7 Things About Car Key Replacements You'll Kick Yourself For Not Knowing
Car Key Replacements
Losing a key can be costly, whether it's a standard lock-and-key or a more sophisticated key fob. The best way to prevent this is to keep one in your wallet.
If you lose a key, the cheapest solution is to hire an auto locksmith. A dealership could be more expensive, but it is an excellent option.
Mechanical Keys
Your car keys will likely be mechanical if you have an old car that doesn't use key fobs. The standard keys are made of steel, brass or a mix of nickel and brass. They are cut with the key duplicator machine with the original key placed against one side of the machine and a blank key aligned with it to serve as the template. The original key is cut using a special cutter to create a duplicate.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are built into the majority of modern cars' keys. These chips are used to unlock the car and start it. The chips are typically placed inside the key head, but they can also be found in the ignition. The transponder transmits signals to the car's computer when the key is inserted into the ignition. The computer then examines the signal to ensure that it matches the correct serial number.
It is almost impossible to start cars without the owner's keys. If the signal does not match, the vehicle will not start. This is a huge advantage that can deter car thieves as the odds of someone else starting and driving away with your car are greatly decreased.
The drawback of transponder keys is that it's more expensive than a conventional flat metal key. The reason for this is that the transponder is equipped with a tiny microchip that is expensive to produce and install in the car key. Typically, these kinds of keys can cost hundreds of dollars when purchased through the car dealership.
A locksmith can offer more reliable and less expensive transponder key replacements. Beishir Lock and Security has a wide selection of these keys and will reprogram the chip on the spot to work with your car at less than the dealership.
When shopping around to replace a transponder key, be sure to get multiple quotes. The final cost is determined by a variety of factors, including the make and model of your vehicle, any additional features you have on the key (such as a remote control key-fob) and even the location where you choose to have it copied.
In the end, you need to weigh the benefits of a transponder against the cost and convenience. If you value safety and security, then a transponder keys could be worth the cost in the long term. Additionally, many modern cars have an immobilizer that doesn't allow the car to start if a non-transponder keys is utilized and this is a further factor to consider.
Laser-Cut Keys
While they might sound like something out of a sci-fi movie, laser cut keys are actually quite common and provide an extra layer of security for vehicles. These keys require specialized key cutting equipment and are more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick than traditional cut keys.
In contrast to traditional keys with grooves cut into one side, laser cut car keys have slits tooled on both sides. They can be inserted into the lock cylinder any way and still function. They are thus more durable and stronger than conventional keys.
Additionally, they can also be used to open some locks with high security. auto key replacement are tooled to a certain depth that matches the codes of different car manufacturers. Finding the correct depth is vital as an incorrectly cut blade could cause damage to the machine that cuts keys and result in the key not working shortly after being placed into the lock cylinder.
The distinctive slits and the increased thickness of car keys cut with lasers make them more resistant to being copied. Furthermore the majority of these keys contain transponder chips that are unique to your vehicle. This means that even if someone makes a copy of your car key with a transponder chip they will not be able to start your vehicle.
Keys for cars cut with lasers may be more expensive however they are cheaper than purchasing a replacement from the dealership. Locksmiths are able to cut these keys more quickly than dealerships for cars.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the quality of a laser-cut car key can make a huge difference. A bad blade could easily damage the key cutting machine or your lock cylinder, leaving you with an expensive repair cost. This is why it's important to purchase your laser-cut car key from a trusted supplier that sells keys to auto locksmiths.
Bibens Ace South Burlington offers a wide selection of replacement car key fob keys for over 250 different models and makes of automobiles, as well as laser-cut sidewinder key replacements. Visit us today and discover how we can save you money on car key fob replacements without the hassle of having to go to a dealership!
Remote Keys
Not too long ago the possibility of losing or misplacing your car keys wasn't an issue. 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 harder to replace and more difficult for thieves to copy. It's becoming more expensive to replace keys for cars that have been stolen.
Depending on the type of key you own, the cost to replace it can vary. For traditional keys you can get one made for $10 at a hardware store, or you can get an locksmith from the automotive industry to visit you and make one right there.
If you have a smart key, a transponder key with a switchblade or a transponder key with remote start, you'll be required to visit your local dealer to get it replaced. It can be costly and you might have to wait a long period of time before the manufacturer will send you the new key.
Your car key might stop working for no apparent cause as do other electronic devices. This can be 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. It is recommended to reset your car key before calling an auto locksmith in the event that it is not responding.
You should also be aware that your keyfob will only function if you're within the range of the vehicle. It is essential to keep your key fob with you and not take it out of your pocket unless absolutely essential.
A majority of people lose their keys to their car in the event of dropping them or misplacing them. In some instances this could cause it to break or be stuck in the lock and that's why it's always an ideal idea to have a spare on hand at all times.