10 Places That You Can Find Keys Replacement For Cars
Keys Replacement For Cars
If you have a basic mechanical key it is likely to get a replacement at any hardware store for relatively cheap. However, the key will need to be programmed by a locksmith or dealership.
Smart keys are more complicated and require a trip to the dealer to connect them to your car. These keys are expensive however many car insurance companies will cover the cost.
Mechanical Keys
You can still purchase mechanical keys for cars such as the ones you put into an ignition lock for your vehicle to start. If your vehicle is equipped with one of these keys, it's inexpensive to replace the fob and key (if lost or stolen).
A locksmith can create the basic key for you at a lower cost than what you'd buy from the dealership. You can also have a friend or neighbor that knows how to program aftermarket transponder keys (which are less expensive than keys from factory) cut keys and have them programmed. A spare key is crucial since modern cars won't be able to start when a key that isn't programmed with the proper chip is used.
Transponder keys are similar to mechanical keys, but they have an electronic chip hidden inside the base. This chip communicates with the computer system in your vehicle. Your car will recognize the code inside the chip and accept it, but it will not start if a different code is used.
If your spare key contains chips that is programmed, it will have to be programmed by a dealer. The dealership will require an exclusive machine for cutting and programming the key. These machines are available only at specific dealerships, and it is unlikely that a locksmith have the equipment needed to make a key using transponder.
Keys with remotes are expensive to replace, particularly when you require a spare. If car replacement keys have only the key shank missing and a functioning replacement fob you could try reprogramming your fob on your own. However, it could be time-consuming and difficult. If you've lost the entire fob and key but you're not sure you should seek out a dealer as the best option.
There are other kinds of car keys that require a specialized set of skills to replace, like flip keys and smart keys. These are more complex and usually have to be replaced at the dealership. Certain key fobs come with a spring-loaded key that folds into the enclosure and opens doors or is operated by the use of a proximity sensor to open and start your vehicle.
Transponder Keys
If your car was built in the recent 10 years or so you're likely to use a transponder key system. These keys contain a microchip and the receiver is programmed to send a signal to start your vehicle.
Transponder keys are a great way of deterring theft, since they require two elements to start the car - the transmitter inside the key and the receiver attached to the immobilizer. The car will not 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 your ignition, the serial number is transmitted to the cars immobilizer and checked to ensure that it matches up and allows the engine to run. This security feature can only be blocked by a specially designed device that reads the chip to match it to another vehicle.
When you have a transponder-related key replaced, you'll need to visit an authorized locksmith who has the tools needed to reprogram the keys to your car. Some car dealerships also offer this service, however their overheads make them more costly than an independent locksmith.
The process of getting a new car keys with a chip inside it is a complicated procedure. To program your car, the key must be programmed on a specific machine. It requires specialized software and the correct key cutter to cut it correctly.
Some of the less complicated chip keys can be copied at a variety of auto parts stores, but you must know the serial number of the original key to ensure the correct information is encoded into the new key. Many people make the mistake of visiting a dealer to have a chip key copied and end with a bill that is higher than what they need to.
Laser-Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys are also referred as sidewinder key because of the distinctive winding cut on the key shank. They add an additional layer of security to your car. These keys are a great protection against auto theft since they require specialized machinery to duplicate.
Like transponder keys, they feature built-in chips that prevent unauthorized key copies from opening your vehicle. They also typically have a unique code on the key, which must be programmed for your specific car in order to unlock it and start it. This additional level of security will safeguard your investment and stop thieves from trying to steal your vehicle in exchange for parts or to sell it.
Laser-cut keys differ slightly from mechanically-cut keys in terms of design. They have fewer grooves that are carved on the key. The key shaft is larger, which is a sign that this is not an ordinary car key. Generally, locksmiths use a machine called milling tool to cut these types of keys. This machine is similar to a drill bit, and is designed to remove metal in very precise angles.
These are the most secure keys you can buy for your vehicle. They're hard to duplicate and must be cut by a licensed locksmith or dealer. They're not made using traditional keys. Instead, they are constructed from a small piece of steel that is cut into a specific code at the factory, and then cut with a laser. This kind of key is extremely robust and can endure many years of wear and wear, making it one of the best options for protecting your vehicle.
Depending on the key, it will either fold into the fob, or pop out at the touch of a button. These types of keys are commonly used in German automobiles and provide an additional layer of security against car thieves. They also make it difficult for thieves to pick or pick-lock your car since the cylinder is extremely tough and is difficult to break.
Smart Keys Keys
Contrary to the conventional single piece of carved metal smart keys use RFID, also known as radio-frequency identification for short, to communicate with the car. They are equipped with a chip that has an unique code that is encoded on every key. The key sends a message to the computer onboard of your vehicle every time you open the doors or open the trunk. The computer then triggers the right frequency, allowing you to access your car and start it.
The chip of the smart key comes with a variety of security features to guard against theft. First the key emits a very low-frequency signal which isn't detected by any other receiver, not even your vehicle. If the onboard computer detects this signal, it will prompt an alternative one that's a unique sequence that only your vehicle can understand. This prevents a tech savvy criminal from using an electronic pulse generator to "fool the system" and make the key work on other vehicles.
Certain smart keys come with specific features, like storing driver preferences, opening windows remotely or the sunroof remotely, and many more. This can be accomplished by activating the key fob's proximity sensor, pressing a button on the key itself or, in certain instances, by twisting a tiny metal component inside the key.
Most key fobs come with a button that can unlock the doors on their own however some come with an additional way to open them with a slot or by placing the dead key in an area on the dashboard where it holds an inductive coil that can transfer energy. Some key fobs feature a mechanical (fully emergency) key blade inside the key.
Replace a smart key requires visiting a dealer, who can either order the replacement or stock it. They'll also need to program the new key to recognize your vehicle. But, you can go to a locksmith shop to have your new key fob programmed and replaced. A locksmith might charge more than the dealer, but they'll be able to complete the job faster and for less.