Keys Replacement For Cars
If you own a basic mechanical key you should be able to purchase a replacement from any hardware store for inexpensive. However, this key will need to be programmed by a locksmith or dealer.
Smart keys are more complicated and require a visit to the dealer for the keys to be paired with your car. These kinds of keys are usually expensive however some insurance companies will cover the cost.
Mechanical Keys
You can still purchase mechanical keys for your car such as the ones you put into an ignition lock cylinder to start your vehicle. If your car has one of these, replacing the key and fob is relatively cheap (if they're lost or stolen).
A locksmith can make an entry level key for you at a cheaper price than you would pay in a dealership. You can 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 make you a spare key and have it programmed. It is essential to have a spare since modern cars won't be able to start when a key is not programmed with the proper chip is used.
Transponder keys resemble mechanical keys, but contain an electronic chip within the base. This chip is connected to the computer system of your vehicle. The car will accept the code in the chip, but will not start if you try to use another code.
If the spare key you have has chips it must be programmed by a dealer. The dealership will need an exclusive machine for cutting and programming the key. These machines are only available through certain dealerships, and it's not likely that a locksmith will have the tools needed to make keys that are laser-cut with a transponder.
Keys with remotes cost a lot to replace, especially in the event that you need a spare. You can try reprogramming your fob on your own if you're just missing the shank of the key and have a functioning replacement fob, however it can be time-consuming and laborious. It's better to go to an authorized dealer if you've lost both the key and the fob.
There are other kinds of car keys that require a more specialized set of skills to replace, for example flip keys and smart keys. These are more complicated and need to be replaced by a dealer. Some key fobs feature 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 car.
Transponder Keys
If your car is built in the last 10 years or so it's likely to use transponder keys. These keys are equipped with a microchip within the key and an internal receiver in your car that are both programmed to communicate with each other to start the car.
Transponder keys are an excellent method to deter theft since they require two parts for the car to be able to start that is the transmitter (transponder) in the key and the receiver that is connected to your immobilizer system. The car will not start without the key and the immobilizer system.
The key chips are programmed with a serial number that is unique to your vehicle. When the key is inserted into your ignition, the serial number is transmitted to the immobilizer of the car and verified that it is in line and allows the engine to start. This security feature is only overcome by a specific device that reads the chip and match it to another vehicle.
When you get a transponder key replaced it is necessary to visit an locksmith with the equipment needed to reprogram the key into your vehicle. Some car dealerships offer this service as well but they are typically more expensive than an independent locksmith due to their expenses.
It isn't easy to obtain an original key that comes with a chip. The key must first be cut on a specific machine in order to have the correct tracks in place which can later be programmed to assign the key to your car. This requires specialized software and the right key cutter in order to be done correctly.
The majority of auto parts stores can duplicate some of the more basic chips keys, but you'll need to know the serial number from the original key to ensure that the correct information is incorporated into the key. Many people make the error of visiting a dealer to have their chip key copied and end up paying more than they need to.
Laser-Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys, also referred to as sidewinder keys because of their distinctive winding cuts to the shank of the key, add an extra layer of security to your vehicle. These keys are a great deterrent to auto theft because they require specialized machinery to duplicate.
They also have built-in chips to prevent the copying of keys by unauthorized people from starting your car. They come with a unique code that needs to be programmed into your car in order to unlock it and begin it. This additional layer of security is a great option to protect your investment and deter thieves who may be trying to steal your car for parts or sell it.
Keys cut with lasers differ slightly from mechanically-cut keys in terms of design. They have fewer grooves cut on the key. The shaft of the key is larger, which is a sign that this is not a standard car key. Locksmiths usually use a milling machine to cut these keys. This kind of machine appears similar to a drill bit and is designed to remove metal with extremely precise and controlled angles.
They're among the most secure keys you can purchase for your vehicle, since they are extremely difficult to duplicate and can only be cut by the dealer or a licensed locksmith. They're not like traditional keys. They're made using a small piece of steel that is cut into a shape and then cut with the laser in the factory. This kind of key is extremely durable and can stand up to many years of wear and tear, making it one of the best options to protect your car.
Depending on the key, it will fold in the fob or be released with the click of the button. These kinds of keys are used extensively in German automobiles and provide an additional layer of protection against car thieves. replacement car key is also very robust and difficult to break into, making it extremely difficult for a thief pick or pick-lock the car.
Smart Keys
Smart keys communicate with the vehicle using radio-frequency identification (RFID) instead of the conventional single piece of carved metal. They are equipped with a chip that has a unique code, which is encoded on each key. The key sends a signal to the onboard computer of your vehicle whenever you unlock the doors or open the trunk. The computer will then signal the right frequency that allows you to start your car.
The chip in the smart key has several security features that protect it from theft. First, the key emits a very low-frequency signal which isn't received by any other receiver, not even your vehicle. If the computer onboard detects this signal, it will send a different one which is an exclusive code that only your car is able to understand. This prevents a tech-savvy criminal from using an external generator to "fool" the system and make the key work for other vehicles.
Certain smart keys come with special features, such as saving preferences for drivers remote opening windows, opening the sunroof via remote, and many more. These functions can be accessed by activating the proximity sensor on the key fob by pressing a button, or, in certain instances it is as simple as twisting a tiny piece of metal inside the key.
Most key fobs feature a button that can unlock the doors by themselves however some come with an additional way to open them: a slot or holding the dead key in a spot on the dashboard, where it houses an inductive coil which can transfer energy. Some even include an emergency (fully mechanical) key blade that is hidden inside the key to allow this.
Replacing a smart key typically requires a visit to the dealer, who will either have the replacement on hand or make it available for you to purchase. They'll also have to program the new key to recognize your car. But, you can visit a locksmith to have your new key fob programmed and replaced. A locksmith will charge more than dealers, however, they can do the job quicker and for less.