Understanding the Different Types of Car Keys
In the past the loss of car keys wasn't an issue. You could purchase an extra key at the local auto parts store or locksmith.
As cars have evolved to adapt to technological advances, replacing lost keys is becoming more difficult and costly. Learn more about the variables that affect the cost of replacing a car key.
Basic Keys
When people think about their car keys, many think of a simple metal key that opens doors and turns on the engine. While these are the most commonly used kinds of keys for cars however, there are other kinds that are more sophisticated and can provide enhanced security features. Understanding the differences between car keys will allow people know what to expect when they have to replace or repair them.
One of the most basic types of keys for cars is a standard key that has been in use for a long time and is the most popular choice for the latest cars. These are the keys you can purchase from the hardware store and attach onto your keychain. Standard keys can be copied for an affordable price, but they are expensive to replace in the event of loss or damaged.
Transponder keys are an innovative option that has been available since 1995. They are security and are more secure than traditional keys. They are equipped with microchips inside the key handle and activate when they are inserted into the ignition. They are more expensive to replace in the event of loss or damage, however they offer greater protection against theft than standard keys.
Another alternative is the switchblade key, which folds into an accessory key fob when it is not in use. They're more expensive than standard keys, but they can be more expensive when the shank of the key or the handle are damaged.
Lastly, there are also the smart keys with built-in Bluetooth trackers and remote starts. These keys are more expensive and could require locksmiths' specific tools to repair.
Mechanical Keys
In the old days when you lost a car key or it stopped working out of the sudden, all you needed to do was go to the local hardware store and find a replacement. It's a little more complicated in the present. There are several types of vehicles in use and each one has its own key. Depending on the type the key is replaced, it could cost more or less than $50.
Mechanical keys are the simplest type. They're also called "insert-and-turn" keys. They were the keys you could replace at the hardware shop for a few pennies. They don't have a transponder inside them and are used to lock the door or trunk locks, but not for starting the car.
The transponder key is the other type one, and is the most frequently used. This key has an internal transponder within the head that transmits a coded signal to the ignition system in your car to verify that the key is in fact valid. This feature was added to cars in 1995 and can prevent the ignition from starting if an unauthorized or lost key is used.
To fix this kind of key, the first step is to identify what is causing it to malfunction. In the majority of cases, the cause is due to an issue with the cap of the key or the key switch. To fix the issue, the cap or key switch must be removed carefully using the appropriate tool. They will then need to be cleaned and lubricated. Lubricating the switch is essential as it will help to eliminate issues like key chatter. This is the case with keys that allow multiple inputs to be detected when they are pressed.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys (also known as "chip" keys) are an important part of your car's anti-theft system. The tiny microchip that is embedded in the plastic head of the car key transmits the signal to the antenna ring around the ignition key cylinder. If the car's computer doesn't receive the correct response from the transponder, it won't be able to start. Most cars produced since 1998 have this type of chip.
The problem is that they're more expensive to replace. They're not only different from conventional mechanical keys in terms of design and appearance, but they also include a microchip that needs to be programmed into the vehicle's computer for them to work.
Connecting a diagnostic tool with the computer in your car, and then entering the programming mode is the way to accomplish this. It can be more difficult than simply cutting a new blank, and due to the fact that these tools aren't readily accessible in every locksmith shop you'll spend more than if you replace a standard mechanical key.
The model and make of your vehicle is a different factor. Certain manufacturers have their own specialized equipment that needs to be used in order to program their vehicles, which could increase the cost.
Some prefer having professionals handle the programming of their transponder keys. This is due to the complicated procedures, such as cutting wires to take off the transponder's antenna, and using a scanner device as well as the security you gain from knowing that a professional is working on your vehicle. Based on the make and model, you may be saving money by visiting the dealership to arrange for the installation of your new chip.
Laser Cut Keys Keys
Laser cut keys are a kind of car key with an extremely secure blade. They were introduced in the 1990s and help to combat vehicle theft. They are more difficult to duplicate and come with transponder chips embedded in their heads. visit the following website communicate with ignitions when they are inserted and prevent the vehicle from starting when keys that aren't the right ones are used.
While this technology helps protect against car thieves but it's not able to stop them entirely. The key's unique blade and shape are difficult to duplicate, but thieves with the right tools and equipment can still make use of it to gain access into your vehicle. This is because traditional key have a standard lock that's easy for burglars to pick. Laser keys, however, have a sidewinder cylinder lock that is much more difficult to pick.
The key is also more durable to traditional keys. The blade is made of hardened steel, which can endure wear and tear for a long period before it begins to wear out. But, if the key does wear out or is accidentally snagged in half, it's relatively cheap to have it replaced by a seasoned locksmith.
Laser-cut keys are more expensive, however they are more secure. The combination of the blade design, lock cylinder and transponder chip makes them difficult to duplicate or pick. However, they are still vulnerable to being lost or stolen if you do not take the proper precautions to keep them safe.
Key Fobs
Even though they're convenient but key fobs can be difficult to use. They aren't always reliable and tend to stop working when you least expect them. You could end up in a compromising situation if the fob fails, especially if you are loading up your trunk with groceries or going to work after a exhausting day. You may need to contact a locksmith or a tow truck and it may cost you a lot of money to get your vehicle back on the road.
A variety of factors affect the price of a fob, such as the type of key it is made of and its materials. It is also dependent on the brand which is usually more expensive. Some fobs can be programmed by the owner, while others require a dealer to reprogram them to the vehicle.
If your key fob will not work or is working infrequently, a new battery may be the solution. These batteries are typically less than $10 and can be purchased at hardware stores, big box retailers, and online. To replace the battery, gently pull the two halves of the key fob and insert the new battery in the same way that the old one had.
If your key fob is damaged or no longer works correctly, you'll need to get it reprogrammed by a dealer. You can do this yourself, but it's best to let it be done by an expert to avoid accidental damage which could lead to expensive repairs in the future. You can save money by buying new keys and fobs even if you already have. If you've lost your fob and key together, it's worth the cost to have the dealer reprogram the key and cut a new key at the exact same time.