Keys Replacement For Cars
You can purchase the replacement key for a mechanical key at any hardware store. The key must be programmed by a dealership or locksmith.
Smart keys are more complicated and require a visit to the dealer to connect them to your car. They can be expensive however, many insurance companies will cover the cost.
Mechanical Keys
You can still buy car keys that are solely mechanical, such as the ones you insert into an ignition lock cylinder and turn to start your car. If your car has one of these, replacing the fob and keys is relatively cheap (if they're lost or stolen).
A locksmith can design new keys at a lower cost than what you buy from a dealer. You could also have a friend or neighbor that is proficient in programming transponder keys from the aftermarket (which are cheaper than keys from factory) cut keys and program them. Getting a spare is important since modern cars won't be able to start if a key without the proper chip is used.
Transponder keys are similar to mechanical keys, but have an electronic chip hidden within the base. keys replacement with the computer system of your vehicle. Your car will recognize the code in the chip, but will not start if you try to use another code.
If the spare key you have has chips it must be programmed at a dealership. The dealership will require an exclusive machine for cutting and programming the key. These machines are only available at certain dealerships, and it's unlikely that a locksmith has the tools needed to make keys that are laser-cut with a transponder.
Keys with remotes can be costly to replace, particularly in the event that you need an extra. You could try reprogramming your fob yourself if you're only missing the shank on the key and you have a functional replacement fob, but it could be time-consuming and laborious. If you've lost the complete key and fob but you're not sure it's best to contact a dealer as your best bet.
Other kinds of keys for cars require special skills to replace. This includes flip keys as well as smart keys. These are more complex and typically need to be replaced at the dealership. Certain key fobs come with keys that are spring-loaded and fold into the enclosure and opens doors or is operated by the use of a proximity sensor to open and start your car.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed in the last 10 years or so it's likely to have a transponder key system. These keys contain an embedded microchip and an electronic receiver that is programmed to send a signal to start your vehicle.
Transponder keys are an excellent way to discourage theft because they require two parts in order for the car to be started - the transmitter (transponder) in the key and the receiver that is connected to your immobilizer system. The car won't start without both the key and immobilizer system.
These key chips have a unique serial number for your vehicle. When the key is inserted into the ignition, the serial number is then sent to the immobilizer of the car and verified that it is compatible and allows the engine to start. The only thing that can be a hindrance to this security feature is a special device that can read the chip and match it to another vehicle.
When you get a transponder-related key replaced you'll need to go to an locksmith with the equipment needed to reprogram the keys to your vehicle. Some car dealerships provide this service too, but they are typically more expensive than a independent locksmith due to their costs.
It isn't easy to get a new key with a chip. The key needs to be cut using a particular machine to get the proper tracks which can later be programmed to assign the key to your car. This requires special software and the correct key cutter to do it correctly.
Most auto parts stores can clone some of the simpler chips keys, but you'll need to be aware of the serial number of the original key to ensure the correct information is incorporated into the key. Many people make a mistake going to their dealer in search of an exact copy of a chip key only to end up paying inflated costs.
Laser-Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys, referred to as sidewinder keys due their distinctive winding cuts to the shank of the key provide an additional layer of security to your vehicle. These keys are a great deterrent to auto theft because they require specialized equipment to duplicate.
Like transponder keys, they feature built-in chips that block unauthorised copies of keys from starting your car. They also come with a unique code on the key that must be programmed for your particular vehicle in order to allow it to be opened and started. This extra layer of security is a great option to protect your investment and deter thieves who may be trying to steal your car for parts or to sell it on.
In terms of their design laser-cut keys are different from standard mechanical cut keys in that they have smaller grooves that have been carved out of the key. The shaft of the key is larger, which is a sign that this is not a regular car key. Generally, locksmiths employ a machine known as a milling tool to cut these types of keys. This tool is similar to a drill, and it's designed to cut metal with precise angles.
They're among the most secure keys you can purchase for your car, as they are extremely difficult to duplicate and can only be cut by a locksmith who is a certified dealer. They're not made with traditional keys. Instead, they are made of a tiny piece of steel that's shaped according to form a code in the factory before being cut with laser. This kind of key can withstand a lot wear and tear and is among the best options for protecting your vehicle.
The key can be folded in the fob, or it can be removed by pressing a button. These types of keys are used extensively in German automobiles and provide an additional layer of security against car thieves. The cylinder is resistant to breaking into, making it extremely difficult for a thief pick or pick-lock the vehicle.
Smart Keys Keys
Contrary to the conventional single piece of carved metal, smart keys make use of RFID, or radio-frequency identification for short, to communicate with the car. They have a chip with a unique code, which is encoded on every key. The key sends a signal to the computer onboard of your vehicle whenever you unlock the doors or open the trunk. The computer then prompts the correct frequency and allows you to connect to your car and start it.
The smart key's chip comes with a variety of security features that guard against theft. The key emits a low-frequency signal, which will only be detected by your car. If the computer onboard detects this signal, it will transmit an additional signal that is a unique code that only your car is able to understand. This will stop a criminal with a high-tech background from using an external generator to "fool" the system and perform the work for other vehicles.
In addition to locking and starting the car, certain smart keys have special features such as storing particular driver preferences, remotely opening windows or the sunroof, and more. These are accomplished by activating the key fob's proximity sensor, pressing a button on the key itself, or, in some instances, twisting a small metal piece inside the key.
Most of these key fobs have a button that can unlock the doors on their own, but some have an additional method to open them by a slot or placing the dead key close to an area on the dashboard where it holds an inductive coil that is able to transfer energy. Some even come with an emergency (fully mechanical) key blade hidden in the key to enable this.
To replace a smart key, you'll need visiting a dealer, who can either order the replacement or have it on hand. They'll also have to program the new key to recognize your car. You can go to a locksmith shop to have your replacement key fob programmed and replaced. A locksmith may charge more than a dealer, but they'll be able to finish the job more quickly and at a lower cost.