Keys Replacement For Cars
You can buy an alternative key for a mechanical key at any hardware shop. However, this key will need to be programmed by a locksmith or dealer.
Smart keys are more complex and require a visit to the dealer to pair them with your vehicle. These kinds of keys can be costly however some insurance companies cover the cost.
Mechanical Keys
There are still car keys that are only mechanical, such as the ones you insert into an ignition lock cylinder and turn to start your car. If your car has one of these keys, replacing the fob and key is relatively cheap (if they are lost or stolen).
A locksmith can design a new basic key at a lower cost than what you pay at a dealership. You can 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 since modern cars won't be able to start if a key without the correct chip is used.
Transponder keys look like mechanical keys, however they contain a hidden electronic chip in the base of their plastic design that communicates with the computer system in your vehicle. Your car will be able to recognize the code contained in the chip and accept it, however it will refuse to start if a different code is utilized.
If the spare key you have has 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 only available through certain dealerships, and it's not likely that a locksmith has the equipment needed to create keys that are laser-cut with a transponder.
Keys with remotes can be costly to replace, particularly if you need an extra. If you only have the key shank missing, and an operational replacement fob, you can try to reprogramme your fob on your own. However, it could be time-consuming and complicated. If you've lost the complete fob and key but you're not sure, a dealer is your best bet.
Other kinds of keys for cars require more special skills to replace. This includes flip keys and smart keys. These are more complex and are usually replaced at the dealership. Some key fobs are operated by proximity sensors or a door opener with a spring loaded mechanism.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are most likely to be used in vehicles built in the last 10 years. The keys contain a microchip within the key and an internal receiver in your car which are both programmed to communicate with one another to start the vehicle.
Transponder keys can be an effective method of preventing theft since they require two components to start the car - the transmitter contained in the key and the receiver that is connected to the immobilizer. The car won't start without both 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 then checked to be in line. If it does then the engine will begin. This security feature can only be defeated by a special device that can read the chip to match it to another vehicle.
You'll need to find an locksmith with the equipment needed to reprogram your key. Some car dealerships offer this service, but their overheads make them more expensive than an independent locksmith.
It can be difficult to find an entirely new key that has a chip. To program your car, the key needs to be programmed on a special machine. It requires specialized software as well as the appropriate key cutter to do the job correctly.
Some of the simpler chip keys can be copied at a variety of auto parts stores but you must be aware of the serial number of the original key to ensure the correct information is programmed into the new key. Many people make the mistake of visiting their dealer to get a chip key copied and end up paying more than they should.
Laser-Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys are also known as sidewinder key because of the distinctive winding cut that is made on the shank of the key. They add an additional layer of security to your car. Because it takes specialized machinery to duplicate these keys, they're an excellent protection against auto theft.
They also come with built-in chips to stop the copying of keys by unauthorized people from starting your vehicle. They also typically have a unique code on the key, which must be programmed for your particular car in order to unlock it and start it. 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.
In terms of their design, laser-cut keys are slightly different from mechanical cut keys due to having smaller grooves that have been carved out of the key. The shaft of the key is thicker, which is another sign that this is not a regular car key. Locksmiths typically make use of a milling tool to cut these kinds of keys. This kind of tool looks like a drill and is designed to remove metal at very precise, controlled angles.
These are the safest keys that you can purchase for your vehicle. They are extremely difficult to duplicate and can only be done be cut by a certified locksmith or dealer. They're not made using traditional keys. Instead, they're made of a tiny piece of steel that is shaped into a specific code at the factory before being cut using the laser. This kind of key can withstand a lot wear and tear and is one of the best options to protect your vehicle.
The key can be folded into the fob, or be released by pressing the button. These keys are used in German automobiles, and offer an additional layer of protection against car thieves. The cylinder is also very resistant to breaking into, making it very difficult for thieves to pick or pick-lock the car.
Smart Keys
In contrast to the traditional single piece of metal, smart keys utilize radio-frequency identification, or RFID for short, to communicate with the car. This means they have tiny chips that contain an encrypted code that is unique to each key. The key sends a signal to the computer onboard of your vehicle each time you unlock the doors or open the trunk. The computer then will prompt the appropriate frequency to allow you to start your car.
The smart key's chip also has a number of security features to guard against theft. The key emits a low-frequency signal, which can only be detected by your car. If the computer onboard detects this signal, it will prompt a different one that is an individual sequence that only your vehicle can comprehend. This prevents a tech-savvy criminal from using an external generator to "fool" the system and perform the work for other vehicles.
Some smart keys have special features, such as saving preferences for drivers remote opening windows, opening the sunroof from afar and many other. These features can be accessed 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.
Some 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 even have an emergency (fully mechanical) key blade hidden in the key to allow this.
Replacing a smart lock typically requires a visit to the dealer, who will either have the replacement in stock or make it available for you to purchase. The dealer will also need to program your new key so that it recognizes your vehicle. However, you can also go to a locksmith shop to have your replacement key fob programed and replaced. automotive key replacement may cost more than the dealer, but they'll be able to do the job quicker and for less.