the cost.
Mechanical Keys
You can still purchase car keys that are only mechanical, such as 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 cheaper cost than what you'd buy from the dealership. You can also ask a neighbor or a friend who knows how to program transponder keys aftermarket (which are cheaper than the factory keys) to cut you a spare and program it. A spare key is crucial because modern cars won't begin if a key without the correct chip is used.
Transponder keys appear like mechanical keys, but they are actually equipped with an electronic chip inside the base of their plastic shape that communicates with the computer system in your vehicle. The car will accept the code on the chip, but it will not start if you choose another code.
If your spare key is equipped with chips, you'll have to bring it to a dealership to have it programmed. The dealership will need an equipment that is specifically designed for cutting and programming the key. These machines are only available at specific dealerships, and it's not likely that a locksmith will have the tools needed to make keys that are laser-cut with a transponder.
Keys with remotes are expensive to replace, particularly when you require a spare. If you only have the key shank missing and an operational replacement fob, you could try reprogramming your fob on your own. However, it could be time-consuming and complicated. If you've lost your entire fob and the key but you're not sure, a dealer is your best bet.
Other kinds of keys for cars require more specific skills to replace. These include flip keys and smart key. They are more complicated and usually have to be replaced at the dealership. Some key fobs feature keys that are spring-loaded and fold into the enclosure and opens doors or is operated by the use of a proximity sensor to open and start your vehicle.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed in the last 10 years or so it's likely to use transponder keys. The keys have an embedded microchip and an electronic receiver that is programmed to send a signal to start your
car replacement key cost.
Transponder keys can be a great way of deterring theft, as they require two parts to start the car: the transmitter inside the key and the receiver attached to the immobilizer. The car won't start without the key and immobilizer system.
These key chips are programmed with a serial number that is unique to your vehicle. The serial number of the key is transmitted to the immobilizer of the car and verified to be in line. If it does then the engine will begin. This security feature can only be blocked by a specially designed device that can read the chip to match it with a different car.
When you get a transponder key replaced, you'll need to visit an locksmith with the tools needed to reprogram the keys to your vehicle. Some car dealerships offer this service, but their overhead makes them more costly than an independent locksmith.
Finding a new car key that comes with a chip it is a complicated procedure. To program your
car key replacement online, the key has to be programmed using a specific machine. It requires specialized software, as well as the right key cutter to cut it properly.
Some of the less complicated chip keys can be cloned at a variety of auto parts stores, but you must know the serial number of the original key to ensure the proper information is being encoded into the new key. Many people make the error of visiting a dealer to get a chip key copied and end up paying more than 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 shank of the key. They provide an additional layer of security to your car. These keys are a great protection against auto theft since they require specialized machinery to duplicate.
Like transponder keys, they have built-in chips that block unauthorized key copies from opening your vehicle. They have a unique number that must be programmed to your car in order to unlock it and begin it. This extra layer of security is a great method to safeguard your investment and deter thieves who could be trying to steal your vehicle for parts or to sell it to.
In terms of design, laser-cut keys are slightly different from conventional mechanical cut keys in that they have less grooves carved out on the key. They also have a thicker key shaft that is an indication that it's not your typical car key. Locksmiths generally employ a machine known as milling tool to cut these kinds of keys. It's akin to a drill bit, and is designed to remove metal with precise angles.
They're among the most secure keys you can purchase for your car, because they are extremely difficult to duplicate and can only be cut by the dealer or a certified locksmith. They're not like traditional keys. They're constructed from a tiny piece of steel that is made into a code, and then cut with a laser at the factory. This type of key is very durable and can be able to withstand many years of wear and wear, making it one of the best options for protecting your vehicle.
Depending on the key, it will fold in the fob or be released by pressing a button. These keys are used in German cars and offer an extra layer of protection against car thieves. They also make it extremely difficult for a thief to pick or pick-lock your vehicle because the cylinder is extremely durable and hard to break into.
Smart Keys
Smart keys communicate with the vehicle via radio-frequency identification (RFID) instead of the conventional single piece of carved metal. This means they have a small chip that has an encrypted code that is unique to each key. The key transmits a message to the computer onboard of your vehicle each time you unlock the doors or open the trunk. The computer will then prompt the right frequency that allows you to start your vehicle.
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 car. If the computer onboard detects this signal, it will prompt another one that is a unique sequence that only your vehicle will recognize. This stops a cyber-savvy criminal from using an external generator to "fool" the system and perform the work for other vehicles.
In addition to locking and starting the car, some smart keys come with additional features like storing specific driver preferences, remotely opening windows or the sunroof, and many more. These are accomplished by activating the key's proximity sensor, pressing a button on the key itself, or, in some instances, twisting a small metal part inside the key.
Certain key fobs can be opened by placing the dead key in a slot or by placing it near an inductive coil on the dashboard. Some key fobs have a mechanical (fully emergency) key blade in the key.
Replacing a key with a smart chip usually requires a visit to the dealership, who will either have the replacement in stock or purchase it for you. The dealer will also need to program the new key to recognize your car. You can also go to an locksmith to get your
replacement car key fobs key fob to be programmed and then replaced. Locksmiths will cost more than dealers, however, they can do the job faster and for less.