Keys Replacement For Cars
If you own a basic mechanical key you should be able to purchase a replacement from any hardware store for relatively cheap. This key will need to be programmed by a dealership or locksmith.
automotive car key replacement are more complex and require a visit to the dealer for the keys to be paired with your car. These keys are expensive however many car insurance companies will cover the cost.
Mechanical Keys
There are still car keys that are solely mechanical, like the ones you insert into an ignition lock cylinder and then turn to start your vehicle. If your car has one of these keys, replacing the key and fob is relatively inexpensive (if they're lost or stolen).
A locksmith can make you a new basic key at a lower cost than what you purchase from a dealership. You could also have a friend or neighbor that is proficient in programming transponder keys from the aftermarket (which are less expensive than factory keys) cut keys and program them. It is essential to have a spare because modern cars won't begin if a key without the proper chip is used.
Transponder keys resemble mechanical keys, but contain an electronic chip inside the base. The chip communicates with the computer system in your car. Your car will be able to recognize the code inside the chip and accept it, however it will not start if any other code is used.
If your spare key contains chips that is programmed, it will have to be programmed at a dealership. The dealership will require a special machine for both cutting and programming the key. These machines are available only at certain dealerships. It is unlikely that a locksmith would have the tools needed to create a key that has transponder.
It is expensive to replace keys with remotes, particularly if you require a spare. Try reprogramming the fob on your own if you're just missing the key shank and have a working replacement fob, but it could be time-consuming and difficult. If you've lost the entire key and fob, however, a dealer is the best option.
There are different kinds of keys for cars that require a more specific set of skills to replace, for example flip keys and smart keys. They are more complex and require replacement by a dealer. Key fobs can be operated by a proximity sensor or a door opener with a spring loaded mechanism.
Transponder Keys
If your car is built in the past 10 years or so, you're likely to use transponder keys. These keys have an embedded microchip inside the key itself as well as a receiver in your car which are both programmed to communicate with each other in order to start the vehicle.
Transponder keys are a great way to discourage theft because they require two parts in order for the car to be started which is the transmitter (transponder) inside the key and the receiver that is connected to your immobilizer system. The car won't start without the key and immobilizer system.
Key chips have an unique serial number that is specific to your vehicle. When the key is inserted into your ignition, the serial number is sent to the immobilizer of the car and checked to ensure that it is in line and allows the engine to start. This security feature is only blocked by a specially designed device that can read the chip and match it with a different car.
When you have a transponder key replaced it is necessary to visit an authorized locksmith who has the necessary equipment to reprogram the key into your vehicle. Some car dealerships provide this service as well but they are typically more expensive than a private locksmith because of their expenses.
Getting a new car key with a chip inside it can be a complex process. The key has to be cut using a particular machine to get the correct tracks in place that can then be programmed to assign the key to your car. This requires specific software and the right key cutter to do it correctly.
Some of the less complicated chip keys can be cloned at most auto part stores, but you need to know the serial number of the original key to ensure the proper information is being programmed into the new key. Many people make a mistake by going to their dealer for the clone of a chip key only to end up paying inflated prices.
Laser-Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys, referred to as sidewinder keys due to their distinctive winding cuts in the key shank, add an extra layer of security to your vehicle. They are a fantastic security measure against theft of your vehicle because they require special equipment to duplicate.
Like transponder keys, they feature embedded chips that stop duplicate keys from starting your vehicle. They also come with a unique code on the key, which must be programmed for your specific vehicle to unlock it and start it. This additional layer of security is an excellent way to protect your investment and deter thieves who might be trying to steal your vehicle for parts or sell it on.
In terms of design, laser-cut keys are slightly different from standard mechanical cut keys, as they have smaller grooves that have been carved out of the key. The key shaft is larger, which is a sign that this is not a regular car key. Locksmiths usually use milling machines to cut keys. It's akin to a drill bit and it's designed to cut metal with precise angles.
These are some of the most secure keys you can purchase for your car, because they are extremely difficult to duplicate and can only be cut by a dealer or a licensed locksmith. They're not made with traditional keys. Instead, they're made from a small piece steel that is shaped to form a code in the factory before being cut using laser. This kind of key is very durable and is able to be able to withstand many years of wear and tear, making it one of the best options to protect your vehicle.
Depending on the key, it will either fold into the fob or be released at the touch of a button. The keys are typically used in German cars, and provide an additional layer of protection against car thieves. The cylinder is also very tough and difficult to break into, making it very difficult for thieves to pick or pick-lock a vehicle.
Smart Keys Keys
Smart keys communicate with the vehicle by using radio-frequency identification (RFID) instead of the conventional single piece of carved metal. They have a chip with an unique code that is encoded on each key. The key sends a message to the onboard computer in your vehicle whenever you unlock the doors or open the trunk. The computer will then signal the appropriate frequency to allow you to start your vehicle.
The chip of the smart key has several 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 display an alternative one that's an exclusive sequence that only your vehicle can recognize. This will stop a tech-savvy criminal from using a pulse generator in order to "fool the system" and make the key work on other vehicles.
In addition to locking and starting the car, some smart keys come with additional features such as storing particular driver preferences, remotely opening windows or the sunroof, among others. These features are accessible by activating the proximity sensor on the key fob by pressing a button, or, in certain instances, by twisting a small piece of metal inside the key.
Certain key fobs are opened by holding 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 concealed in the key to allow this.
Replacing a smart key typically requires a visit to the dealership, where they will either have the replacement on hand or order it for you. The dealer will also need to program the new key to identify your vehicle. You can also visit a locksmith for the replacement key fob to be programmed and then replaced. A locksmith may charge more than the dealer, but they'll be able to do the job quicker and at a lower cost.