5 Things Everyone Gets Wrong About Car Key Replacements

Car Key Replacements

If it's a basic lock-and-key key or a more sophisticated fob key, losing one could cost you a lot. The best way to avoid this is to always keep one in your wallet.

If you do lose a key, the cheapest solution is to hire an auto locksmith. A dealership can be more expensive, but it is a good choice.

Mechanical Keys

If you own an older car that doesn't utilize key fob technology, your keys are probably mechanical. The standard keys are made from steel, brass or a mix of nickel and brass. They are cut with a key duplicator machine, with the original key placed against one side of the machine, and an unaligned blank key placed next 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 chip built into the key that can be used to unlock and start the car. These chips can be found in the ignition or the key head. When the key is turned on in the ignition, the transponder sends a signal that is received by the computer system in the car. The computer analyzes the signal and ensures it matches with the correct serial number.

It is almost impossible to start cars without the owner's key. If the signal does not match, the car will not start and remain locked. This is a great benefit to help deter car thefts as it reduces the likelihood of someone else stealing your car.

A transponder key is more expensive than a standard metal key. The transponder is a microchip which is expensive to manufacture and integrate into the car key. Typically, these kinds of keys can cost hundreds of dollars purchased through the mobile car key replacement dealership.

A locksmith can provide less expensive and secure transponder key replacements. Beishir Lock and Security has a wide selection of these keys and can re-program the chip right on the spot to function with your vehicle for less than the dealership.

When you are looking for a transponder replacement key ensure you request multiple quotes. There are a variety of factors that influence the final cost, including the make and model of your car, if you have any additional features on the key like a remote key-fob, replacement car key fobs and even where you'll go to copy it.

In the end, you need to weigh the benefits of a transponder versus the expense and convenience. If you are concerned about security and safety, then a transponder keys might be worth the investment in the long term. Additionally, the majority of modern cars come with an immobilizer that won't allow the car to start if a non-transponder key is utilized which is another aspect to take into consideration.

Laser-Cut Keys

Although they may sound like something out of the sci-fi genre, laser cut keys are actually quite common and provide an extra layer of security for cars. Keys that require specialized key cutting equipment and are much harder for thieves to duplicate or pick than traditional cut keys.

Contrary to traditional keys, which have grooves cut into one side laser cut car keys have slits cut on both sides. This allows them to be put into the lock cylinder either direction while still operating it. As a result, they tend to be more robust and durable than conventional keys.

As a bonus, they can be used to open some high-security locks. The slits are made to a specific depth, which matches the codes of different automobile manufacturers. Finding the correct depth is essential as an incorrectly cut blade can damage the key cutting machine and result in the key not functioning shortly after it is put into the lock cylinder.

The thicker and more distinctive slits on car keys cut with lasers are less vulnerable to being copied or taken. Additionally some keys are equipped with transponder chips which are unique to the vehicle you're using them on. This means that even if a person copies your car key with transponder chips, they won't be in a position to start your car.

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

Another aspect to be aware of is that the quality of a laser-cut car key can make all the difference. The wrong blade could cause damage to the key cutting machine or lock cylinder and leave you with a large repair cost. This is why it's crucial to get your laser cut car key from a trusted supplier who sells them to auto locksmiths.

Bibens Ace South Burlington offers a wide selection of car key FOB replacement key for car cost 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 save you money on replacement car key fobs without the hassle of having to go to a dealership!

Remote Keys

It wasn't long ago that misplacing your car key or losing it was not a big deal. Contact a locksmith for a new key and drive away. Modern cars are more advanced in technology and keys that are compatible with them can be harder to replace. They are also harder for thieves copy. It's now more expensive to replace the key to a car that has been lost.

Depending on the type of key that you own, the cost to replace it will vary. For traditional keys you can get one made for $10 at a hardware shop, or you can hire an automotive locksmith to visit you and make a copy right there.

You'll need to take your smart key, transponder that has switchblade, or transponder with remote start to the dealership to be changed. This can be expensive, and you might have to wait for a long period of time before the manufacturer will send you the new key.

Sometimes, just like any other electronic device the car key can cease to function for no apparent reason. Usually, this is due to extreme cold or heat however, it could also be caused by an unsatisfactory battery or water in the key fob from rain or simply deteriorating over time. It is recommended to reset your car keys prior to calling an auto locksmith if you notice that it is not responding.

It's also important to know that your key fob will only work only if it's within the range of the car. It is essential to keep your key fob with you and never take it out of your pocket unless absolutely required.

The most common method of losing a car key is by losing it or dropping it. This could result in the key breaking or get stuck in the lock. It's a good idea to always have an extra.