Blog entry by Katrina Quam
If you have a standard mechanical key you should be able to find a replacement at any hardware store for affordable. 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 pair them with your vehicle. These kinds of keys can be costly, but some car insurance companies will cover the cost.
Mechanical Keys
You can still buy mechanical keys for cars which you insert into the ignition lock cylinder to start your car key replacement service near me. If your vehicle is equipped with one of these, it's relatively inexpensive to replace the fob and key (if lost or stolen).
A locksmith near me car key replacement can cut a basic key for you at a less cost than what you would pay at the dealership. You can also ask a neighbor or friend who is able to program transponder keys (which are less expensive than factory keys) to make you a spare key and program it. 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 like mechanical keys but have an electronic chip hidden inside the base. This chip is connected to the computer system of your vehicle. Your vehicle will recognize the code inside the chip and accept it, but it will not start if any other code is utilized.
If your spare key has a chip, it will need to be programmed by a dealer. They'll require a specific machine to cut the key and program it. These machines are available only at specific dealerships, and it is unlikely that a locksmith have the equipment necessary to create a key with transponder.
Keys with remotes can be costly to replace, especially if you need an extra. If you have just the key shank missing, and an operational replacement fob, you can try to reprogramme your fob on your own. However, it can be time-consuming and difficult. If you've lost the entire fob and the key however you should seek out a dealer as the best option.
There are other types of keys for cars that require a more specific set of skills to replace, like flip keys and smart keys. They're more complicated and must be replaced by a dealer. Certain key fobs come with an electronic key that folds into the enclosure and opens a door, or they're operated with a proximity sensor to open and start your vehicle.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are likely to be used in vehicles constructed in the past 10 years. These keys contain an embedded microchip and the receiver is programmed to send a signal to start your car keys replacements.
Transponder keys are an excellent method of preventing theft, as they require two parts to start a car - the transmitter contained in the key, and the receiver connected to the immobilizer. The car will not start without both the key and the immobilizer system.
These key chips have a unique serial number for your vehicle. The serial number of the key is transmitted to the immobilizer in the car, and then checked to be in line. If it does the engine starts, it will. The only thing that could defeat this security feature is a device that can read the chip and match it with another car.
When you get a transponder-related key replaced it is necessary to visit an authorized locksmith who has the equipment needed to reprogram the keys to your vehicle. Some car dealerships provide this service, but their overheads make them more costly than an independent locksmith.
Finding a new car key with a chip inside it is a complicated process. To program your car, the key needs to be programmed using a specific machine. This requires special software and the correct key cutter in order to be done correctly.
Some of the less complicated chip keys can be copied at the majority of auto parts stores, but you need to know the serial number of the original key car replacement to ensure the proper information is being programmed into the new key. Many people make the mistake of visiting a dealer to get a chip key copied and end up paying more than they should.
Laser-Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys, referred to as sidewinder keys due to their distinctive winding cuts in the key shank provide an additional layer of security to your vehicle. Keys like these are a great protection against auto theft since they require specialized equipment to duplicate.
Like transponder keys, they feature built-in chips that block unauthorized key copies from getting into your vehicle. They also have a unique code on the key that must be programmed for your particular vehicle in order to unlock it and start it. This extra level of security will protect your investment and stop thieves from attempting to steal your vehicle for parts or to sell it.
In terms of their design, laser-cut keys are slightly different from conventional mechanical cut keys, as they have less grooves carved out on the key. The shaft of the key is more substantial, which is another indication that this isn't a regular car key. Locksmiths generally make use of a milling tool to cut these kinds of keys. It's akin to a drill bit, and is designed to remove metal with precise angles.
These are the safest keys you can purchase for your vehicle. They're hard to duplicate and can only 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 to a code at the factory, and then cut with the laser. This kind of key is extremely robust and can endure many years of wear and wear and is one of the best options for protecting your vehicle.
Depending on the key, it can either fold into the fob or pop out at the touch of the button. The keys are typically used in German cars and offer an additional layer of protection against car thieves. The cylinder is tough and difficult to break 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, also known as radio-frequency identification for short, to communicate with the car. This means they come with a tiny chip that contains an encrypted code that is unique to each key. The key sends a message 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 car.
The smart key's chip comes with a variety of security features that guard against theft. First, the key emits a low-frequency signal that can't be detected by any receiver but your vehicle. If the computer onboard detects this signal it will transmit another one that is an exclusive code that only your car can 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.
Some smart keys offer specific features, like storing driver preferences and opening windows remotely, or the sunroof from afar and many more. These functions can be accessed by activating the proximity sensor on the key fob by pressing a button, or, in some cases it is as simple as twisting a tiny piece of metal inside the key.
The majority of these key fobs come with a button that can unlock the doors by themselves however some come with an additional method to open them with a slot or by placing the dead key in the dashboard where it holds an inductive coil that is able to transfer energy. Some even have an emergency (fully mechanical) key blade that is hidden inside the key to allow this.
Replacing a smart lock requires visiting a dealer, who will either order the replacement or have it in stock. They'll also need to program the new key to recognize your vehicle. You can visit a locksmith to have your new key fob programmed and replaced. A locksmith might charge more than the dealer, but they'll likely be able to do the job faster and less expensively.