Suzanna Rhoades

Understanding the Different Types of Car Keys

Not so long ago misplacing or even losing your car keys weren't an issue. You could buy keys at the local auto parts store or locksmith.

As cars have evolved to keep up with technological advancements replacement of keys that have been lost is more complicated and costly. Read on to learn more about what factors into the total cost of car key replacement.

Basic Keys

When people think of their car keys, they could think of a simple metal key that opens doors and start the engine. While these are the most popular types of emergency car key repair keys, there are many other kinds that are more advanced and have enhanced security features. Knowing the distinctions between car keys will allow people understand what to expect when they have to replace or repair them.

Standard keys are the most basic kind of car keys. They've been around for decades, and they remain the most sought-after option for newer vehicles. These are the keys that you can purchase from an hardware store and then connect to your keychain. Keys that are standard can be copied for an affordable price however they can be costly to replace if lost or damaged.

Modern alternatives include the transponder keys, which has been used since 1995 and offers a more secure solution than traditional keys. Microchips are embedded in the handle of the key, and activated when the key is put into the ignition. They are more expensive to replace if they are lost or damaged, but offer better protection against theft than traditional keys.

Switchblade keys are an alternative. They fold into an accessory keyfob when not used. They cost more than regular keys to replace, but they may cost more if the shank of the key or the handle are damaged.

Lastly, there are also the smart keys with built-in Bluetooth trackers as well as remote key repair near me starts. These are more expensive than standard keys and could require locksmith's tools to repair car key Fob.

Mechanical Keys

In the past, if your car key was damaged or was not working, you had to go to the local hardware store to get an alternative. It's a little more complicated now. There are many kinds of vehicles on the market and each one has its own key. Depending on the type that you are replacing, it could cost more or less than $50.

Mechanical keys, also known as "insert and turn" keys are the simplest type. They're the ones you used to be able to replace at the hardware store to change your pocket. They don't have an electronic car key repair near me transponder, and are used to secure the trunk or doors, but not to start the car.

The other kind of key, which is the most popular in use is the transponder key. The key is equipped with an internal transponder within the head that transmits a coded signal to the ignition system of your vehicle to confirm that the key is valid. The system was put in cars starting in 1995. It protects them from being started with an unauthorised key or a lost one.

To fix this kind of key, the first step is to figure out what is causing it to malfunction. In the majority of cases the issue is with the key cap or key switch is the culprit. To resolve this issue, the cap or key switch must be removed with care using a tool. Then, they will need to be cleaned and lubricated. Lubricating the key switch is an important step because this can help to eliminate issues like key chatter which refers to keys that register multiple inputs with each press.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys (also called "chip" keys) are an important part of the anti-theft system in your car. The tiny microchip that is embedded in the plastic head of the car key transmits the signal to the antenna ring that surrounds the ignition cylinder. If the computer in the car key repair doesn't receive the correct response from the transponder it won't start. Most cars built from 1998 include this type of chip.

The issue is, the same thing that makes these types of keys more secure makes them more expensive to replace. In addition to having a different design than traditional mechanical keys, they contain a special microchip that has to be programmed into the computer in your vehicle to work correctly.

Connecting a diagnostic device to your car's computer, and then entering the programming mode is the way to accomplish this. This process can be more complex than simply cutting a blank and because these tools aren't readily available in all locksmith shops, you may have to pay more than if were to replace a mechanical key.

The make and model of your vehicle is a different important factor. Certain manufacturers have their own specialized equipment that must be used in order to program their vehicles, which could increase the cost.

Some people prefer that professional programming of their transponder keys. This is due to the complicated procedures, like cutting wires to take off the transponder's antenna, and using a scanner device and also the peace of mind you get from knowing that a professional is working on your car. You may be able save money if you go directly to the dealership to have the new chip installed.

Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys

Laser cut keys are a kind of car key that comes with an extremely secure blade. They were introduced in the 1990s to combat vehicle theft. They are much harder to duplicate than traditional keys and include transponder chips in their heads. The chips communicate with ignitions when inserted to stop the vehicle from starting when the wrong keys are used.

This technology can deter car thefts, but it's not enough to stop them completely. The unique blade and design of the key are hard to duplicate, however thieves can still make use of it with the proper tools to gain access to your vehicle. This is because traditional keys have a standard lock and key repair near me that's easy for burglars to pick. However, laser keys have a sidewinder lock cylinder that is more difficult to pick.

The key is also more durable in comparison to traditional keys. The blade is made from hardened steel, which can withstand a lot of wear and tear before fading out. However, if the key does wear out or is accidentally snagged in half, it's relatively inexpensive to replace it by an experienced locksmith.

Laser-cut keys are more expensive, however they are more secure. The combination of the blade design, the lock cylinder and the transponder chip makes them more difficult to duplicate or pick. However, they are still susceptible to being stolen or lost stolen if you don't take the necessary precautions to keep them safe.

Key Fobs

Key fobs may not be reliable even though they're practical. They won't last forever and tend to stop working when you most likely don't. You may find yourself in a compromising situation if the fob fails in the middle of loading up your trunk with groceries or heading to work after a tiring day. It's possible to need a locksmith or a tow truck, and it could cost you a significant amount to get your car back on the road.

The type of key as well as the materials used in the fob can affect the price. Brands are also an important factor, as they tend to be more expensive. Certain fobs are programmed by the user while others need to be reprogrammed to the vehicle by a dealer.

If your key fob isn't responding or is not working, a simple battery replacement may be the solution. The coin-shaped battery are available at hardware stores, online retailers and big box retailers for $10 or less. To replace the battery, gently pry apart the two halves of your key fob and insert the new battery with the same orientation.

If your key fob is damaged or isn't functioning properly, you'll have to have it reprogrammed with the help of a dealer. While there are ways to do this yourself however, it's best to let an expert handle it in order to avoid any damage that could result in costly repairs in the future. You can save money by buying a new key and fob even if you already have. If you've lost your key and fob together, it's worth the cost to allow the dealer to reprogram your key and cut a new key at the same at the same time.