The Often Unknown Benefits Of Car Key Repair Cost
Understanding the Different Types of Car Keys
It wasn't too long ago that losing or worse, losing your car keys was not a big issue. You could purchase a spare key at your local auto parts store or locksmith.
However, as vehicles have evolved to accommodate technological advances, replacing lost keys has become more difficult and costly. Learn more about the factors that affect the cost of replacing a car key.
Basic Keys
When people think of their car keys, they could think of a basic metal key that opens doors and start the engine. While those are the most popular types of car keys, there are many other kinds that are more advanced and have enhanced security features. Understanding the differences between car keys will allow people understand what to expect when they have to replace or repair them.
Standard keys are the most basic type of car keys. They have been around for a long time, and remain the most popular option for newer vehicles. These are keys that you can buy at a hardware store and hook onto your keychain. Keys of standard size can be copied at an affordable price, but they are expensive to replace in the event of loss or damaged.
More modern options include the transponder key which has been in use since 1995 and offers security over traditional keys. These have microchips in the handle of the key, and are activated when inserted into the ignition. These can be more expensive to replace if damaged or lost, but offer better protection against theft than traditional keys.
Another option is the switchblade key that folds down into a key fob when not in use. They're a bit more expensive to replace than standard keys, however they can be more costly in the event that the handle or shank of the key has been damaged.
Lastly, there are also the smart keys with built-in Bluetooth trackers and remote starts. They cost more than standard keys and could require a locksmith's special tools to repair.
Mechanical Keys
In the past, if your car key broke or stopped working, you only had to go to the local hardware store to get a new one. The process is a bit more complicated in the present. There are many different types of cars on the road, and each one has an individual key. Depending on its type it can cost more or less than 50 dollars.
Mechanical keys are the most basic type. They're also called "insert-and-turn" keys. They were the keys could be replaced at a hardware store for a few dollars. They don't have an electronic transponder, and are used to secure the trunk or doors but they are not used to start the car.
The other type of key, which is the most commonly used utilized, is the transponder key. It has a tiny transponder inside the head of the key that sends a coded message to the ignition system of your vehicle to verify the legitimacy of the key. This feature was added to automobiles in 1995 and prevents them from being started if an unauthorized or lost key is used.
The first step in fixing this kind of key is to pinpoint what's causing the issue. Most of the time it is a problem with the cap of the key or the switch is the cause. To fix this the key cap and key switch must be carefully removed using a tool and then cleaned and lubricated to fix the issue. Lubricating the key switch is a crucial step as it can help eliminate problems like key chatter, which refers to keys that register multiple inputs each press.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys (also known as "chip" keys) are an essential part of your car's anti-theft system. The microchip inside the head of the plastic key transmits a signal to the antenna ring that surrounds the cylinder that controls the ignition. The car won't start if the computer doesn't get the correct response. Most cars produced from 1998 include this type of chip.
The problem is that they're more expensive to replace. They're not just different from traditional mechanical keys in terms of design, but they also contain microchips that need to be programmed into the vehicle's computer for them to function.
Connecting a diagnostic tool with your car's computer, and then entering the programming mode is how you do this. This process can be more complicated than cutting a blank because these tools aren't available in all locksmith shops, you could pay more than if you were to replace the mechanical key.
The model and make of your vehicle is an additional important factor. Certain manufacturers require special equipment to program their vehicles, which increases your cost.
Some prefer to have a professional program their transponder keys. This is because of the complex procedures involved, which include cutting wires to remove the transponder antenna, and using scanning devices and the peace of mind that comes from knowing you have a skilled professional working on your vehicle. You may be able save money by going directly to the dealership to get the new chip installed.
Laser Cut Keys
Laser cut keys are a kind of car key that comes with a high-security blade. They were introduced in the 1990s to prevent theft of vehicles. They are difficult to duplicate and come with transponder chips embedded within their heads. The chips communicate with ignitions when they are inserted and prevent the vehicle from starting when keys that are not the correct ones are used.
This technology can hinder car thefts, but it doesn't stop them completely. vehicle key repairs and design of the key are hard to copy, but burglars can still use it with the right tools to gain access to your vehicle. This is because traditional key have a standard lock that is easy for a burglar to pick. Laser keys, however, have a sidewinder lock that is more resistant to picking.
The key is also more durable in comparison to conventional keys. The blade is made of hardened steel, and is able to stand up to wear and wear for a long time before it begins to wear out. But, if the key does wear out or is accidentally snagged in half, it's affordable to have it replaced by an experienced locksmith.
While laser cut keys are more expensive than their edge-cut counterparts, they offer increased security. The combination of the blade design, the lock cylinder and the transponder chip makes them more difficult to duplicate or pick. However, they are still vulnerable to being lost or stolen if you don't take the necessary precautions to keep them safe.
Key Fobs
Key fobs are not always reliable even though they're useful. They aren't always reliable and are likely to cease working at the moment you most likely don't. You may find yourself in an embarrassing situation if your device fails particularly when you are loading up your trunk with groceries or heading to work after a tiring day. It's possible to need an emergency locksmith or tow truck, and it may cost you a significant amount to get your vehicle back on the road.
The type of key as well as the materials used in the fob may affect the price. It is also dependent on the brand, which typically costs more. Some fobs can be programmed by the owner while others require a dealer reprogram them to the vehicle.
If your key fob does not work or works intermittently, a simple replacement battery could be the answer. These coin-shaped batteries typically cost less than $10 and are available at hardware stores or big box retailers and online. To replace the battery, gently pull apart the two halves of the key fob, then insert the new one in the same orientation.
If your key fob is damaged or no longer works correctly, you'll need to have it reprogrammed by the dealer. Although you may be able to do this on your own but it's better to have an expert handle it in order to prevent any accidental damage that could cause costly repairs in the future. If you have a spare key and fob, you could skip this step and purchase a new one to save money. However, if you've lost both keys and fob, it's worth the extra cost to have a dealership reprogram the new key and cut the new key at the same time.