10 Things Everybody Hates About Car Key Replacements

Car Key Replacements

If it's a basic lock-and-key key or a sophisticated fob key, losing one could be costly. It's ideal to keep a spare key in your wallet.

The most affordable option is to call an auto locksmith if you've lost your keys. A dealership can be more expensive, but is a great choice.

Mechanical Keys

If you own an older vehicle that doesn't use key fob technology, your car keys are likely mechanical. Keys that are standard can be made of steel, brass or a mixture of nickel and brass. They are cut using the key duplicator machine with an original key positioned against one side of the machine, and a blank key aligned to it to serve as the template. The original key is cut using an specialized cutter to make an exact duplicate.

Transponder Keys

The majority of newer cars are equipped with a transponder chip integrated into the key that can be used to unlock and start the car. These chips are usually located inside the key head, but can also be located in the ignition. When the key is turned on in the ignition, the transponder transmits the signal to be received by the car's computer system. The computer then analyzes the signal to verify that it matches the correct serial number.

It is almost impossible to start a car without the owner's key. If the signal isn't compatible the car's signal, it won't start and will remain locked. This is a huge benefit that can deter car thieves as the odds of someone else attempting to start and then driving away with your car are greatly diminished.

Transponder keys cost more than a flat metal key. The transponder is a microchip that is expensive to manufacture and integrate into a car key. The keys are usually expensive when bought from a dealership.

A locksmith can offer much less expensive and reliable transponder key replacements. Beishir Lock and Security has many of these keys and will re-program the chip right on the spot to work with your vehicle for a fraction the cost of the dealership.

Make sure to compare quotes when shopping for an alternative transponder key. There are many factors that influence the final price, replacement car key fobs such as the model and make of your car, whether you have any extra features on the key, such as a remote key-fob and where you decide to go to get it copied.

In the end, you need to evaluate the advantages of a transponder-based key against the cost and convenience. If you are concerned about security and safety and security, then a transponder key may be worth the investment in the long term. A car key without a transponder won't allow the car to start.

Laser-Cut Keys

Laser cut keys might look like something from a sci-fi film, but they are fairly common. They provide an additional layer of security to cars. They require specialized key cutting equipment to make and are much harder for thieves to copy or pick than traditional cut keys.

Laser cut car keys differ from traditional keys, which have grooves on one side. They also have two slits on the sides. This allows keys to be inserted into the lock cylinder in either direction and still operate it. They are, therefore, more durable and stronger than conventional keys.

As a bonus they can also be used to open certain high-security locks. The slits are tooled to a particular depth, which matches the codes of different automobile manufacturers. It is essential to select the correct depth as cutting the blade incorrectly can damage the cutting machine, and cause the key not to function once it is placed into the lock.

The thicker and more distinctive slits on car keys cut with lasers make them less prone to being copied or taken. Additionally some keys have transponder chips that are unique to your vehicle. This means that anyone who copies your car key, even if it has a transponder chip, they will not be able start your vehicle.

Laser-cut car keys might be more expensive, but they are still cheaper than buying a replacement from the dealership. Additionally, locksmiths are often able to cut these keys faster than a car dealership.

Another important thing to remember is that the quality of a laser-cut car key can make a huge difference. A bad blade could harm the key cutting machine or lock cylinder and leave you with a huge repair bill. This is why it's important to purchase your laser cut car key from a trusted supplier that sells them to auto locksmiths.

Bibens Ace South Burlington offers an extensive selection of replacement car key FOB keys for over 250 different makes and models of vehicles, in addition to 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

In the past the possibility of losing or misplacing your car replacement keys near me keys was not a huge deal. Get a locksmith on the phone to get a new key and leave. Today, however, cars are a lot more technologically advanced and keys can be harder to replace and more difficult for thieves to copy. It's now more expensive to replace a lost car key.

The cost of replacing a key can vary depending on the kind. You can have traditional keys for $10 at a local hardware store or hire an auto locksmith who will come to you to make it on the spot.

If you have an electronic key, a transponder key with a switchblade, or a transponder key that has remote start, you will be required to visit your local dealer to have it replaced. This can be expensive and you may have 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 without reason. Most often, this happens due to extreme heat or cold, but it can also be caused by an ineffective battery or water in the key fob due to rain or simply deteriorating over time. It is recommended to reset your car key before calling an auto locksmith if you notice that it's not responding.

You should also know that your key fob can only function if you're within the reach of the vehicle. This is why it's crucial to keep your key fob close to you at all times, and to not leave it in your pocket unless you're sure that you can return it promptly.

The most common way to lose keys to cars is losing it or dropping it. In certain instances this could cause it to break or become stuck in the lock and this is why it's always recommended to keep an extra key in your possession at all times.