Keys Replacement For Cars
You can get the replacement key for a mechanical key at any hardware shop. However, this key will need to be programmed by a locksmith or dealership.
Smart keys are more complicated and require a trip to the dealer to pair them with your vehicle. 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 put into an ignition lock cylinder and turn to start your vehicle. If your car is equipped with one of these, replacing the fob and keys is fairly inexpensive (if they get lost or stolen).
A locksmith can cut the basic key for you at a less cost than what you would pay at the dealership. You can also ask a neighbor or friend who is able to program transponder keys (which are less expensive than keys that are factory-made) to cut you a spare and program it. It is crucial to have a spare key because modern vehicles won't start when the key does not have the right chip.
Transponder keys look a lot like mechanical keys, however they contain a hidden electronic chip inside the base of their plastic shape that communicates with your vehicle's computer system. The car will accept the code on the chip, but it will not start if you try to use another code.
If your spare key has a chip, you'll need to bring it to a dealer to have it programmed. The dealership will require a special machine for both cutting and programming the key. These machines are available only at certain dealerships and it is unlikely that a locksmith will have the equipment necessary to make a key using a transponder.
It's costly to replace keys using remotes, especially if require an extra. If you have only the shank of your key missing and a working replacement fob, you can try to reprogramme your fob by yourself. However, it can be time-consuming and complicated. If you've lost the complete key and fob however it's best to contact a dealer as your best bet.
There are other types of keys for cars that require a specialized set of skills to replace, like flip keys and smart keys. They are more complicated and usually have to be replaced at the dealership. Some key fobs feature an electronic key that folds into the enclosure and opens a door or uses the use of a proximity sensor to open and start your car.
Transponder Keys
If your car is built in the recent 10 years or so it's likely to use a transponder key system. These keys have an embedded microchip inside the key itself and an internal receiver in your car which are both programmed to communicate with each other to start the car.
Transponder keys are a great method to deter theft since they require two parts in order for the car to be able to start - the transmitter (transponder) in the key and the receiver connected to your immobilizer system. Without both the key and the immobilizer system present the car will not start and is impossible to hotwire.
The key chips are programmed with a serial number that is unique to your vehicle. When the key is inserted into the ignition the serial number is sent to the cars immobilizer and verified that it is in line and allows the engine to run. This security feature is only defeated by a special device that reads the chip and match it to another vehicle.
When you have a transponder key replacement you'll need to go to an authorized locksmith who has the equipment needed to reprogram the keys to your vehicle. Some car dealerships offer this service too, but they tend to be more expensive than an independent locksmith due to their overhead.
Finding a new car key that comes with a chip it can be a very complex procedure. To program your car, the key must be programmed on a special machine. It requires specialized software as well as the right key cutter to do it correctly.
Some of the less complicated chip keys can be copied at most auto part stores, but you need to be aware of the serial number of the original key to ensure that the correct information is programmed into the new key. Many people make a mistake by visiting their dealer to purchase an exact copy of a chip-key and end up paying inflated prices.
Laser-Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys are also referred to as a sidewinder keys due to the distinctive winding cut on the shank of the key. They provide an additional layer of security to your car. Because it takes specialized machinery to duplicate these keys, they're an excellent security measure against auto theft.
Like transponder keys, they feature embedded chips that stop duplicate keys from opening your car. They also typically have a unique code on the key, which needs to be programmed to your specific vehicle to unlock it and start it. This additional level of security will safeguard your investment and prevent thieves from trying to steal your vehicle for parts or to sell it.
In terms of design, laser-cut keys are slightly different from mechanical cut keys due to having smaller grooves that have been carved out of the key. They also have a more robust key shaft that is an indication that it's not your typical car key. replacement key for a car employ milling machines to cut keys. This tool is similar to a drill bit and is designed to remove metal at precise angles.
They're among the most secure keys you can get for your car, as they're very hard to replicate and can only be cut by the dealer or a licensed locksmith. They're not made with traditional keys. Instead, they're made of a tiny piece of steel that is shaped to form a code in the factory before being cut with laser. This type of key can endure a lot of wear and tear, and is among the best choices for protecting your vehicle.
Depending on the key, it could fold into the fob, or pop out at the touch of the button. These types of keys are typically used in German automobiles and provide an additional layer of security against car thieves. The cylinder is also very resistant to breaking into, which makes it difficult for thieves to pick or pick-lock the car.
Smart Keys Keys
Unlike the traditional single piece of carved metal, smart keys utilize RFID, or radio-frequency identification for short, to communicate with the car. This means they come with a tiny chip that contains an encrypted code that is unique to each key. The key transmits a message to the onboard computer of your vehicle each time you unlock the doors or open the trunk. The computer then signals the right frequency and allows you to connect to your car and start it.
The chip of the smart key is equipped with several security features to protect it from theft. The key emits a low-frequency signal, which will only be detected by your vehicle. If the onboard computer detects this signal, it will display a different one that is an individual sequence that only your vehicle will recognize. This stops a cyber-savvy criminal from using an external generator to "fool" the system and make the key work for other vehicles.
Certain smart keys come with special features, like the ability to store preferences for drivers remote opening windows, opening the sunroof remotely and many other. This can be accomplished by activating the key's proximity sensor or pressing a button on the key, or, in some cases, twisting a small metal part 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 that is located on the dashboard. Some even include an emergency (fully mechanical) key blade that is hidden inside the key to enable this.
Replace a smart key requires an appointment with a dealer, who will either purchase the replacement or stock it. The dealer will also have to program the new key to recognize your car. You can visit a locksmith to get your replacement key fob programed and replaced. A locksmith might charge more than the dealer, but they'll likely be able to finish the job more quickly and at a lower cost.