Is Tech Making Car Key Replacements Better Or Worse?

Car Key Replacements

The loss of a key could be costly, whether it's a standard lock-and-key or a high-end key fob. It's best to keep one spare key in your wallet.

If you do lose keys, the most affordable alternative is to locate an auto locksmith. A dealership can be more expensive, but is a great choice.

Mechanical Keys

Your car keys are likely to be mechanical if you own an old vehicle that does not use key replacements for cars fobs. Keys of this type are made from metal such as brass, Car Key Replacements steel or a mixture of brass and nickel. They are cut with a key duplicator, with an original key positioned against one side of the machine, and a blank key aligned to it to act as a template. The original key is cut with a specific cutter to create the copy.

Transponder Keys

The majority of modern cars come with a transponder chips built into the key that is used to unlock and start the car. The chips are typically placed inside the key head, but they can also be found in the ignition. The transponder sends a signal to the computer in the car when the key is turned into the ignition. The computer then checks the signal to make sure it is in line with the correct serial number.

It is almost impossible to start an automobile without the owner's key. If the signal does not match the car won't start and remain locked. This is a huge benefit that helps to deter car thieves as the chances of someone else attempting to start and then driving away with your car are greatly diminished.

The disadvantage of transponder keys is that it costs more than a standard flat metal key. The transponder is a microchip which is expensive to create and install into a car key. These keys are typically expensive when bought from a dealership.

A locksmith can provide cheaper and more trustworthy transponder key replacements. Beishir Lock and Security carries many of keys, and they can modify the chip to work with your car in-the-moment at a fraction of the cost of a dealership.

If you're looking to replace a transponder key ensure you request multiple quotes. The final cost will be influenced by many factors, such as the model and make of your vehicle, the extra features that you can find on the key (such as a remote-control key-fob) and car key replacements the location you select to have it copied.

In the end, you must consider the advantages of a transponder key against the cost and convenience. Transponder keys may be worth it in the long run, when you value security and safety. Additionally, many modern cars have an immobilizer that doesn't allow them to start if a non-transponder key is used which is another factor to consider.

Laser-Cut Keys

Laser cut keys can appear like something from a sci-fi film However, they are actually very common. They provide an additional security layer to automobiles. They are created using special key cutting machines and are much harder to copy or pick for thieves than traditional cut keys.

Unlike traditional keys that feature grooves cut into one side laser cut car keys have slits cut on both sides. They can be inserted in the lock cylinder any way and still function. They are therefore more durable and thicker than conventional keys.

As a bonus they can be used to open some locks with high security. This is because the slits are placed in a particular depth that is compatible with various codes of the car manufacturers. Finding the correct depth is crucial since a wrongly cut blade could cause damage to the machine that cuts keys and cause the key to stop working shortly after being inserted into the lock cylinder.

The distinctive slits and the increased thickness of car keys cut with lasers make them more resistant to being copied. A lot of these keys contain transponder chip that is unique to your vehicle. This means that even if a person makes a copy of your car key using transponder chips it won't be in a position to start your car.

Keys for cars cut with lasers may be more expensive however, they are cheaper than buying a replacement keys car from the dealership. Locksmiths can often cut these keys faster than car dealerships.

Another aspect to be aware of is that the quality of a laser cut car key can make a huge difference. A blade that is not of the right type could cause damage to the key cutting machine or your lock cylinder leaving you with an expensive repair bill. This is the reason it's essential to get your laser cut car key from a trusted supplier that sells them to auto locksmiths.

Bibens Ace South Burlington has a large range of replacement car key FOB keys for over 250 different models and brands of vehicles. We also offer a laser-cut sidewinder key. Stop by today and see how we can help you save money on replacement car key fobs without the hassle of having to go to a dealership!

Remote Keys

Not so long ago having lost or misplaced keys to your car wasn't an issue. Get a locksmith on the phone to get a new key and then drive away. Today, however, cars are much more technologically advanced, and the corresponding keys are more difficult to replace and harder for thieves to copy. It's becoming more expensive to replace keys for cars that have been stolen.

The cost of replacing a key will vary depending on the type. For traditional keys you can have one made for $10 at a hardware store or you can ask an locksmith from the automotive industry to visit you and create a key right there.

If you own an intelligent key, transponder keys with a switchblade or a transponder key that has remote start, you will need to visit your dealership to get it replaced. This can be expensive and you might have to wait for a long time before the manufacturer can send you the new key.

The car key may not function for no apparent reason as do other electronic devices. Usually, this is due to extreme cold or heat however, it could also be due to an ineffective battery, water in the key fob from rain or simply wearing out over time. It's a good idea to reset your car key prior to calling an auto locksmith in the event that it is not responding.

It's also important to understand that your key fob will only function only if it's within the range of your vehicle. This is why it's important to keep your key fob close to you at all times and to not leave it in your pocket unless you are certain that you'll return it swiftly.

The most frequent method of losing keys to cars is not locating it or dropping it. In some cases this could cause it to break or get stuck in the lock, which is why it's a good idea to have an extra available at all times.