7 Things About Car Key Replacements You'll Kick Yourself For Not Knowing
Car Key Replacements
The loss of a key can be costly, whether it's a standard lock-and-key or a high-end key fob. It's ideal to keep an extra key in your wallet.
If you lose keys, the cheapest option is to find an auto locksmith. Dealerships are more expensive, but it is a good choice.
Mechanical Keys
Your car keys are likely to be mechanical if you have an old car that doesn't use key fobs. These standard keys can be made of brass, steel or a mixture of nickel and brass. Keys are cut using the key duplicator, which uses an uncut key as a template and an original key placed on the other side of the machine. The original key is cut using a special cutter to create a duplicate.
Transponder Keys
Most newer cars come equipped with a transponder chip built into the key that can be used to unlock and start the car. These chips are usually located in the head of the key, however they could also be placed in the ignition. When the key is turned on in the ignition, the transponder sends the signal to be received by the car's computer system. The computer then checks the signal to make sure it matches with the correct serial number.
This makes it almost impossible for stolen vehicles to be started without owner's keys. If car key replacement isn't compatible the car won't start and will remain locked. This is an enormous benefit that helps to deter car thieves as the chances of someone else starting and driving away with your car are significantly diminished.
The downside of transponder keys is that it's more expensive than a standard flat metal key. The reason for this is that the transponder has a tiny microchip that isn't cheap to manufacture and then install into the car key. Typically, these types of keys can cost hundreds of dollars when purchased from a dealership.
A locksmith can provide more reliable and cheaper transponder key replacements. Beishir Lock and Security carries a large assortment of these keys and can even reprogramme the chip to work with your car in-the-moment for a fraction of price of the dealership.
Make sure to compare quotes when shopping for the replacement transponder keys. There are a variety of factors that influence the final price, such as the make and model of your car, if you have any additional features on your key, like a remote key-fob or a remote key-fob, and also where you'll go to get it copied.
In the end, you must weigh the benefits of a transponder key versus the cost and ease of use. If you value safety and security, then a transponder key may be worth the investment in the long in the long run. A car key without a transponder will not allow the car to start.
Laser-Cut Keys
Laser cut keys can appear like something from a sci-fi flick however they are actually very common. They provide an added layer of security to automobiles. Keys that require specialized key cutting equipment and are more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick than traditional cut keys.
Laser cut car keys differ from traditional keys that have grooves on one side. They also have two slits on the sides. They can be inserted into the lock cylinder any way, and they still function. They are thus more durable and robust than traditional keys.
They are also utilized as a bonus to unlock certain locks with high security. This is because the slits are placed in a particular depth that matches with the different car manufacturers' codes. It is essential to select the right depth, as cutting the blade incorrectly can harm the cutting machine and cause the key not to function after it is placed into the lock.
The thicker and more distinctive slits on laser cut car keys are less vulnerable to being copied or picked. Additionally some keys contain transponder chips that are unique to the vehicle you're using them on. This means that when someone copies your car key, even if it contains transponder chips it will not be able to start your vehicle.
Keys for cars cut with lasers may be more expensive however, they are cheaper than buying a replacement from a dealership. Locksmiths are able to cut keys faster than dealerships for cars.
Another aspect to be aware of is that the quality of a laser cut car key can make a huge difference. The wrong blade can easily damage your key cutting machine or lock cylinder, leaving you with a costly repair bill. It is crucial to purchase your laser-cut car keys from a locksmith for autos who sells the keys.
Bibens Ace South Burlington offers an extensive selection of car key FOB replacement keys for more than 250 different models and makes of automobiles, as well as sidewinder keys laser-cut. Visit us today to find out how you can save money on replacement car fobs without going to a dealer!
Remote Keys
In the past, misplacing or even losing keys to your car wasn't a huge deal. Get a locksmith on the phone to get a new key and leave. Nowadays, however, cars are much more technologically advanced, and the corresponding keys are more difficult to replace and harder for thieves to copy. It's now more expensive to replace a lost car key.
The cost of replacing a key will differ according to the kind. For traditional keys you can get a copy made for about $10 at a hardware store, or you can hire an automotive locksmith to visit you and create a key right there.
If you have an electronic key, transponder key with a switchblade or a transponder key that has remote start, you'll need to visit your dealership to have it replaced. This can be expensive, and you might have to wait a long period of time before the manufacturer will send you an alternative key.
Sometimes, just like any other electronic device the car key can stop working for no apparent reason. This is often due to extreme heat or cold however, it can also be caused from an ineffective battery or the presence of water in the keyfob following rain. If you find that your car key isn't responding, it's worth trying to reset it first before calling an auto locksmith.
It is important to know that your key fob can only function if you are within the range of the vehicle. This is the reason it's essential to keep your key fob with you at all times, and to not leave it in your pocket unless you're sure that you'll be able to return it quickly.
The most common method of losing a car key is by losing it or dropping it. In some cases this could cause it to break or get stuck in the lock, which is why it's a good idea to have a spare on hand at all times.