7 Things About Car Key Replacements You'll Kick Yourself For Not Knowing
Car Key Replacements
Losing a key can be costly, regardless of whether it's an ordinary lock-and-key or a sophisticated key fob. The best way to prevent this is to always keep one in your wallet.
The cheapest option is to contact an auto locksmith if you lose your key. A dealership is more expensive but a solid option.
Mechanical Keys
Your car keys will likely be mechanical if you own an old vehicle that does not use key fobs. The standard keys are made of steel, brass, or a combination between nickel and brass. The keys are cut using the key duplicator, which utilizes an uncut key as a template, and an original key on the opposite side of the machine. The original key is cut using an specialized cutter to make the duplicate.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are incorporated into most newer cars keys. These chips are used to unlock the car and begin it. The chips are located in the ignition or on the key head. The transponder sends an electronic signal to the car's computer when the key is turned into the ignition. The computer then analyzes the signal to verify that it matches the correct serial number.
It's almost impossible to start an automobile without the owner's keys. If the signal doesn't match, the vehicle will not start. This is an excellent benefit to help deter car thefts, as it reduces the likelihood of someone else stealing your vehicle.
Transponder keys cost more than a standard metal key. The transponder is a microchip which is expensive to manufacture and integrate into a car key. These keys are typically expensive when purchased from a dealership for cars.
A locksmith can offer cheaper and more reliable transponder key replacements. Beishir Lock and Security has an extensive selection of these keys and will program the chip on the spot to work with your vehicle for only a fraction of the cost of the dealership.
Be sure to check out prices when you are looking for a replacement transponder key. The final price is influenced by many factors, such as the model and make of your vehicle, any additional features you can get on the key (such as a remote-control key fob) and the location you select to have it copied.
In the end, it is important to weigh the benefits of a transponder against the expense and convenience. Transponder keys may be worth it in the long run in the event that you are concerned about safety and protection. A car key that isn't transponder-compatible won't allow the car to start.
Laser-Cut Keys
Although they may sound like something out of the sci-fi genre laser cut keys are actually quite common and provide an additional security measure for cars. These keys are created with specialized key cutting machines and are much harder to duplicate or steal from thieves than traditional cut keys.
Laser cut car keys differ from traditional keys that have grooves on one side. They also have two slits on the sides. They can be put into the lock cylinder in any way and still function. As a result, they tend to be more robust and durable than conventional keys.
They are also used as a bonus to unlock certain locks with high security. This is due to the slits being tooled into a specific depth that matches with the different car manufacturers' codes. It is important to get the correct depth as a blade that is cut incorrectly could damage the cutting machine, and cause the key not to work after it is inserted into the lock.
The unique slits and increased thickness of car keys cut with lasers make them more resistant to being copied. Many of these keys also contain transponder chip that is unique to your car. This means that anyone who copies your car key, even if it contains transponder chip, they will not be able to start your car.
Laser cut car keys may be more expensive however they are less expensive than buying a new one from a dealership. Additionally, locksmiths can often cut these keys more quickly than car dealerships.
Another important thing to remember is that the quality of a laser-cut car key can make all the difference. The wrong type of blade can easily harm the machine that cuts keys or the cylinder of your lock, leading to a large repair bill. This is why it's crucial to purchase your laser-cut car key from a trusted supplier who sells them to auto locksmiths.
Bibens Ace South Burlington offers a variety of replacement car key fob keys for over 250 different models and makes of vehicles, in addition to sidewinder keys laser-cut. Visit us today to see how you can save money on car fob replacements, without having to go to an auto dealer!
Remote Keys
It wasn't long ago that losing your car key or losing it was not a big deal. Call g28carkeys to get a new key and then drive away. Today, however, cars are much more technologically advanced, and the corresponding keys are more difficult to replace and even more difficult for thieves to copy. It's now more expensive to replace keys for cars that have been stolen.
Depending on the type of key you have, the cost to replace it will vary. You can have traditional keys for $10 at your local hardware store or hire an automotive locksmith who will come to you to make it immediately.
If you have a smart key, transponder key with a switchblade, or a transponder key that has remote start, you'll have to visit your dealer to have it replaced. This can be very costly and may take a while to order the new key from the manufacturer, which could delay getting back on the road.
Your car key can not function for no apparent cause as do other electronic devices. This is often due to extreme heat or cold however, it can also be caused from an ineffective battery or the presence of water in the keyfob from rain. It's worth resetting your car keys prior to calling an auto locksmith if you find that it is not responding.
It is important to know that your keyfob will only work if you're within the reach of the vehicle. This is the reason it's essential to keep your key fob with your person at all times, and never let it go out of your pocket unless you're certain that you can return it promptly.
The most common method of losing a car key is by not locating it or dropping it. In some cases this could cause it to break or become stuck in the lock and this is why it's an ideal idea to have an extra available at all times.