Ever wonder what type of car key you own?

Today, cars are sold with keys that have fixed chips and transponders, making them incredibly difficult to replicate. Earlier, with a simple mechanical key, the majority of cars were made to operate. It required only a quick ride to your nearest locksmith if you wanted a key copy or replacement key. All you needed was to show them what kind of car key you have, and a new one would be cut for you. In this modern age, a lot of things have changed, new technology has arisen that gives vehicle owners greater protection by providing them with programmed car keys. Ever wonder what type of car key you own? Let's discover different types of car keys being offered today.

Mechanical Car Key

A mechanical car key is like a basic metal key with an anti-theft design. At your nearest auto shop or locksmith shop, it's quick to copy and cut such keys. In order to improve protection, however, most owners of these types of car keys would have some kind of safety alarm and electronic fob mounted to prevent their vehicle from being stolen.

Laser-Cut Key

Laser-cut keys are sometimes referred to as inner cut keys or sidewinders. You can insert these types of car keys on both sides into the ignition. They are slightly thicker and have cuts on the shank of the key with their marks or buttons. Lasers are used in a very precise way to break the key, which is difficult to reproduce. It is more difficult to choose the lock cylinders for these keys, as the machines for cutting them are more advanced. This makes them more difficult to replace as well.

Transponder Key

There is an electronic transponder chip in the majority of cars produced after 2000. Your car computer or immobilizer system receives a distinctive code to the electronic chip on your car key. This will allow your car to start once the ignition is turned on if the right message is received. For proper working, a basic transponder key with some buttons or remotes still needs to have the keys cut correctly. If you have misplaced your car keys, most licensed car locksmiths will be able to reprogram your car key and transponder.

Valet Car Keys

Some vehicles come with an extra key known as the valet key. This key is adapted to allow the valet only to open the doors of the car and start the ignition. This prevents the valet from accessing items stored in the trunk or glove compartment. Some valet keys, particularly those for high-performance vehicles, go as far as to limit the power output of the engine in order to avoid joyriding. If you need a car key replacement, you can easily get that for valet keys.

Smart Key

For most new vehicles, Smart Keys, Keyless Entry Systems, or Remote Key Fobs are becoming more of a regular feature. They are not really a key in the real sense, as they are built to remain in your pocket and no 'unlocking' is needed. An encoded infrared beam that communicates with the car's computer is used by a car with a smart key system. In order to unlock the car, the vehicle owner will normally be able to press a button. The car's immobilizer is disabled and the ignition starts at the click of a button (if the smart key or remote key fob is within the car). When the owner exits the car and walks away, some smart keys will also lock themselves.

Flip Key

A flip key is designed by the latest process of car key programming. Essentially, a flip key functions the same way as any other car key. The main difference is in their appearance. When it is not used, these keys are designed to fold away within the fob. Because of their smart, compact look, they have recently become very popular. They are normally fitted with a programmed transponder chip because the switchblade keys are only designed for new car models.