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Understanding the Different Types of Car Keys

Not so long ago, misplacing-or worse, losing-your car keys weren't a big deal. In fact, you could purchase a spare from an auto parts shop or even your local locksmith.

As cars have adapted to keep up with technological advancements, replacing lost keys is more complicated and costly. Find out more about what factors into the overall cost of a car key replacement.

Basic Keys

When people think of their car keys, they often imagine a basic metal key that opens doors and turns on the engine. There are many more advanced types of car keys that can provide greater security. Understanding the differences between various kinds of car keys will help people determine what to expect when replacing or repair keys.

One of the most basic types of car keys is a standard one, that has been used for decades and is still the most common option for the latest cars. These are the keys that you can purchase at a hardware shop and connect to your keychain. Standard keys can be copied at an affordable price however they can be costly to replace in the event of loss or damaged.

The most modern alternatives include the transponder key, that has been used since 1995 and offers security over traditional keys. These have microchips in the key handle and are activated when they are inserted into the ignition. They are more costly to replace in the event of a loss or damage, but they offer greater protection against theft than conventional keys.

Another alternative is the switchblade that folds down into an accessory key fob when it is not in use. These are a little more expensive to replace than standard keys, however they can be even more costly if the shank or handle of the key is damaged.

There are also smart keys that have built-in Bluetooth trackers, and remote car key repair near me starters. These are more expensive than standard keys and could require a locksmith's specific tools to repair.

Mechanical Keys

In the old days when you lost a car key or it stopped working out of the out of the blue, all you had to do was go to the local hardware store and get an alternative. Nowadays, things are a little more complicated. There are numerous kinds of vehicles on the road, and each one has an individual key. Based on the model, replacing it may cost more or less than $50.

Mechanical keys are the simplest type. They're also known as "insert-and-turn" keys. They're the ones you used to be able to replace at the hardware store to change your pocket. They do not contain a transponder within them and are used for locking the trunk or door locks but not for starting the car.

The other type of key, that is the most popular utilized is the transponder keys. The key is equipped with a transponder inside the key head that transmits a coded signal to your car's ignition system to verify that the key is legitimate. This system was added to vehicles in 1995 and prevents them from starting if an unauthorized or lost key is used.

The first step to fix this kind of key is to determine the cause of the problem. Most of the time, the cause is due to an issue with the key cap or the key switch. To correct this the key cap and the key switch should be carefully removed using a tool and then cleaned and lubricated to fix the problem. Lubricating the key switch is essential as it can help eliminate issues such as key chatter that refers to keys that register multiple inputs each press.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys (also called "chip" keys repair) are an important part of your car's anti-theft security system. The tiny microchip that is embedded in the head of the car key sends the signal to the antenna ring around the ignition cylinder. If the car's computer does not receive the correct response from the transponder it won't begin to turn on. This type of chip is used in all cars built since 1998.

The problem is, the same factor that makes these kinds of keys more secure makes them more expensive to replace. They also have an entirely different design than traditional mechanical keys, they contain a special microchip that needs to be programmed into the computer in your vehicle to function properly.

This is accomplished by connecting a diagnostic tool to the computer in your car and entering a programming mode. It is more complicated than just cutting a blank from scratch, and since the tools aren't available in every locksmith shop you're likely to pay more for this service than when replacing a basic mechanical key.

Another factor is the model and make of your vehicle. Certain manufacturers require specialized equipment to program their cars which can increase the cost.

Some prefer to have a professional program their transponder keys. This is due to the intricate procedures involved, which include cutting wires to remove the transponder antenna and using scanners as well as the assurance that comes with knowing you have an experienced professional working on your vehicle. It is possible to save money by going directly to the dealer to have the new chip installed.

Laser Cut Keys

Laser cut keys are a type of car key with an extremely secure blade. They were first introduced in the 1990s to prevent theft of vehicles. They are more difficult to duplicate and come with transponder chips embedded in their heads. The chips communicate with the ignition once they are placed into it, which stops the vehicle from starting if the incorrect key is used.

This technology does deter car thefts, but it's not able to stop them entirely. The unique blade and design of the key are difficult to copy, but thieves can still make use of it with the right tools to gain access to your vehicle. This is because traditional keys use an ordinary Lock And Key Repair Near Me cylinder that's easy to pick. However, laser keys have a sidewinder lock which is more difficult to pick.

The key is also more durable in comparison to conventional keys. The blade is made from hardened steel that can withstand a lot of wear and tear before fading out. If the key breaks or wears out, it's relatively inexpensive to repair it by locksmiths.

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're susceptible to being stolen or lost stolen if you do not take the proper steps to protect them.

Key Fobs

Key fobs aren't always reliable even though they're useful. They don't last forever and often stop working at the moment you most likely don't. A malfunctioning fob can leave you in a difficult situation, especially when you're putting in your trunk full of food items or heading off to work after an exhausting day. You might need to call for an locksmith or a tow truck and it may cost you a lot of money to get your vehicle back on the road.

The type of key as well as the materials used in the fob could affect the price. Brands are also a factor, as they tend to be more expensive. Certain fobs can be programmed by the owner while others require a dealer to reprogram them to the vehicle.

If your key fob doesn't respond or intermittently works, a simple battery replacement might fix the issue. These coin-shaped batteries typically cost $10 or less and can be purchased at hardware stores and big box retailers and even online. To replace the battery, gently break off the two halves of your key fob and then insert the new one with the same orientation.

If your key fob is damaged or no longer works correctly, you'll need to have it reprogrammed with the help of a dealer. You can do this yourself, but it's preferential to let it be done by a professional to avoid any accidental damage that could lead to costly repairs in the future. If you have a spare key and fob, you can skip this step and buy a replacement to save money. If, however, you've lost both fob key repair near me and keys it's worth the cost to have a dealership reprogram the new key and cut the new key simultaneously.