Keys Replacement For Cars
You can purchase a replacement key for a mechanical key in 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 to the dealer to connect them to your vehicle. They can be expensive, but many car insurance companies will cover the cost.
Mechanical Keys
You can still purchase mechanical keys for your car such as the ones you put into an ignition lock cylinder to start your vehicle. If your car is equipped with one of these, replacing the fob and keys is relatively cheap (if they get lost or stolen).
A locksmith can cut an entry level key for you at a lower price than you would buy from a dealership. You can also ask a neighbour or friend who is able to program transponder keys aftermarket (which are less expensive than factory keys) to make you a spare key and then program it. Getting a spare is important because modern cars won't begin when a key that isn't programmed with the correct chip is used.
Transponder keys resemble mechanical keys, but they contain an electronic chip within the base. This chip communicates with the computer system in your vehicle. The 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 chip, you'll need to bring it to a dealer to have it programmed. The dealership will require an equipment that is specifically designed for cutting and programming the key. These machines are available only at certain dealerships and it is unlikely that a locksmith have the equipment needed to make a key using a transponder.
It is expensive to replace keys using remotes, especially if require a spare. If you have only the key shank missing and a working replacement fob, you can attempt to reprogramme your fob by yourself. However, it can be time-consuming and challenging. You're better off going to a dealer when you've lost the key and the fob.
There are other kinds of keys for cars that require a more specialized set of skills to replace, for example flip keys and smart keys. These are more complicated and need to be replaced by a dealer. 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 cars built within the last 10 years. The keys are equipped with an embedded microchip and a receiver that is programmed to send a signal to start your car.
Transponder keys are an excellent way to stop 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 connected to your immobilizer system. The car won't start without the key and immobilizer system.
The key chips come with an individual serial number specific to your vehicle. The serial number of the key is sent to the immobilizer inside the car and checked to be in line. If it does the engine starts, it will. The only thing that can stop this security feature is a special device that is able to detect the chip and match it with another vehicle.
You'll need to find a locksmith who has the tools to reprogram your key. Some car dealerships offer this service as well but they tend to be more expensive than an independent locksmith due to their expenses.
It can be difficult to find an entirely new key that has a chip. The key needs to be cut using a specific machine to get the right tracks which can later be used to program the key to your car. It requires specialized software, and the correct key cutter to cut it correctly.
The majority of auto parts stores can duplicate some of the more basic chips keys, however you'll need to be aware of the serial number of the original key in order to ensure that the correct data is incorporated into the key. Many people make a mistake going to their dealer for the clone of a chip key and end up paying high prices.
Laser-Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys, also referred to 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 an excellent protection against auto theft.
Like transponder keys, they feature built-in chips that block duplicate keys from getting into your car. They have a unique code that must be programmed into your car to unlock it and begin it. This extra layer of security is a fantastic option to protect your investment and deter thieves who could be trying to steal your car for parts or sell it on.
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 thicker, which is another sign that this is not a regular car key. auto key replacement use a milling machine to cut these keys. This kind of tool looks much like a drill bit and is designed to cut metal at extremely precise and 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 created using traditional keys. Instead, they are constructed from a small piece of steel that is cut to a code at the factory and then cut using the laser. This type of key can withstand a lot wear and tear and is among the best choices for protecting your vehicle.
Depending on the key, it will either fold into the fob or pop out by pressing the button. Keys like this are typically used in German automobiles and provide an additional layer of security against car thieves. They also make it extremely difficult for thieves to pick or pick-lock your car, as the cylinder is extremely rugged and difficult to break into.
Smart Keys
Contrary to the conventional single piece of carved metal, smart keys utilize radio-frequency identification, or RFID for short, to communicate with the car. They have a chip with a unique code, which is encoded on 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 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. First the key emits a very low-frequency signal that can't be picked up by any receiver but your car. If the computer onboard detects this signal, it will transmit a different one which is an exclusive code that only your vehicle can comprehend. This stops a cyber-savvy criminal from using an external pulse generator to "fool" the system and create the key function for other vehicles.
Certain smart keys come with specific features, like saving preferences for drivers and opening windows remotely, or the sunroof remotely and many other. 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.
Certain key fobs are opened by placing the dead key in a slot, or by placing it in proximity to an inductive coil on the dashboard. Some key fobs feature an electronic (fully emergency) key blade in the key.
Replacing a smart key typically requires a visit the dealer, who will either have the replacement in stock or make it available for you to purchase. The dealer will also have to program your new key to recognize your car. You can also visit an locksmith to get your replacement key fob to be programmed and replaced. A locksmith may cost more than a dealer however, they can do the job quicker and cheaper.