Keys Replacement For Cars
You can get an alternative key for a mechanical key in any hardware store. The key needs to be programmed either by a locksmith or a dealer.
Smart keys are more complex and require a visit to the dealer to pair them with your vehicle. They can be expensive however, many insurance companies will pay for the cost.
Mechanical Keys
You can still buy car keys that are purely mechanical, like the ones you insert into an ignition lock cylinder, and turn to start your car. If your car is equipped with one of these keys, replacing the fob and key is relatively inexpensive (if they get lost or stolen).
automotive car key replacement can create a basic key for you at a lower cost than what you would pay at the dealership. You could also ask a neighbor or a friend who knows how to program transponder keys for aftermarket use (which are cheaper than the keys made by the factory) to make you a spare key and program it. It is important to have a spare key as modern cars will not start when the key does not have the proper chip.
Transponder keys appear like mechanical keys, however they have a hidden electronic chip embedded in the bottom of their plastic shape that communicates with your vehicle's computer system. Your car will be able to recognize the code in the chip and accept it, but it will refuse to start if a different code is used.
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 at specific dealerships, and it's not likely that a locksmith has the equipment needed to create an engraved key using a laser transponder.
It's costly to replace keys using remotes, especially if require a spare. You can try reprogramming your fob yourself if you're only missing the shank on the key and you have a working replacement fob, but it could be difficult and time-consuming. It's better to go to a dealer in the event that you've lost both the fob and the key.
There are different kinds of keys for cars that require a more specialized set of skills to replace, such as flip keys and smart keys. These are more complicated and must be replaced by the dealer. Some key fobs have an electronic key that folds into the enclosure and opens doors or uses a proximity sensor to open and start your vehicle.
Transponder Keys
If your car is built in the past 10 years or so, it's likely to use transponder keys. These keys have a microchip in the key itself as well as the car's receiver which are both programmed to communicate with each other in order to start the vehicle.
Transponder keys are an excellent way to stop theft because they require two components for the car to be able to start which is the transmitter (transponder) in the key and the receiver connected to your immobilizer system. The car won't start without the key and immobilizer system.
The key chips are programmed with a serial number that is unique to your vehicle. When the key is inserted into the ignition, the serial number is transmitted to the immobilizer in the car and verified that it is compatible, it will then allow the engine to run. The only thing that can stop this security feature is a special device that is able to detect the chip and match it to another car.
When you get a transponder-related key replaced you'll need to go to a locksmith that has the equipment needed to reprogram the key into your vehicle. Some car dealerships offer this service too, but they are typically more expensive than an independent locksmith due to their overhead.
Getting a new car key that has a chip in it can be a complicated process. The key needs to be cut using a specific machine to get the right tracks that can then be used to program the key to your car. It requires specialized software and the correct key cutter to cut it properly.
Some of the simpler chip keys can be cloned at the majority of auto parts stores, but you must know the serial number of the original key to ensure the proper information is being transferred to the new key. Many people make a mistake visiting their dealer to purchase a copy of a chip key and end up paying overpriced prices.
Laser-Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys are also known as a sidewinder keys due to the distinctive winding cut that is made on the shank of the key. They add an extra layer of security to your car. Keys like these are a great 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 vehicle. They also contain a unique code the key, which must be programmed for your specific car in order to unlock it and start it. This additional level of security will guard your investment, and deter thieves from attempting to steal your car for parts or to sell it.
Keys cut with lasers differ slightly from mechanically cut keys in terms of design. They have fewer grooves that are carved on the key. The key shaft is more substantial, which is another sign that this is not an ordinary car key. Generally, locksmiths employ a machine known as milling tool to cut these kinds of keys. This kind of machine appears like a drill and is designed to remove metal at extremely precise, controlled angles.
These are the most secure keys you can buy for your vehicle. They are difficult to duplicate and can only be done be cut by a certified locksmith or dealer. They're not made with traditional keys. Instead, they are constructed from a small piece of steel that is shaped to form a code in the factory and then cut with laser. This kind of key is extremely durable and can be able to withstand many years of wear and tear and is one of the best options to protect your car.
The key can be folded up into the fob, or it can be released by pressing a button. The keys are typically used in German cars, and provide an extra layer of protection against car thieves. The cylinder is resistant to breaking into, making it very difficult for a thief pick or pick-lock the vehicle.
Smart Keys
In contrast to the traditional single piece of metal, smart keys make use of radio-frequency identification, or RFID to connect with the car. They have a chip with an unique code that is encoded on every key. Whenever you unlock your car doors or pop the trunk the key sends a signal to the vehicle's computer onboard. The computer will then signal the right frequency that allows you to start your vehicle.
The chip of the smart key includes a variety of security features that guard against theft. The key emits an extremely low-frequency signal that can only be detected by your car. If the computer onboard detects this signal, it will trigger another one that is an exclusive sequence that only your vehicle can understand. This stops a cyber-savvy criminal from using an external pulse generator to "fool" the system and perform the work for other vehicles.
In addition to locking and starting the car, some smart keys come with additional features like storing specific driver preferences, remotely opening windows or the sunroof, and many more. These are accomplished by activating the key's proximity sensor or pressing a button on the key itself or, in certain cases, twisting a small metal part inside the key.
Some key fobs can be opened by holding the dead key in a slot or by placing it near an inductive coil on the dashboard. Some even include an emergency (fully mechanical) key blade concealed in the key to activate this.
Replacing a key with a smart chip typically requires a visit the dealership, where they will either have the replacement in stock or make it available for you to purchase. The dealer will also need to program your new key to recognize your car. However, you can also go to a locksmith shop to have your replacement key fob programmed and replaced. Locksmiths may charge more than a dealer, but they'll likely be able to complete the job quicker and for less.