A Step-By-Step Guide To Car Key Replacements

Car Key Replacements

It doesn't matter if it's a simple lock and key key or a more sophisticated fob key, losing one can be costly. It's ideal to keep an extra key in your wallet.

If you do lose a key, the cheapest solution is to hire an auto locksmith. A dealership is more expensive, but is a great option.

Mechanical Keys

If you have an older car that doesn't utilize key fob technology, your keys are likely mechanical. Keys that are standard can be made of steel, brass, or a combination between brass and nickel. The keys are cut on the key duplicator, which uses an uncut key as a template, and an original key placed on the other side of the machine. The original key is cut using a specific cutter to create a copy.

Transponder Keys

The majority of newer cars are equipped with a transponder chips built into the key which is used to unlock and start the car. The chips are typically placed in the key head but can also be located in the ignition. The transponder transmits a signal to the car's computer when the key is turned into the ignition. The computer then checks the signal to verify that it matches the correct serial number.

This makes it nearly impossible for stolen vehicles to be started without the owner's keys. If the signal doesn't match the vehicle's signal, it will not start. This is a huge advantage that can stop car thieves from taking your car as the odds of someone else starting and driving away with your vehicle are drastically decreased.

A transponder key is more expensive than a flat metal key. The reason for this is that the transponder has a tiny microchip that's expensive to produce and install in a car key. Typically, these kinds of keys can cost hundreds of dollars purchased through the car dealership.

A locksmith can offer more reliable and affordable transponder key replacements. Beishir Lock and Security has an extensive selection of these keys and will program the chip right on the spot, allowing it to work with your vehicle at less than the dealership.

When shopping around for a transponder key replacement make sure you get multiple quotes. There are a variety of variables that affect the final price, including the make and model of your vehicle, whether you have additional features on the key such as a remote key-fob, and even where you decide to go to copy it.

In the end, it is important consider the advantages of a transponder versus the cost and the convenience. If you value security and safety, then a transponder key might be worth the investment in the long in the long run. A non-transponder car key won't allow the car to start.

Laser-Cut Keys

Although they may seem like something from an sci-fi film laser cut keys are in fact quite common and provide an extra layer of security for vehicles. These keys require specialized key cutting equipment and are more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick than traditional cut keys.

Laser cut car keys replacement for cars differ from traditional keys with grooves on one side. They also have slits on both sides. They can be put into the lock cylinder either way, and they still function. They are therefore more durable and stronger than conventional keys.

They can also be utilized as a bonus to open high-security locks. This is due to the slits being fitted into a certain depth that matches with the various codes used by car manufacturers. Finding the correct depth is crucial since a wrongly cut blade could cause damage to the key cutting machine and cause the key to stop functioning shortly after it is inserted into the lock cylinder.

The increased thickness and unique slits on car keys cut with lasers make them less prone to being copied or picked. Furthermore some keys have transponder chips that are unique to your vehicle. This means that anyone who copies your car key, even if it's equipped with transponder chips, they will not be able to start your car key fob replacement.

Although these extra layers of security could make a laser-cut car key more expensive than other types but the truth is that they're still less expensive than getting a new replacement key fobs for cars from your dealership. Locksmiths are usually able to cut these keys faster than a car dealership.

A car key that is laser cut's quality can make a big difference. The wrong blade could cause damage to the machine that cuts keys or lock cylinder and leave you with a large repair bill. It's vital to purchase your laser-cut car key from a locksmith for autos who sells the keys.

Bibens Ace South Burlington offers a variety of replacement car key FOB keys for over 250 different makes and models of vehicles, as well as laser-cut sidewinder keys. Stop by today and see how we can help save you money on replacement car key fobs without the hassle of going to a dealer!

Remote Keys

Not so long ago having lost or misplaced your car keys was not a huge deal. You could contact a locksmith, get an alternative and drive away. Modern cars are more technologically advanced and keys that are compatible with them are more difficult to replace. They are also difficult to steal. It's becoming more expensive to replace keys for cars that have been stolen.

Depending on the type of key you own, the cost for car key replacement to replace it can vary. You can purchase traditional keys for $10 at your local hardware store or employ an automotive locksmith who will visit you to create it on the spot.

You'll need to take your smart key, transponder that has switchblade or transponder with remote start to the dealer to be changed. This can be expensive and you might need to wait a long time for the manufacturer to send you an alternative key.

Sometimes, just like any other electronic device, your car key will stop working for no apparent reason. This can be due to extreme cold or heat, but can also be due to an unsatisfactory battery or water in the keyfob following rain. If you find that your car key isn't responding, you should consider trying to reset it first before contacting an auto locksmith.

It's also important to understand that your key fob will only function if it's within range of the car. This is the reason it's essential to keep your key fob with you at all times, and not let it leave your pocket unless you're sure that you can return it promptly.

The majority of people lose their car keys in the event of dropping them or misplacing them. In some cases, this can cause it to break or get stuck in the lock and this is why it's recommended to keep an extra in your possession at all times.