Understanding the Different Types of Car Keys
A few years ago misplacing or even losing your car keys wasn't an issue. In fact, you could find a spare at an auto parts store or your local locksmith.
As cars have adapted to accommodate technological advances, replacing lost keys is becoming more difficult and costly. Learn more about the factors that influence the cost of a replacement car key.
Basic Keys
When people think of their car keys, they could imagine a basic metal key that can open doors and start the engine. There are a variety of more sophisticated types of car keys that can provide greater security. Understanding the differences between car keys will help people understand what to expect when they have to replace or repair them.
One of the most basic kinds of keys for cars is a standard one, that has been used for a long time and is the most common option for the latest cars. These are the keys you can buy at a hardware store and hook onto your keychain. Keys of standard size can be copied for an affordable price however, they can be expensive to replace in the event of loss or damaged.
Transponder keys are a modern option that has been available since 1995. They provide an extra-secure alternative to traditional keys. These have microchips in the handle of the key and are activated when they are inserted into the ignition. They are more expensive to replace if they are damaged or lost, but they provide greater security against theft than traditional keys.
Another alternative is the switchblade key that folds down into a key fob when not in use. They're more expensive than regular keys to replace, but they may cost more if the shank of the key or the handle are damaged.
There are also the smart keys that have built-in Bluetooth trackers and remote starts. These are more expensive than standard keys and may require a locksmith's special tools to repair.
Mechanical Keys
In the past when you lost your car key or it stopped working out of the blue, all you had to do was visit your local hardware store and find an alternative. Things are a bit more complicated in the present. There are many kinds of vehicles on the market and each has a different key. Based on the model, replacing it may cost more or less than $50.
Mechanical keys are the most basic type. They're also referred to as "insert-and-turn" keys. They're the ones you were capable of replacing at the hardware store to change your pocket. They don't have a transponder and are used to secure the trunk or the doors, but not to start the car.
The transponder key is a different type, and is the most frequently used. This key has a transponder in the key head that transmits a coded signal the ignition system of your vehicle to confirm that the key is legitimate. This feature was added to cars in 1995 and can prevent them from being started if an unauthorized or lost key is used.
The first step in fixing this type of key is to pinpoint what is causing the malfunction. Most of the time the reason is due to either a problem with the cap of the key or the key switch. To correct this the key cap and the key switch should be removed carefully using a tool and then cleaned and lubricated in order to resolve the issue. Lubricating the switch is crucial since it can solve issues such as key chatter. This is a reference to keys that allow multiple inputs to be detected when they are pressed.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys (also known as "chip" keys) are an essential part of your car's anti-theft security system. The tiny microchip that is embedded in the plastic head of the car key transmits the signal to the antenna ring that surrounds the ignition piston. The car won't start if the computer doesn't receive the correct response. This kind of chip is present in the majority of cars made from 1998 onwards.
The problem is that they're more expensive to replace. They also have a different design than traditional mechanical keys, they have a specific microchip that needs to be programmed into your car's computer to work properly.
Connecting a diagnostic tool to the computer in your car, and then entering the programming mode is the way to do this. This procedure can be more complex than cutting a blank because these tools aren't widely available in all locksmith shops, you could be charged more than if you were to replace a mechanical key.
The make and model of your vehicle is an additional aspect. Certain manufacturers have their own specialized equipment that has to be used to program their vehicles, which will increase the cost.
Some prefer to have professional programming of their transponder keys. It is due to the complicated procedures, such as cutting wires to remove the transponder's antenna, and using a scanner device and also the security you gain from knowing that a professional is working on your vehicle. Depending on the make and model you might be in a position to save money by going directly to the car dealership to install your new chip.
Laser Cut Keys Keys
Laser cut keys have an edge that is high level of security. They were introduced in the 1990s to prevent theft of vehicles. They are difficult to duplicate and have transponder chips in their heads. The chips communicate with the ignition when inserted into it, which stops the vehicle from starting in the event that the incorrect key is used.
While this technology can deter car thieves but it's not able to stop them from doing so completely. The key's unique blade and design is difficult to duplicate, but anyone with the right tools and equipment can still use it to get into your vehicle. This is because traditional keys have an ordinary lock cylinder that's easy to pick. Laser keys, however, have an asymmetrical cylinder lock that is much more difficult to pick.
The key's design is more durable than conventional keys. The blade is made of hardened steel, which can withstand lots of wear and tear before fading out. If the key is damaged or wears out, it is affordable to repair it by locksmiths.
Laser-cut keys are more expensive, however, they provide greater security. The combination of the blade design, lock cylinder, and the transponder chip makes them more difficult to duplicate or pick. They are still vulnerable to being stolen or lost if you do not take the appropriate precautions.
Key Fobs
Even though they're convenient keys can be difficult to use. They won't last forever and tend to stop working when you most likely don't. You may find yourself in an embarrassing situation if the fob fails in the middle of carrying around a large amount of groceries or going to work after a exhausting day. remote car key repair near me might need to call for a locksmith or a tow truck, and it can cost a lot to get your car back on the road.
There are many factors that affect the price of a fob. These include the type of key it is made of and the materials used. Brands are also an important factor as they can be more expensive. Some fobs are programmed by the person using them, while others must be reprogrammed by a dealer.
If your key fob isn't responding or intermittently works, a simple battery replacement could fix the issue. The coin-shaped batteries usually cost $10 or less and can be purchased at hardware stores or big box retailers and on the internet. To replace the battery, gently break off the two halves of your key fob, then insert the new battery with the same orientation.
If your key fob is damaged or isn't functioning properly, you'll need to have it reprogrammed with the help of a dealer. Although you may be able to do this yourself, it's best to let professionals handle the task to avoid any accidental damage that could result in costly repairs in the future. You can save money by purchasing a new key and fob even if you already have. If you've lost your key and fob together, it's well worth it to get the dealer to reprogram the key and cut a brand new key at the same at the same time.