What Is Car Key Repair Cost And Why Is Everyone Dissing It?
Understanding the Different Types of Car Keys
It wasn't long ago that losing or worse losing your car keys was not a big issue. You could buy an extra key at your local auto parts shop or locksmith.
However, as cars have evolved to accommodate technological advances, replacing lost keys has become more complicated and costly. Learn more about the variables that impact the cost of replacing a car key.
Basic Keys
When people think of their car keys, they may think of a basic metal key that opens doors and start the engine. While those are the most common kinds of keys for cars but there are a variety of types that are more advanced and offer enhanced security features. Knowing the distinctions between different types of keys for cars can help people know what to anticipate when replacing or repairing keys.
Standard keys are the simplest type of car key. They have been around for many years, and remain the most popular option for newer vehicles. These are the keys that you can purchase at an establishment that sells hardware and connect to your keychain. Keys of standard size can be copied at an affordable price however, they can be expensive to replace if lost or damaged.
Transponder keys are a modern option that has been around since 1995. They provide an extra-secure alternative to traditional keys. These have microchips in the handle of the key, and are activated when they are inserted into the ignition. They can be more expensive to replace if they are damaged or lost, but offer greater protection from theft than conventional keys.
remote key fob repair near me are a different option. They fold down into a keyfob when not being used. They are more expensive than standard keys, but they can be more expensive when the shank of the key or the handle is damaged.
Additionally, there are the smart keys with built-in Bluetooth trackers as well as remote starts. They cost more than standard keys and could require a locksmith's specific tools to repair.
Mechanical Keys
In the past when you lost a car key or it stopped working out of the blue, all you had to do was visit your local hardware store and find an alternative. Things are a bit more complicated now. There are a variety of cars on the road, and each one has distinct keys. Based on the model that you are replacing, it could cost you more or less than $50.
Mechanical keys, also referred to as "insert and turn" keys are the most basic type. These are the ones that you used to be in a position to replace at the hardware store to change your pocket. They do not contain a transponder within them and are used for locking the door or trunk locks, but not for starting the car.
The transponder keys are the other type that is commonly used. This key has an internal transponder within the head that transmits a coded signal to the ignition system in your car to confirm that the key is legitimate. This system was introduced in vehicles as early as 1995. It stops them from being started with an unauthorized key or a lost one.
To fix this type of key, the first step is to determine what's causing the malfunction. In the majority of cases the reason is due to an issue with the cap on the key or the key switch. To correct this the key cap and switch need to be carefully removed using tools, then cleaned and lubricated to fix the issue. Lubricating the switch on the key is an important step because it can help eliminate issues like key chatter, which refers to keys that register multiple inputs each press.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys (also known as "chip" keys) are a vital component of your car's anti-theft security system. The small microchip embedded in the plastic head of the key transmits an electrical signal to the antenna ring surrounding the cylinder that controls the ignition. The car won't start if the computer can't receive the correct response. Most cars produced in the year 1998 feature this kind of chip.
The issue is that they are more expensive to replace. They're not only different from conventional mechanical keys in terms of design however, they also have a microchip that needs to be programmed into the car's computer for them to function.
Connecting a diagnostic tool with your car's computer and then entering the programming mode is the way to accomplish this. It's more complicated than simply cutting a brand new blank, and due to the fact that these tools aren't readily accessible in every locksmith shop you'll be charged more than if you replace a basic mechanical key.
Another aspect is the make and model of your vehicle. Certain manufacturers have their own equipment that has to be used in order to program their vehicles, which will add cost.
Some people prefer having a professional do the programming of their transponder keys. This is due to complex procedures, such as cutting wires to remove 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 vehicle. Based on the make and model you may be in a position to save money by visiting the car dealership to install your new chip.
Laser Cut Keys
Laser cut keys feature blades that have a high level of security. They were first introduced in the 1990s to combat vehicle theft. They are harder to duplicate, and they have transponder chips embedded in their heads. The chips communicate with the ignition when they are inserted into it, which stops the vehicle from starting if the incorrect key is used.
While this technology can stop car thieves from entering your home however, it isn't able to stop them completely. The unique blade and design of the key are hard to duplicate, but burglars can still use it with the right tools to gain access to your vehicle. This is because traditional keys have the standard lock cylinder, which is easy to pick. Laser keys, however, have the sidewinder cylinder lock, which is more difficult to pick.
The key's design is more durable than traditional keys. The blade is made of hardened steel, which can endure wear and wear for a long time before it becomes worn out. However, if the key wears out or is accidentally snagged in half, it's relatively inexpensive to replace it by a seasoned locksmith.
While laser-cut keys are more expensive than their edge-cut counterparts, they provide more security. The combination of the blade design, the lock cylinder, and the transponder chip makes them more difficult to duplicate or pick. They are still at risk of being stolen or lost in the event that you fail to take the necessary precautions.
Key Fobs
Key fobs may not be reliable even though they're useful. They aren't always reliable and are likely to cease working when you least expect them. A malfunctioning keypad can put you in a difficult situation, especially if you're putting in your trunk with food items or heading off to work after a long day. You may need to call for an locksmith or a tow truck and it can cost you a lot of money to get your car back on the road.
Many factors influence the cost of a fob. These include the type of key it contains and the materials used. It also depends on the brand which is usually more expensive. Certain fobs are programmed by the user, while others must be reprogrammed to the vehicle by an authorized dealer.
If your key fob doesn't respond or is not working, a simple battery replacement may be the solution. The coin-shaped batteries usually cost $10 or less and can be purchased at hardware stores and big box retailers and online. To replace the battery, gently pull apart the two halves of the key fob and then insert the new one in the same orientation.
If your key fob is damaged or doesn't function properly, you'll have to have it reprogrammed with the help of a dealer. While you can find ways to do this yourself but it's better to have professionals handle the task to avoid any damage that could cause costly repairs in the future. If you have a spare key and fob, you could bypass this step and buy a replacement to save money. If you've lost your fob and key together, it's well worth it to have the dealer reprogram the key and cut a brand new key at the same time.