Keys Replacement For Cars
You can get an alternative key for a mechanical key at any hardware store. The key must be programmed either by a dealership or locksmith.
Smart keys are more complicated and require a visit to a dealer to pair them with your vehicle. These kinds of keys are usually expensive however some insurance companies will cover the cost.
Mechanical Keys
You can still purchase mechanical car keys which you insert into the ignition lock cylinder to start your vehicle. If your car is equipped with one of these, it's relatively cheap to replace the key and fob (if lost or stolen).
A locksmith can make an entry level key for you at a lower cost than what you'd pay at the dealership. You could also ask a neighbor or friend who is able to program transponder keys for aftermarket use (which are cheaper than the keys made by the factory) to cut you a spare and then program it. It is important to have a spare key as modern vehicles won't start in the event that the key does have the correct chip.
Transponder keys appear like mechanical keys, but they have a hidden electronic chip inside the base of their plastic design that communicates with your car's computer system. Your car will recognize the code inside the chip and accept it, but it will refuse to start if any other code is utilized.
If the spare key you have has chips it must be programmed by a dealer. They will need to use a specific machine to cut the key and then program it. The machines are available at specific dealerships, and it is unlikely that a locksmith will have the tools needed to make a key using a transponder.
Keys with remotes can be costly to replace, especially if you need an extra. If you have only the shank of your key missing and a functioning replacement fob you can attempt to reprogramme your fob by yourself. However, it can be time-consuming and difficult. You're better off going to an expert if you've lost both the fob and the key.
There are different kinds of car keys that require a more specific set of skills to replace, such as flip keys and smart keys. key replacement car are more complex and require replacement by the dealer. Key fobs can be operated by proximity sensors or a spring-loaded door opener.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are likely to be found in cars that were built within the past 10 years. The keys have a microchip and a receiver that is programmed to send a signal to start your car.
Transponder keys are an excellent method of preventing theft, as they require two elements to start the car - the transmitter inside the key and the receiver attached to the immobilizer. The car won't start without both the key and the immobilizer system.
The key chips come with an unique serial number that is specific to your vehicle. When the key is inserted into the ignition the serial number is transmitted to the immobilizer of the car and verified that it is compatible and allows the engine to run. This security feature can only be defeated by a special device that can read the chip and match it with another car.
If you need a transponder-related key replaced, you'll need to visit a locksmith that has the necessary equipment to reprogram the key to your car. Some car dealerships offer this service, however their overhead makes them more expensive than a locksmith who is independent.
The process of getting a new car keys with a chip inside it is a complex process. To program your car, the key must be programmed on a special machine. This requires specific software and the right key cutter to be done correctly.
Most auto parts stores can duplicate some of the more basic chips keys, however you must be aware of the serial number of the original key in order to ensure that the correct data is incorporated into the key. Many people make the mistake of going to their dealer in search of the clone of a chip-key and end up paying inflated prices.
Laser-Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys, referred to as sidewinder keys because of their distinctive winding cuts in the key shank provide an additional layer of security to your vehicle. Because it requires specialized equipment to duplicate these keys, they're a great security measure against auto theft.
They also come with built-in chips to prevent unauthorized key copying from starting your vehicle. They also contain a unique code the key that must be programmed for your specific vehicle in order to unlock it and start it. This extra layer of security will protect your investment, and deter thieves from trying to steal your car for parts or to sell it.
car key replacements cut with lasers differ slightly from mechanically-cut keys in terms of design. They have fewer grooves that are carved on the key. The key shaft is thicker, which is another sign that this is not an ordinary car key. Locksmiths usually use milling machines to cut keys. This kind of tool looks like a drill and is designed to cut metal with extremely precise and controlled angles.
These are the most secure keys you can buy for your vehicle. They are extremely difficult to duplicate and can only be cut by a certified locksmith or dealer. They're not created using traditional keys. Instead, they are made of a tiny piece of steel that is shaped to form a code in the factory before being cut using laser. This kind of key can be able to withstand a great deal of wear and tear, and is among the best options to protect your vehicle.
The key can be folded up into the fob, or be removed by pressing a button. Keys like these are commonly used in German cars, and provide an additional layer of protection against car thieves. They also make it difficult for a thief to pick your vehicle or pick-lock it because the cylinder is extremely tough and is difficult to break.
Smart Keys
Smart keys communicate with the vehicle via radio-frequency identification (RFID) instead of the traditional single piece carved metal. This means they have a tiny chip that contains an encrypted code that is unique to each key. The key sends a signal to the onboard computer in your vehicle each time you unlock the doors or open the trunk. The computer will then signal the appropriate frequency to allow you to start your car.
The chip of the smart key has several security features to protect it from theft. The key emits a low-frequency signal, which can only be detected by your car. If the computer onboard detects this signal, it will prompt another one that is an individual sequence that only your car can recognize. This will stop a tech-savvy criminal from using an electronic pulse generator to "fool the system" and perform the work on other vehicles.
Some smart keys offer special features, like saving preferences for drivers remote opening windows, opening the sunroof remotely and many more. This can be accomplished by activating the key fob's proximity sensor or pressing a button on the key itself or, in certain cases, twisting a small metal piece inside the key.
Certain key fobs can be opened by holding the dead key in a slot, or by placing it near an inductive coil on the dashboard. Some key fobs have a mechanical (fully emergency) key blade in the key.
Replacing a smart key typically requires a visit to the dealership, who will either have the replacement on hand or purchase it for you. They'll also need to program the new key to recognize your car. You can also go to a locksmith for your replacement key fob to be programmed and replaced. A locksmith might charge more than a dealer, but they'll be able to finish the job faster and for less.