Keys Replacement For Cars
You can purchase the replacement key for a mechanical key at any hardware shop. The key needs to be programmed by a locksmith or a dealer.
Smart keys are more complex and require a visit to the dealer to pair them with your vehicle. These types of keys are usually expensive however some insurance companies cover the cost.
Mechanical Keys
You can still purchase mechanical keys for your car which you insert into the ignition lock cylinder to start your vehicle. If your car is equipped with one of these keys, replacing the key and fob is fairly inexpensive (if they are lost or stolen).
A locksmith can create a basic key for you at a lower price than you would pay in the dealership. You can also have someone close to you who knows how to program transponder keys from the aftermarket (which are less expensive than keys made by the factory) cut keys for you and have them programmed. A spare key is crucial because modern cars won't start when a key that isn't programmed with the proper chip is used.
Transponder keys look a lot like mechanical keys, but they have a hidden electronic chip in the base of their plastic design that communicates with your car's computer system. Your car will accept the code in the chip, but it will not start if you use another code.
If the spare key you have has chips, you'll have to bring it to a dealership to get it programmed. You'll need an equipment that can cut the key and then program it. These machines are only available at specific dealerships, and it is unlikely that a locksmith have the equipment needed to create a key that has transponder.
It's costly to replace keys with remotes, especially if you require a spare. If you only have the shank of your key missing and a working replacement fob, you could try reprogramming your fob on your own. However, it could be time-consuming and difficult. If you've lost the complete fob and key but you're not sure you should seek out a dealer as the best option.
Other kinds of car keys require more special skills to replace. This includes flip keys and smart key. These are more complicated and must be replaced by the dealer. Some key fobs feature a spring-loaded key that folds into the enclosure and opens doors or uses a proximity sensor to open and start your car.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are most likely to be used in vehicles constructed in the past 10 years. The keys contain a microchip within the key itself and the car's receiver which are both programmed to communicate with each other to start the car.
Transponder keys are an excellent way to discourage theft because they require two parts for the car to start - the transmitter (transponder) inside the key and the receiver connected to your immobilizer system. The car will not start without the key and immobilizer system.
These key chips are programmed with a serial number that is unique to your vehicle. When the key is inserted into your ignition, the serial number is transmitted to the immobilizer in the car and verified that it matches up and allows the engine to start. This security feature is only defeated by a special device that reads the chip and match it with a different car.
You'll require a locksmith who has the equipment needed to reprogram your key. Some car dealerships provide this service, however their overheads make them more costly than an independent locksmith.
The process of getting a new car keys that has a chip in it can be a very complex procedure. The key has to be cut using a specific machine to ensure that it has the proper tracks which can later be used to program the key to your car. It requires specialized software as well as the appropriate key cutter to do the job properly.
The majority of auto parts stores can copy some of the less complicated chips keys, however you must know the serial number of the original key to ensure that the correct information is programmed into the key. Many people make the mistake of visiting their dealer to get a chip key copied, and end up paying more than they have to.
Laser-Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys, also known as sidewinder keys due their distinctive winding cuts to the shank of the key, add an extra layer of security to your vehicle. Because it requires specialized equipment 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 car. They come with a unique code that must be programmed into your vehicle to unlock it and start it. This extra layer of security is a great method to safeguard your investment and deter thieves who might 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 that are carved on the key. The key shaft is also thicker, which is another indication that this isn't a standard car key. Locksmiths generally employ a machine known as milling tool to cut these types of keys. It's akin to a drill, and it's designed to remove metal with precise angles.
They're among the most secure keys you can purchase for your vehicle, since they're extremely difficult to duplicate and can only be cut by a locksmith who is a certified dealer. They're not made with traditional keys. Instead, they're made from a small piece steel that is shaped into a specific code at the factory, and then cut using the laser. This type of key is extremely durable and is able to be able to withstand a lot of wear and tear, making it one of the best options for protecting your car.
Depending on the key, it could fold into the fob or be released with the click of a button. These types of keys are typically used in German automobiles and provide an additional layer of protection against car thieves. They also make it very difficult for a thief to pick or pick-lock your vehicle because the cylinder is extremely durable and hard to break into.
Smart Keys
In contrast to the traditional single piece of carved metal smart keys make use of radio-frequency identification, or RFID to connect with the car. This means that they are equipped with tiny chips that contain an encrypted code that is unique to each key. When you open your car's doors, or open the trunk the key transmits a signal to your car's onboard computer. The computer will then prompt the correct frequency to allow you to start your car.
The chip of the smart key comes with a variety of security features that protect against theft. First, the key emits a very low-frequency signal that can't be received by any receiver but your vehicle. If the computer onboard detects this signal, it will display a different one that is an exclusive sequence that only your vehicle will recognize. This prevents 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, certain smart keys also have additional functions such as storing specific preferences for drivers, remotely opening windows or the sunroof, among others. These functions can be accessed by activating the proximity sensor on the key fob by pressing a button, or, in some instances, by twisting a small piece of metal inside the key.
keys replacement are opened by placing the dead key in a slot or by placing it near an inductive coil on the dashboard. Some even have an emergency (fully mechanical) key blade that is hidden inside the key to allow this.
Replacing a key with a smart chip typically requires a visit to the dealer, who will either have the replacement in stock or make it available for you to purchase. They'll also need to program the new key to recognize your car. You can also go to a locksmith for the replacement key fob to be programmed and replaced. A locksmith may cost more than a dealer, but they will complete the task faster and cheaper.