5 Things That Everyone Doesn't Know About Car Key Replacements

Car Key Replacements

Whether it's a simple lock-and-key key or a sophisticated fob key, losing it could cost you big time. The best way to prevent this is to always have one in your wallet.

The cheapest replacement car keys (have a peek here) option is to contact an auto locksmith if you've lost your keys. A dealership could be more costly, but it's an option worth considering.

Mechanical Keys

If you have an older car that doesn't have key fob technology, your car keys are likely mechanical. The standard keys are made of steel, brass or a mix of brass and nickel. 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 act as a template. The original key is cut with a specially-designed cutter to create a duplicate.

Transponder Keys

The majority of modern cars come with a transponder chip built into the key which is used to unlock and start the vehicle. These chips are usually located in the key head but they can also be found in the ignition. The transponder transmits a signal to the computer of the car when the key is turned on in the ignition. The computer checks the signal and ensures it matches with the correct serial number.

This makes it nearly impossible for stolen vehicles to be started without owner's keys. If the signal does not match the car won't start and will remain locked. This is an enormous benefit that can deter car thieves as the chances of someone else attempting to start and then driving away with your car are significantly reduced.

A transponder key is more expensive than a regular metal key. This is because the transponder contains a small microchip that is expensive to produce and install in a car key. These keys are typically expensive when purchased from a dealership for cars.

A locksmith can provide less expensive and reliable transponder key replacements. Beishir Lock and Security carries many of keys, and can reprogram the chip to work with your vehicle on the spot for a fraction of the price of the dealership.

Be sure to compare estimates when looking for a replacement transponder key. The final cost is determined by many factors, such as the model and make of your vehicle, the additional features that you can find on the key (such as a remote-control key fob) and the location you decide to copy it.

In the end, you have consider the advantages of a transponder against the expense and convenience. Transponder keys might be beneficial in the long run, if you prioritize safety and protection. A non-transponder car key will not allow the car to start.

Laser-Cut Keys

Although they may sound like something out of a sci-fi movie Laser cut keys are in fact quite common and provide an extra layer of security for cars. They are created using specialized key cutting machines and are harder to duplicate or steal from thieves than traditional cut keys.

Unlike traditional keys that feature grooves cut into one side the laser cut keys feature slits that are tooled on both sides. They can be inserted in the lock cylinder any way and still work. This means that they tend to be more sturdy and stronger than standard keys.

They are also employed as a bonus feature to open certain high-security locks. This is due to the slits being tooled into a specific depth that is compatible with various codes of the car manufacturers. It is crucial to choose the correct depth as an incorrectly-cut blade can harm the cutting machine and cause the key to not to function after it is placed into the lock.

The distinctive slits and the increased thickness of car keys cut with lasers make them more resistant to copying. A lot of these keys have a transponder chip that is unique to your vehicle. This means that even if a person copies your car's key with transponder chips they will not 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 from the dealership. In addition, locksmiths can often cut these keys more quickly than a car dealership.

The quality of a laser-cut car key can make a big difference. A bad blade could harm your key cutting machine or lock cylinder and leave you with a costly repair cost. This is the reason it's essential to purchase your laser-cut car key from a reputable supplier that sells them to auto locksmiths.

Bibens Ace South Burlington offers an extensive selection of replacement car key FOB keys for more than 250 different makes and models of vehicles, as well as sidewinder keys laser-cut. Visit us today to see how you can save money on replacements for your car keys replacement fob without having to go to a dealer!

Remote Keys

It wasn't too long ago that misplacing your car key or losing it was not a big problem. You could contact an expert locksmith, get a replacement and still drive away. Today, however, cars are more advanced in technology, and the corresponding keys can be harder to replace and even more difficult for thieves to duplicate. This means that when you lose your car key, it can be more expensive than before to replace it.

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

If you own an electronic key, a transponder key with switchblade, or a transponder key that has remote start, you will have to visit your dealer to get it replaced. It can be very expensive and may take a while to obtain the new key from the manufacturer which could delay getting back on the road.

Sometimes, as with any other electronic device, your car key will stop working without reason. It is usually due to extreme cold or heat however, it can also be caused from an ineffective battery or cheapest replacement Car Keys the presence of water in the keyfob following rain. If you find that your car key is no responding, you should consider trying to reset it first before contacting an auto locksmith.

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

The most common method of losing the car key is through not locating it or dropping it. In some instances, this can cause it to break or be stuck in the lock, which is why it's always a good idea to have a spare available at all times.