Keys Replacement For Cars
You can get the replacement key for a mechanical key at any hardware store. The key must be programmed by a locksmith or a dealer.
Smart keys are more complex and require a visit from the dealer for the keys to be paired with your car. They can be expensive however many car insurance companies will pay for the cost.
Mechanical Keys
You can still purchase car keys that are purely mechanical, the kind that you insert into an ignition lock cylinder, and turn to start your vehicle. If your car is equipped with one of these keys, replacing the key and fob is relatively inexpensive (if they get lost or stolen).
A locksmith can design an original key for less than what you pay at a dealership. You could also ask a neighbor or a friend who knows how to program transponder keys aftermarket (which are less expensive than keys made by the factory) to cut you a spare and then program it. It is essential to have a spare key as modern cars won't start when the key does not have the proper chip.
Transponder keys look like mechanical keys, however they contain a hidden electronic chip embedded in the bottom of their plastic shape that communicates with your car's computer system. The car will accept the code in the chip, but it will not start if you use another code.
If your spare key has chip, you'll need to bring it to a dealer to have it programmed. They'll require a specific machine to cut the key and program it. These machines are only available through certain dealerships, and it's not likely that a locksmith has the equipment needed to create a laser-cut key with a transponder.
It's expensive to replace keys with remotes, especially if you require a spare. Try reprogramming the fob yourself if you're only missing the shank of the key and have a functional replacement fob, but it could be difficult and time-consuming. If you've lost your entire key and fob but you're not sure you should seek out a dealer as the best option.
There are other types of car keys that require a more specialized set of skills to replace, like flip keys and smart keys. They are more complicated and are usually replaced at the dealership. Some key fobs have a spring-loaded key that folds into the enclosure and opens doors or uses the use of a proximity sensor to open and start your vehicle.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys will likely be used in vehicles built in the past 10 years. The keys are equipped with a microchip and a receiver that is programmed to send a signal to start your car.
Transponder keys are a fantastic method to deter theft since they require two parts for the car to be started which is the transmitter (transponder) in the key and the receiver that is connected to your immobilizer system. Without both the key and the immobilizer system in place, the car won't start and is impossible to connect hotwire.
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 then sent to the immobilizer of the car and then verified to make sure it matches up the number, which allows the engine to start. This security feature can only be defeated by a special device that reads the chip to match it with a different car.
You'll need to find a locksmith who has the equipment to reprogram your key. Some car dealerships offer this service too, but they are typically more expensive than an independent locksmith because of their costs.
Finding a new car key that has a chip in it can be a complex process. To program your car, the key has to be programmed on a special machine. It requires specialized software as well as the appropriate key cutter to do it correctly.
The majority of auto parts stores can clone some of the simpler keys for chips, but you'll need to 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 to have their chip key copied and end up paying more than they need to.
Laser-Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys, referred to as sidewinder keys because of their distinctive winding cuts on the key shank, add an extra layer of security to your vehicle. They are a fantastic protection against auto theft since they require specialized machinery to duplicate.
They also have built-in chips that prevent unauthorized key copying from starting your car. They have a unique number that must be programmed to your vehicle to unlock it and begin it. This extra layer of security is an excellent method to safeguard your investment and deter thieves who could be trying to steal your car for parts or to sell it to.
Keys cut with lasers differ slightly from mechanically-cut keys in terms of design. They have fewer grooves cut on the key. They also have a larger key shaft that is an indication that it's not your regular car key. Locksmiths typically make use of a milling tool to cut these kinds of keys. This kind of tool looks similar to a drill bit and is designed to cut metal with extremely precise, controlled angles.
They are the most secure keys that you can purchase for your vehicle. They are extremely difficult to duplicate and can only be cut by a certified locksmith or dealer. Unlike traditional keys, they're made using a small piece of steel that is shaped into a code and then cut using the laser in the factory. This type of key is able to be able to withstand a great deal of wear and tear and is one of the best options to protect your vehicle.
The key can be folded into the fob, or be released by pressing a button. These types of keys are used extensively in German cars and offer an extra layer of security against car thieves. They also make it very difficult for a thief to pick or pick-lock your vehicle because the cylinder is extremely tough and hard to break into.
Smart Keys
Smart keys communicate with the vehicle by using radio-frequency identification (RFID) instead of the traditional single piece carved metal. They are equipped with a chip that has an unique code that 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 will prompt the appropriate frequency to allow you to start your vehicle.
The chip of the smart key has several security features that protect it from theft. The key emits a low-frequency signal, which can only be detected by your vehicle. If the onboard computer detects this signal, it will display a different one that is an exclusive sequence that only your vehicle will recognize. This stops a cyber-savvy criminal from using an external generator to "fool" the system and create the key function for other vehicles.
Some smart keys have special features, such as saving preferences for drivers and opening windows remotely, or the sunroof from afar and many other. These features are accessible by activating the proximity sensor on the key fob by pressing a button, or, in some instances, by twisting a small piece of metal inside the key.
Certain key fobs are opened by placing the dead key in a slot, or by placing it next to an inductive coil that is located on the dashboard. replacement key fob car have mechanical (fully emergency) key blade that is inside the key.
Replacing a smart lock requires an appointment with 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 vehicle. However, you can also visit a locksmith to get your replacement key fob programed and replaced. A locksmith may cost more than the dealer, but they'll be able to do the job more quickly and for less.