Keys Replacement For Cars
You can buy an alternative key for a mechanical one at any hardware store. The key needs to be programmed by a dealership or locksmith.
Smart keys are more complex and require a visit to the dealer to connect them to your vehicle. These kinds of keys are usually expensive however some insurance companies will cover the cost.
Mechanical Keys
You can still purchase car keys that are solely mechanical, such as the ones you place in an ignition lock cylinder, and turn to start your vehicle. If your car is equipped with one of these, it's inexpensive to replace the key and fob (if lost or stolen).
A locksmith can make an entry level key for you at a cheaper price than you would buy from the dealership. You could also ask a neighbor or friend who is able to program transponder keys for aftermarket use (which are cheaper than the factory keys) to cut you a spare and have it programmed. It is important to have a spare key because modern cars won't start if the key does not have the proper chip.
Transponder keys appear like mechanical keys, but they have a hidden electronic chip in the base of their plastic form that communicates with your car's computer system. Your car will recognize the code in the chip and accept it, however it will not start if another code is used.
If your spare key is equipped with chip, you'll need to bring it to a dealership to get it programmed. The dealership will require an equipment that is specifically designed for cutting and programming the key. These machines are only available through certain dealerships, and it's not likely that a locksmith will have the equipment required to create a laser-cut key with a transponder.
Keys with remotes are expensive to replace, particularly if you need a spare. Try reprogramming the fob by yourself if you're missing the shank of the key and have a functioning replacement fob, however it can be difficult and time-consuming. If you've lost the entire fob and key, however it's best to contact a dealer as your best bet.
Other types of car keys require more specific skills to replace. These include flip keys and smart key. They are more complex and need to be replaced by the dealer. Key fobs can be operated by proximity sensors or a spring-loaded door opener.
Transponder Keys
If your car is built in the last 10 years or so it's likely to use a transponder key system. The keys contain a microchip in the key itself as well as the car's receiver that both have been programmed to communicate with each other to start the car.
Transponder keys can be a great way of deterring theft since they require two components to start a car - the transmitter contained in the key, and the receiver connected to the immobilizer. Without both the key and the immobilizer device present, the car will not start and is impossible to connect hotwire.
These key chips have an unique serial number that is specific to your vehicle. The serial number of the key is then sent to the immobilizer in the car and checked 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.
If you need a transponder key replacement, you'll need to visit an locksmith with the necessary equipment to reprogram the key into your car. Some car dealerships offer this service too, but they are generally more expensive than a independent locksmith because of their overhead.
Finding car key replacements with a chip inside it can be a very complicated process. The key needs to be cut using a particular machine in order to have the correct tracks in place that can be used to program the key to your car. This requires special software and the correct key cutter in order to be done correctly.
Many auto parts stores are able to copy some of the less complicated chips keys, but you'll need to know the serial number of the original key to ensure that the correct data is encoded into the key. Many people make the error of visiting their dealer to have their chip key copied and end with a bill that is higher than what they should.
Laser-Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys are also known as a sidewinder key due to the distinctive winding cut that is made on the key shank. They add an extra layer of security to your car. Keys like these are a great security measure against theft of your vehicle because they require specialized machinery to duplicate.
They also have built-in chips that prevent the copying of keys by unauthorized people from starting your vehicle. They also contain a unique code the key, which needs to be programmed for your specific vehicle in order to unlock it and start it. This extra layer of security is a fantastic method to safeguard your investment and deter thieves who might be trying to steal your vehicle for parts or to sell it on.
In terms of design Laser-cut keys are different from mechanical cut keys in that they have smaller grooves that have been carved out of the key. The shaft of the key is more substantial, which is another sign that this is not an ordinary car key. Generally, locksmiths employ a machine known as milling tool to cut these types of keys. This kind of machine appears similar to a drill bit and is designed to cut metal with extremely precise, controlled angles.
They're among the most secure keys you can buy for your vehicle, since they're extremely difficult to duplicate and only cut by a dealer or a licensed locksmith. They're not made using traditional keys. Instead, they're made of a tiny piece of steel that is cut to form a code in the factory and then cut using a laser. This kind of key is able to be able to withstand a great deal of wear and tear and is one of the best choices for protecting your vehicle.
Depending on the key, it will either fold into the fob or pop out at the touch of a button. These kinds of keys are commonly used in German cars and offer an additional layer of protection against car thieves. They also make it very difficult for a thief to pick your vehicle or pick-lock it, as the cylinder is extremely tough and is difficult to break.
Smart Keys Keys
In contrast to the traditional single piece of carved metal, smart keys use RFID, also known as radio-frequency identification for short, to communicate with the car. They are equipped with a chip that has an individual code, which 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 then triggers the appropriate frequency which allows you to open your car and begin it.
The smart key's chip includes a variety of security features that protect against theft. First the key emits a very low-frequency signal that isn't received by any receiver other than your car. If the onboard computer detects this signal, it will display another one that is a unique sequence that only your car can comprehend. This will stop a tech-savvy criminal from using an electronic pulse generator to "fool the system" and perform the work on other vehicles.
In addition to locking and starting the car, some smart keys come with additional features such as storing specific preferences for drivers remotely opening windows, the sunroof, and more. These can be done by activating the key's proximity sensor, pressing a button on the key itself, or, in some instances, by twisting a tiny metal component inside the key.
Certain key fobs are opened by placing the dead key in a slot or by placing it near an inductive coil that is located on the dashboard. Some key fobs have an electronic (fully emergency) key blade that is inside the key.
Replacing a smart lock requires an appointment with a dealer, where they can order the replacement or stock it. They'll also have to program the new key to recognize your car. But, you can visit a locksmith to get your replacement key fob programed and replaced. A locksmith will charge more than dealers, but he or she can do the job faster and for less.