Keys Replacement For Cars
If you have a basic mechanical key, you should be able to find a replacement at any hardware store for cheap. However, this key must be programmed by a locksmith or dealer.
key replacement car are more complicated and require a visit to the dealer for the keys to be paired with your vehicle. These types of keys are usually expensive but some insurance companies will cover the cost.
Mechanical Keys
You can still buy mechanical keys for your car, the ones that you put into an ignition lock cylinder to start your vehicle. If your car uses one of these keys, it's inexpensive to replace the key and fob (if lost or stolen).
A locksmith can cut a basic key for you at a lower cost than what you would pay at the dealership. You could also ask your neighbor or a friend who knows how to program transponder keys that are made for the aftermarket (which are cheaper than keys from factory) cut keys and then program them. It is essential to have a spare because modern cars won't start if a key without the correct chip is used.
Transponder keys appear like mechanical keys, however they have a hidden electronic chip inside the base of their plastic shape that communicates with your vehicle's computer system. Your car will recognize the code in the chip, but will not start if you use another code.
If the spare key you have has a chip it must be programmed at a dealership. The dealership will need a special machine for both cutting and programming the key. These machines are only available through certain dealerships, and it's unlikely that a locksmith has the tools needed to make a laser-cut key with a transponder.
It's expensive to replace keys using remotes, particularly if you require a spare. You can try reprogramming your fob yourself if you're only missing the key shank and have a working replacement fob, however it can be time-consuming and difficult. It's better to go to an authorized dealer when you've lost the key and the fob.
Other types of keys for cars require more specific skills to replace. This includes flip keys and smart keys. They're more complicated and must be replaced by a dealer. Some key fobs feature an electronic key that folds into the enclosure and opens doors, or they're operated with the use of a proximity sensor to open and start your car.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are most likely to be used in cars built in the past 10 years. These keys are equipped with an embedded microchip inside the key itself and a receiver in your car that both have been programmed to communicate with each other to start the car.
Transponder keys are an excellent way to stop theft because they require two parts in order 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 both the key and the immobilizer system.
Key chips have a unique serial number for your vehicle. When the key is inserted into your ignition, the serial number is sent to the immobilizer in the car and verified that it matches up and allows the engine to run. This security feature can only be defeated by a special device that can read the chip and match it with another car.
When you have a transponder key replaced you'll need to go to an authorized locksmith who has the equipment needed to reprogram the key to your vehicle. Some car dealerships offer this service too, but they are typically more expensive than a independent locksmith because of their costs.
Getting a new car key with a chip inside it is a complex procedure. The key must first be cut on a specific machine in order to have the correct tracks in place that can be programmed to assign the key to your car. This requires specialized software and the right key cutter to get it done properly.
The majority of auto parts stores can duplicate some of the more basic chips keys, but you must know the serial number from the original key in order to ensure the correct information is programmed into the key. Many people make the mistake of going to their dealer to have a chip key copied and end up paying more than they need to.
Laser-Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys, referred to as sidewinder keys due their distinctive winding cuts in the key shank, add an extra layer of security to your vehicle. Keys like these are a great security measure against theft of your vehicle because they require special equipment to duplicate.
They also have built-in chips that prevent unauthorized key copying from starting your car. They have a unique number that must be programmed to your vehicle to unlock it and begin it. This additional level of security is a fantastic option to protect your investment and deter thieves who might be trying to steal your vehicle for parts or sell it.
In terms of design laser-cut keys are different from mechanical cut keys in that they have less grooves carved out on the key. They also have a more robust key shaft that is an indication that it's not your typical car key. Locksmiths usually employ milling machines to cut keys. It's akin to a drill bit, and is designed to remove metal in very precise angles.
They are the most secure keys you can buy for your vehicle. They are extremely difficult to duplicate and can only be done by cut by a certified locksmith or dealer. They're not created using traditional keys. Instead, they're made from a small piece steel that is shaped into a specific code at the factory and then cut with a laser. This type of key is extremely durable and can stand up to the rigors of wear and tear which makes it one of the best options for protecting your vehicle.
The key can be folded in the fob, or it can pop out by pressing a button. These kinds of keys are commonly used in German automobiles and provide an extra layer of security against car thieves. They also make it very difficult for a thief to pick or pick-lock your car 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 RFID, also known as radio-frequency identification, 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 sends a signal to the vehicle's computer onboard. The computer then prompts the correct frequency which allows you to open your car and begin it.
The chip of the smart key comes with a variety of security features that guard against theft. First the key emits a low-frequency signal that isn't received by any receiver but your vehicle. If the computer onboard detects this signal, it will prompt an alternative one that's a unique sequence that only your vehicle will comprehend. This prevents a tech-savvy criminal from using an external pulse generator to "fool" the system and make the key work for other vehicles.
In addition to locking and starting the car, certain smart keys come with additional features like storing specific driver preferences remote opening windows or the sunroof, among others. These can be done by activating the key's proximity sensor by pressing a button on the key, or, in some instances, twisting a small metal component inside the key.
The majority of these key fobs feature buttons that open the doors on their own however some come with another method of opening them with a slot or by placing the dead key in the dashboard, where it houses an inductive coil that is able to transfer energy. Some key fobs have a mechanical (fully emergency) key blade inside the key.
Replacing a key with a smart chip typically requires a visit the dealer, who will either have the replacement on hand or order it for you. They'll also need to program the new key to recognize your car. You can also visit a locksmith for the replacement key fob to be programmed and then replaced. Locksmiths will cost more than a dealer, but they will complete the task faster and for less.