auto car key replacement For Cars
If you have a basic mechanical key it is likely to purchase a replacement from any hardware store for cheap. However, this key will have to be programmed by a locksmith or dealership.
Smart keys are more complex and require a visit to the dealer for the keys to be paired with your car. These types of keys can be costly however some insurance companies will cover the cost.
Mechanical Keys
You can still purchase mechanical car keys which you insert into the ignition lock cylinder to start your car. If your car is equipped with one of these, replacing the key and fob is fairly inexpensive (if they are lost or stolen).
A locksmith can design a new basic key for less than you would buy from a dealer. You could also have someone close to you who is proficient in programming aftermarket transponder keys (which are less expensive than factory keys) cut keys for you and program them. Getting a spare is important because modern cars won't start when a key that isn't programmed with the proper chip is used.
Transponder keys appear like mechanical keys, however they contain a hidden electronic chip inside the base of their plastic form that communicates with your car's computer system. Your vehicle will recognize the code in the chip and accept it, but it will refuse to start if a different code is used.
If the spare key you have has a chip, you'll need to bring it to a dealership to have it programmed. The dealership will require an exclusive machine for cutting and programming the key. These machines are available only at certain dealerships. It is unlikely that a locksmith would have the equipment necessary to create a key with a transponder.
Keys with remotes are expensive to replace, particularly when you require an extra. You could try reprogramming your fob on your own if you're just missing the shank on the key and you have a working replacement fob, but it could be time-consuming and laborious. You're better off contacting an expert when you've lost the fob and the key.
Other types of car keys require more special skills to replace. These include flip keys and smart keys. They are more complex and need to be replaced by a dealer. Some key fobs have keys that are spring-loaded and fold into the enclosure and opens doors or is operated by the use of a proximity sensor to open and start your vehicle.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed in the last 10 years or so you're likely to use a transponder key system. The keys have a microchip and an electronic receiver that is programmed to communicate with start your vehicle.
Transponder keys are an excellent method of preventing theft since they require two parts to start the car - the transmitter in the key, and the receiver connected to the immobilizer. Without both the key and the immobilizer device in place, the car won't start and is impossible to hotwire.
The key chips are programmed with a unique serial number that is unique to the vehicle you own. The serial number of the key is sent to the immobilizer inside the car and checked to match. If it does, the engine will start. This security feature can only be defeated by a special device that reads the chip to match it with another car.
You'll require a locksmith who has the equipment needed to reprogram your key. Some car dealerships offer this service as well but they are typically more expensive than a private locksmith due to their expenses.
Getting a new car key that comes with a chip it is a complicated procedure. The key has to be cut using a particular machine to get the proper tracks that can then be programmed to assign the key to your car. It requires specialized software, as well as the appropriate key cutter to cut it correctly.
Certain of the more basic chip keys can be cloned at most auto part stores but you must be aware of the serial number of the original key to ensure the correct information is programmed into the new key. Many people make the error of visiting a dealer to have their chip key copied, and end in paying more than they have to.
Laser-Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys, referred to as sidewinder keys due their distinctive winding cuts in the key shank, add an extra layer of security to your vehicle. Because it requires specialized equipment to duplicate these keys, they're an excellent security measure against auto theft.
Like transponder keys. They have built-in chips that block duplicate keys from opening your vehicle. They have a unique code that must be programmed to your car to unlock it and begin it. This additional layer of security is an excellent way to protect your investment and deter thieves who could be trying to steal your vehicle to make parts or sell it on.
In terms of their design Laser-cut keys are different from mechanical cut keys due to having less grooves carved out on the key. The key shaft is also more substantial, which is another sign that this is not an ordinary car key. Locksmiths usually use milling machines to cut these keys. This kind of machine appears much like a drill bit and is designed to remove metal with extremely precise, controlled angles.
They are the most secure keys that you can purchase for your vehicle. They are difficult to duplicate and can only be cut by a certified locksmith or dealer. They're not created using traditional keys. Instead, they're made from a small piece steel that is shaped into a specific code at the factory before being cut using a laser. This type of key is able to withstand a lot wear and tear and is among the best choices for protecting your vehicle.
Depending on the key, it could fold in the fob or be released by pressing a button. These types of keys are commonly used in German cars and offer an additional layer of protection against car thieves. The cylinder is resistant to breaking into, making it extremely difficult for a thief pick or pick-lock a vehicle.
Smart Keys
Unlike the traditional single piece of metal, smart keys use RFID, or radio-frequency identification to connect with the car. They are equipped with a chip that has an individual code, which is encoded on each key. The key sends a signal to the onboard computer in your vehicle whenever you unlock the doors or open the trunk. The computer then will prompt the right frequency that allows you to start your car.
The chip of the smart key comes with a variety of security features to guard against theft. First, the key emits a low-frequency signal that can't be picked up by any other receiver, not even your vehicle. If the computer onboard detects this signal, it will prompt an alternative one that's an individual sequence that only your vehicle will understand. This will stop a tech-savvy criminal from using a pulse generator to "fool the system" and make the key work on other vehicles.
Certain smart keys come with specific features, like saving preferences for drivers and opening windows remotely, or the sunroof remotely and many more. These functions can be accessed by activating the proximity sensor on the key fob by pressing a button or, in some instances it is as simple as twisting a tiny piece of metal inside the key.
Certain key fobs can be opened by placing the dead key in a slot or by placing it in proximity to an inductive coil on the dashboard. Certain key fobs come with an electronic (fully emergency) key blade in the key.
Replacing a smart lock typically requires a visit the dealership, where they will either have the replacement on hand or purchase it for you. The dealer will also have to program your new key to identify your car. However, you can also visit a locksmith to get your replacement key fob programed and replaced. A locksmith might cost more than the dealer, but they'll be able to complete the job faster and at a lower cost.