15 Reasons You Shouldn't Ignore Car Key Replacements

Car Key Replacements

The loss of a key could be costly, whether it's an ordinary lock-and-key or a high-end key fob. The best way to avoid this is to keep one in your wallet.

If you've lost keys, the most affordable option is to find an auto locksmith. A dealership is more expensive, but it is a good alternative.

Mechanical Keys

If you own an older vehicle that doesn't have key fob technology, your car keys are probably mechanical. Keys of this type are made from metal such as brass, steel or a mixture of nickel and brass. The keys are cut on a key duplicator that makes use of the blank key as a template, and an original key against the other side of the machine. The key that was originally used 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 that is used to unlock and start the vehicle. The chips are located in the ignition or on the key head. When the key is turned on in the ignition, the transponder emits an electronic signal that is picked up by the computer system of the car. The computer checks the signal and ensures it is in line with the correct serial number.

This makes it nearly impossible for a stolen car to be started without the owner's keys. If the signal doesn't match the vehicle won't start. This is an enormous benefit that can stop car thieves from taking your car as the chances of someone else starting and driving away with your car are greatly reduced.

The disadvantage of a transponder key is that it is more expensive than a conventional flat metal key. This is because the transponder is equipped with a tiny microchip that isn't cheap to produce and install in the car key. These keys are typically expensive when purchased from a dealership for cars.

A locksmith can offer much less expensive and secure transponder key replacements. Beishir Lock and Security carries a large assortment of keys, and they can reprogramme the chip to work with your vehicle in-the-moment at a fraction of the cost of a dealership.

Be sure to check out quotes when shopping for an alternative transponder key. The final cost will be influenced by many factors, such as the model and make of your vehicle, the extra features you can get on the key (such as a remote control key-fob) and even the location you select to copy it.

Ultimately, you should weigh the benefits of a transponder key versus the cost and convenience. Transponder keys might be beneficial in the long run, if you prioritize safety and protection. Additionally, the majority of modern vehicles have an immobilizer that doesn't allow them to start if a key that is not transponder is utilized and this is a further reason to think about.

Laser-Cut Keys

While they might appear like something from the sci-fi genre, laser cut keys are in fact quite common and provide an extra layer of protection for vehicles. These keys require specialized key cutting equipment to make and are more difficult for thieves to copy or pick than traditional cut keys.

Laser cut car keys differ from traditional keys with grooves on one side. They also have slits on both sides. They can be inserted into the lock cylinder in any way and still function. They are therefore more durable and thicker than conventional keys.

As a bonus, they can also be used to open certain high-security locks. This is due to the slits being tooled into a specific depth that matches with the different car manufacturers' codes. It is important to get the correct depth since cutting the blade incorrectly can damage the cutting machine, and cause the key not to function once it has been put into the lock.

The distinctive slits and greater thickness of the car keys laser-cut make them more resistant to being copied. Furthermore, many of these keys contain transponder chips that are unique to your vehicle. This means that when someone copies your car key even if it's equipped with transponder chips they won't be able to start your car.

Although these extra layers of security might make a laser cut car key more expensive than other types, the fact is that they're still much less than getting a new replacement from your dealership. Locksmiths can often cut keys faster than dealerships for cars.

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 large repair cost. It is essential to purchase your laser-cut car key from a locksmith that sells keys.

Bibens Ace South Burlington has an extensive range of replacement car key FOB keys that fit more than 250 different models and makes of vehicles. We also offer a laser-cut sidewinder key. Visit us today to see how we can save you money on replacement car key fobs without the hassle of 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 issue. You could call a locksmith, get an alternative and leave. Nowadays, however, cars are much more technologically advanced, and the corresponding keys are more difficult to replace and more difficult for thieves to duplicate. This means that when you lose your car key replacements near me keys it will be more expensive than ever to get it replaced.

The cost of replacing a key can vary depending on the type. For keys that are traditional you can get a copy made for about $10 at a hardware store or you can get an locksmith from the automotive industry to visit you and make a copy on the spot.

If you have an electronic key, a transponder key with a switchblade, or replacement car key fobs a transponder key with remote start, you'll need to visit your dealership to have it replaced. This can be expensive and you might have to wait for a long time before the manufacturer can send you a new key.

The car key may cease to function without a clear cause as with other electronic devices. This can be due to extreme heat or cold however, it can also be due to an unsatisfactory battery or water in the keyfob from rain. It's worth resetting your car keys prior to calling an auto locksmith if you notice that it's not responding.

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

The most frequent method of losing the car key is through losing it or dropping it. This can sometimes cause the key to break or become stuck in the lock. It's recommended to always have a spare.