There Are Myths And Facts Behind Car Key Repair Cost
Understanding the Different Types of Car Keys
It wasn't that long ago that misplacing or worse, losing your car keys wasn't a big problem. You could purchase keys at your local auto parts store or locksmith.
As cars have evolved to adapt to technological advances replacing keys lost in the car is becoming more difficult and costly. Find out more about the elements that influence the cost of replacing a car key.
Basic Keys
When we think of our car keys, they usually imagine a basic metal key that opens doors and starts the engine. There are a myriad of more advanced types of car keys that can provide greater security. Knowing the distinctions between different types of keys for cars can help people know what to expect when it comes to replacing or fixing them.
One of the most basic kinds of keys for cars is a standard key, that has been in use for decades and is still the most commonly used option for the latest cars. These are keys that you can buy at a hardware shop and attach to your keychain. Keys of standard size can be copied for a relatively low cost, but they are expensive to replace in the event of loss or damaged.
Transponder keys are an innovative alternative that has been in use since 1995. They are security and are more secure than traditional keys. Microchips are incorporated into the handle of the key, and activated when the key is put into the ignition. They are more expensive to replace in the event of a loss or damage, but they offer greater protection against theft than traditional keys.
Another alternative is the switchblade, which folds into a key fob when not in use. They are more expensive than regular keys, but they can be more expensive if the shank of the key or the handle is damaged.
There are also smart keys that come with built-in Bluetooth trackers as well as remote starts. These are more expensive than standard keys and could require a locksmith's special tools to repair.
Mechanical Keys
In the past when your car key broke or was not working, you needed to visit the local hardware store and purchase an alternative. Today things are more complicated. There are several types of vehicles on the market and each comes with a distinct key. Based on the type of car it can cost more or less than 50 dollars.
Mechanical keys are the most basic type. They're also known as "insert-and-turn" keys. They are the keys that you used to be capable of replacing at the hardware store for pocket change. They do not contain a transponder within them and are used for locking the trunk or door locks but not for starting the car.
The other type of key, that is the most popular utilized is the transponder key. It has a transponder inside the key head that sends a coded signal to the ignition system of your vehicle to verify that the key is legitimate. The system was introduced to vehicles in 1995, and can stop the ignition from starting if an unauthorized or lost key is used.
The first step in fixing this kind of key is to determine the cause of the problem. In most cases it is due to an issue with the cap of the key or the key switch. To fix this issue the key cap and key switch must be removed with tools, then cleaned and lubricated in order to resolve the issue. Lubricating the key switch is a crucial step as it will help in removing issues such as key chatter, which refers to keys that register multiple inputs with each press.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys (also known as "chip" keys) are an important part of your car's anti-theft security system. The microchip inside the head of the car key sends the signal to the antenna ring around the ignition key cylinder. If electronic car key repair near me in the car doesn't receive the correct response from the transponder, it won't be able to start. Most cars built from 1998 include this type of chip.
The problem is, the same feature that makes these kinds of keys more secure makes them more expensive to replace. They also have a different design than traditional mechanical keys, they also contain a special microchip that needs to be programmed into the computer in your vehicle to function properly.
This process is done by connecting the diagnostic tool to your car's computer and entering a programming mode. This process can be more complicated than simply cutting a blank and because these tools aren't available in all locksmith shops, you could have to pay more than if were to replace the mechanical key.
The make and model of your vehicle is another important factor. Certain manufacturers have their own specialized equipment that needs to be used in order to program their vehicles, which will add cost.
Some prefer having professionals handle the programming of their transponder key. This is due to complicated procedures, like cutting wires to take off the transponder's antenna, and using a scanner device, and also the peace of mind you get from knowing that a professional is working on your car. Based on the make and model you might be saving money by bringing your car directly to the car dealership for the installation of your new chip.
Laser Cut Keys Keys
Laser cut keys are a type of car key that has a high-security blade. They came on the scene in the 1990s, and are used to stop vehicle theft. They are much harder to duplicate than traditional keys and include transponder chips in their heads. The chips communicate with ignitions when inserted and prevent the vehicle from starting when the wrong keys are used.
While this technology helps stop car thieves from entering your home but it's not able to stop them completely. The key's unique blade shape are difficult to duplicate, however anyone with the right tools and equipment can still use it to get into your car. This is because conventional keys have a standard lock that's easy for burglars to pick. Laser keys, however, come with a sidewinder lock cylinder, which is much more difficult to pick.
The key's design is also more durable than conventional keys. The blade is made of hardened steel and is able to withstand a lot of wear and tear before fading out. If the key is damaged or wears out, it is fairly inexpensive to repair it by locksmiths.
Laser-cut keys are more expensive, but they offer greater security. The combination of the blade, the transponder and the lock make it more difficult to duplicate. However, they are still susceptible to being stolen or lost stolen if you don't take the proper steps to protect them.
Key Fobs
Key fobs aren't always reliable even though they're useful. They aren't always reliable and are likely to cease working when you most likely don't. A malfunctioning device can put you in an embarrassing situation, especially when you're putting in your car with groceries or leaving for work after an exhausting day. It's possible to need an emergency locksmith or tow truck, and it may cost a lot of money to get your vehicle back on the road.
The type of key as well as the materials used in the fob could affect the cost. Brands are also a factor in that they can be more expensive. Some fobs can be programmed by the owner, while others require a dealer to reprogram them to the vehicle.
If your key fob is unresponsive or is not working, a simple battery replacement may be the solution. The coin-shaped battery are available at hardware stores, online retailers, and big box retailers for $10 or less. To replace the battery, gently pry off the two halves of the key fob, then insert the new battery with the same orientation.
It's up to your dealer reset it if the key fob is damaged or is no longer functioning as it should. While you can find ways to do this on your own however, it's best to have professionals handle the task to avoid any damage that could result in costly repairs in the future. If you have a spare key and fob, you can bypass this step and purchase a replacement to save money. If, however, you've lost both your fob and keys it's worth the cost to have a dealership reprogram the new key and cut the new key at the same time.