Understanding the Different Types of Car Keys
It wasn't too long ago that misplacing or, even worse, losing your car keys was not a big issue. You could purchase keys at the local auto parts store or locksmith.
As cars have adapted to accommodate technological advances, replacing lost keys is becoming more difficult and costly. Learn more about the factors that impact 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 types of car keys, there are many other types that are more advanced and have enhanced security features. Knowing the distinctions between car keys will allow people to know 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, which has been around for a long time and is the most popular choice for cars with modern technology. These are keys that you can buy at a hardware shop and attach to your keychain. Keys that are standard can be copied at a relatively low cost, but they are expensive to replace in the event of loss or damaged.
Transponder keys are a new alternative that has been in use since 1995. They provide an extra-secure alternative to traditional keys. These have microchips in the handle of the key and are activated when inserted into the ignition. They can be more expensive to replace if they are lost or damaged, but offer greater protection from theft than traditional keys.
Switchblade keys are a different option. They fold into the form of a keyfob when they are not being used. They're more expensive than standard keys, however they can be more expensive when the shank of the key or the handle is damaged.
Lastly, there are also smart keys that come with built-in Bluetooth trackers and remote starts. They cost more than standard keys and may require a locksmith's specific tools to repair.
Mechanical Keys
In the old days, if you lost a car key or it stopped working completely out of the sudden, all you needed to do was go to the local hardware store and obtain a replacement. It's a little more complicated today. There are numerous kinds of cars available and each comes with an individual key. Based on the type of car it can cost more or less than 50 dollars.
Mechanical keys are the simplest type. They're also called "insert-and-turn" keys. These keys were the ones you could replace at the hardware store for a few dollars. car key repair shop near me do not come with a transponder and are used to lock the trunk or the doors, but they are not used to start the car.
The other type of key, that is the most common in use is the transponder key. This key has a small transponder inside the key's head which transmits a coded signal to the ignition system of your car to verify the authenticity of the key. The system was put in vehicles from 1995 onwards. It prevents the ignition from being started by an unauthorised key or lost one.
To fix this type of key, the first step is to figure out the reason for its malfunction. Most of the time, a problem with either the cap of the key or the switch is the cause. To fix the problem, the key cap or the key switch will need to be removed with an instrument. They will then have to be cleaned and lubricated. Lubricating the switch is important since it can eliminate issues like key chatter. This is the case with keys that can register multiple inputs when they are they are pressed.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys, also known as "chip keys", are an integral part of the anti-theft system in your vehicle. The small microchip embedded in the head of the plastic key transmits a signal to the antenna ring surrounding the cylinder that controls the ignition. If the computer of the car doesn't receive the correct response from the transponder it won't begin to turn on. This kind of chip is found in most cars manufactured since 1998.
The issue is that the same thing that makes these types of keys more secure makes them more expensive to replace. They're not only different from traditional mechanical keys in terms of design, but they also contain microchips that need to be programmed into the vehicle's computer for them to function.
This process is done by connecting a diagnostic tool to the computer in your car and entering a programming mode. This procedure can be more complicated than simply cutting a blank and, because these devices aren't widely available in all locksmith shops, you could have to pay more than if were to replace the mechanical key.
Another aspect is the model and make of your car. Some manufacturers have their own equipment that has to be used in order to program their vehicles, which could increase your cost.
Some people prefer that an expert program their transponder keys. This is due to complicated procedures, such as cutting wires to remove the transponder's antenna as well as using a scanner device as well as the peace of mind that comes from knowing that a professional is working on your vehicle. You could save money if you go directly to the dealer to have the new chip installed.
Laser Cut Keys
Laser cut keys are a kind of car key that comes with a high-security blade. They were first introduced in the 1990s to stop vehicle theft. They are more difficult to duplicate than traditional keys and include transponder chips in their heads. The chips communicate with ignitions when they are inserted and prevent the vehicle from starting when the wrong keys are used.
While this technology works to deter car thieves however, it isn't able to stop them from doing so completely. The unique blade design is difficult to duplicate, however thieves with the appropriate tools and equipment could still use it to gain entry into your car. This is because traditional keys have an ordinary lock cylinder that's easy to pick. But laser keys have a sidewinder lock which is more difficult to pick.
The key's design is more durable than traditional keys. The blade is made of hardened steel and is able to withstand a lot of wear and tear before eventually wearing out. But, if the key does wear out or is accidentally snagged in half, it's inexpensive to replace it by an experienced locksmith.
While laser cut keys are more expensive than edge-cut counterparts but they offer greater security. The combination of the blade design, the lock cylinder, and the transponder chip makes them more difficult to duplicate or pick. However, they are still susceptible to being stolen or lost stolen if you don't take the necessary precautions to keep them safe.
Key Fobs
While they're handy keys can be tricky. They won't last forever and tend to stop functioning when you least expect them. You could find yourself in an embarrassing situation if your fob malfunctions particularly when you are taking your trunk full of groceries or going to work after a exhausting day. You may have to call an emergency locksmith or tow truck, and it may cost a lot of money to get your vehicle back on the road.
The type of key used and the materials used in the fob can influence the cost. It also depends on the brand which is usually more expensive. Some fobs can be programmed by the owner while others require a dealer reprogram them to the vehicle.
If your key fob is unresponsive or intermittently works If your key fob is not responding or working intermittently, a simple replacement of the battery may be the solution. These coin-shaped battery are available at hardware stores, online retailers and big box retailers for $10 or less. To replace the battery, gently tear the two parts of the key fob and then insert the new battery in the same way that the old one had.
If your key fob is damaged or doesn't function properly, you'll have to have it reprogrammed by the dealer. You can do it yourself, but it's better to let it be done by a professional to avoid accidental damage that could result in costly repairs in the future. If you have a spare key and fob, you can skip this step and simply purchase a replacement to save money. If you've lost your fob and key together, it's well worth it to have the dealer reprogram the key and cut a brand new key at the exact same time.