Keys Replacement For Cars
If you have a basic mechanical key, you should be able to purchase a replacement from any hardware store for relatively affordable. The key must be programmed either by a dealership or locksmith.
Smart keys are more complex and require a visit to the dealer to connect them to your vehicle. These types of keys are usually expensive however some insurance companies will cover the cost.
Mechanical Keys
You can still buy car keys that are solely mechanical, the kind that you put into an ignition lock cylinder and turn to start your car. If your vehicle is equipped with one of these keys, it's inexpensive to replace the fob and key (if lost or stolen).
A locksmith can make the basic key for you at a cheaper cost than what you'd pay in a dealership. You can also ask a neighbour or friend who is able to program transponder keys (which are cheaper than the factory keys) to make you a spare key and then program it. It is essential to have a spare key because modern cars will not start when the key does not have the right chip.
auto replacement key are like mechanical keys but contain an electronic chip inside the base. The chip communicates with the computer system of your vehicle. Your car will accept the code in the chip, but will not start if you try to use another code.
If your spare key contains chips, it will need to be programmed by a dealer. You'll need a special machine to both cut the key and program it. These machines are only available at certain dealerships, and it's unlikely that a locksmith has the equipment needed to create keys that are laser-cut with a transponder.
It's costly to replace keys with remotes, particularly if you require an extra. If you have only the key shank missing and an operational replacement fob, you could try reprogramming your fob on your own. However, it could be time-consuming and difficult. If you've lost the complete fob and the key, however, a dealer is the best option.
There are other types of keys for cars that require a more specific set of skills to replace, like flip keys and smart keys. These are more complex and are usually replaced at the dealership. Certain key fobs operate by a proximity sensor or a spring-loaded door opener.
Transponder Keys
If your car was built in the recent 10 years or so you're likely to use a transponder key system. These keys are equipped with an embedded microchip inside the key itself and an internal receiver in your car that are both programmed to communicate with each other in order to start the car.
Transponder keys are a fantastic method to deter theft since they require two components for the car to be started that is the transmitter (transponder) inside the key and the receiver connected to your immobilizer system. Without both the key and the immobilizer system being present the car will not start and it will be impossible to hotwire.
Key chips have a unique serial number for your vehicle. The serial number of the key is transmitted to the immobilizer in the car and checked to match. If it does the engine starts, it will. The only thing that can be a hindrance to this security feature is a device that can detect the chip and match it with another vehicle.
You'll need to find a locksmith who has the equipment needed to reprogram your key. Some car dealerships provide this service as well but they are typically more expensive than an independent locksmith because of their costs.
Getting a new car key that comes with a chip it can be a very complicated procedure. To program your car, the key must be programmed on a specific machine. It requires specialized software, and the correct key cutter to cut it correctly.
Most auto parts stores can duplicate some of the more basic chips keys, but you'll need to know the serial number from the original key in order to ensure that the correct information is incorporated into the key. Many people make the mistake of visiting their dealer to have a chip key copied, and end with a bill that is higher than what they need to.
Laser-Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys, also known as sidewinder keys due to their distinctive winding cuts to the shank of the key, add an extra layer of security to your vehicle. Because it takes specialized machinery to duplicate these keys, they're a fantastic protection against auto theft.
They also come with built-in chips to stop unauthorized key copying from starting your vehicle. They also typically have a unique code on the key, which must be programmed for your particular vehicle in order to unlock it and start it. This extra level of security will protect your investment and prevent thieves from attempting to steal your vehicle for parts or to sell it.
In terms of their design, laser-cut keys are slightly different from conventional mechanical cut keys in that they have smaller grooves that have been carved out of the key. They also have a thicker key shaft which is an excellent indication that it's not your typical car key. Generally, locksmiths use a machine called a milling tool to cut these kinds of keys. This kind of machine appears much like a drill bit and is designed to remove metal at extremely precise, controlled angles.
These are among the most secure keys you can purchase for your car, because they're very hard to replicate and can only be cut by a locksmith who is a certified dealer. They're not made using traditional keys. Instead, they are made of a tiny piece of steel that is cut into a specific code at the factory before being cut using the laser. This kind of key is able to withstand a lot wear and tear and is one of the best choices for protecting your vehicle.
The key can be folded up into the fob, or it can pop out by pressing the button. These keys are used in German cars and offer an extra layer of security against car thieves. The cylinder is robust and difficult to break into, which makes it difficult for a thief pick or pick-lock the vehicle.
Smart Keys
Contrary to the conventional single piece of carved metal, smart keys utilize radio-frequency identification, or RFID to connect with the car. They come with a chip with an unique code that is encoded on each key. The key sends a message to the computer onboard of your vehicle each time you unlock the doors or open the trunk. The computer then signals the right frequency which allows you to open your car and begin it.
The chip of the smart key has several security features to guard it from theft. First the key emits a low-frequency signal that isn't picked up by any receiver but your car. If the computer onboard detects this signal it will transmit another one that is a unique code that only your car can understand. This prevents a tech savvy criminal from using a pulse generator in order to "fool the system" and perform the work on other vehicles.
In addition to locking and starting the car, some smart keys have special features like storing specific driver preferences remote opening windows or the sunroof, and more. These functions can be accessed by activating the proximity sensor on the key fob by pressing a button or, in some cases you can do this by twisting a small piece of metal inside the key.
Most key fobs have a button that can unlock the doors on their own However, some key fobs have another method of opening them: a slot or holding the dead key in the dashboard, where it is able to hold an inductive coil that can transfer energy. Some key fobs feature a mechanical (fully emergency) key blade inside the key.
Replacing a smart key usually requires a visit to the dealership, who will either have the replacement on hand or make it available for you to purchase. They'll also have to program the new key to recognize your vehicle. You can also visit a locksmith for the replacement key fob to be programmed and then replaced. A locksmith might cost more than the dealer, but they'll likely be able to do the job faster and less expensively.