Keys Replacement For Cars
You can purchase an alternative key for a mechanical key at any hardware shop. However, remote control car key replacement will have to be programmed by a locksmith or dealer.
Smart keys are more complex and require a visit from the car dealer to be paired with your car. These keys are expensive however, many insurance companies will cover the cost.
Mechanical Keys
You can still purchase car keys that are solely mechanical, like the ones you insert into an ignition lock cylinder, and turn to start your vehicle. If your vehicle is equipped with one of these keys, it's affordable to replace the key and fob (if lost or stolen).
A locksmith can make you a new basic key at a lower cost than what you pay at a dealership. You can also ask a neighbor or friend who is able to program transponder keys for aftermarket use (which are less expensive than keys made by the factory) to cut you a spare and have it programmed. A spare key is crucial because modern cars won't start when a key is not programmed with the correct chip is used.
Transponder keys are like mechanical keys, but contain an electronic chip in the base. This chip communicates with the computer system in your vehicle. The car will accept the code in the chip, but it will not start if you choose another code.
If your spare key has chips, you'll have to bring it to a dealership to have it programmed. The dealership will require a special machine for both cutting and programming the key. These machines are available only at specific dealerships, and it is unlikely that a locksmith have the tools needed to create a key that has transponder.
Keys with remotes cost a lot to replace, particularly when you require a spare. You could try reprogramming your fob yourself if you're only missing the shank on the key and you have a working replacement fob, but it could be difficult and time-consuming. If you've lost your entire fob and the key but you're not sure it's best to contact a dealer as the best option.
Other types of car keys require more specialized skills to replace. These include flip keys and smart key. These are more complex and are usually replaced at the dealership. Some key fobs have a spring-loaded key that folds into the enclosure and opens a door, or they're operated with the use of a proximity sensor to open and start your vehicle.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed in the recent 10 years or so it's likely to use a transponder key system. The keys contain a microchip within the key itself and the car's receiver that both have been programmed to communicate with one another to start the vehicle.
Transponder keys are an excellent way to stop theft because they require two parts for the car to start - the transmitter (transponder) in the key and the receiver connected to your immobilizer system. Without both the key and the immobilizer device in place, the car won't start and it is not possible to hotwire.
Key chips have an unique serial number that is specific to your vehicle. When the key is inserted into the ignition the serial number is then sent to the immobilizer in the car and verified that it matches up and allows the engine to run. The only thing that can be a hindrance to this security feature is a device that is able to detect the chip and match it with another vehicle.
You'll require an locksmith with the equipment needed to reprogram your key. Some car dealerships provide this service as well but they are generally more expensive than a private locksmith because of their costs.
It can be difficult to obtain an entirely new key that has a chip. To program your car, the key has to be programmed on a specific machine. This requires specialized software and the right key cutter to be done correctly.
Some of the simpler chip keys can be cloned at a variety of auto parts stores, but you need to know the serial number of the original key to ensure that the proper information is being encoded into the new key. Many people make the error of visiting a dealer to get a chip key copied and end with a bill that is higher than what they need to.
Laser-Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys, also known as sidewinder keys due to their distinctive winding cuts to the shank of the key, add an extra layer of security to your vehicle. These keys are a great security measure against theft of your vehicle because they require specialized equipment to duplicate.
They also have built-in chips to stop unauthorised key copying from launching your vehicle. They come with a unique code that needs to be programmed into your car in order to unlock it and start it. This extra layer of security will safeguard your investment and stop thieves from attempting to steal your car for parts or to resell it.
Laser-cut keys differ slightly from mechanically-cut keys in terms of design. They have fewer grooves that are carved on the key. They also have a more robust key shaft which is an excellent indication that it's not your regular car key. Locksmiths typically use a milling machine to cut keys. This kind of machine appears like a drill and is designed to remove metal with extremely precise, controlled angles.
These are the most secure keys you can buy for your vehicle. They are extremely difficult to duplicate and must be cut by a certified locksmith or dealer. They're not made using traditional keys. Instead, they are made from a small piece steel that is cut to form a code in the factory and then cut with the laser. This type of key can be able to withstand a great deal of wear and tear and is among the best options for protecting your vehicle.
Depending on the key, it will fold into the fob or be released by pressing a button. These types of keys are typically used in German automobiles and provide an additional layer of security against car thieves. The cylinder is tough and difficult to break into, making it very difficult for a thief pick or pick-lock the car.
Smart Keys
Smart keys communicate with the vehicle using radio-frequency identification (RFID) instead of the conventional single piece of carved metal. This means that they are equipped with a small chip that has an encrypted code that is unique to each key. The key sends a signal to the onboard computer of your vehicle every time you open the doors or open the trunk. The computer then signals the right frequency which allows you to open your car and start it.
The smart key's chip also has a number of security features to guard against theft. The key emits a low-frequency signal, which will only be detected by your vehicle. If the computer onboard detects this signal it will transmit another one that is unique and only your vehicle can comprehend. This will stop a criminal with a high-tech background from using an external pulse generator to "fool" the system and create the key function for other vehicles.
In addition to locking and starting the car, certain smart keys come with additional features such as storing particular driver preferences remotely opening windows, the sunroof, and many more. These features can be accessed by activating the proximity sensor on the key fob, pressing a button or, in certain instances you can do this by twisting a small piece of metal inside the key.
Most key fobs come with an unlock button that opens the doors for themselves, but some have an additional method to open them by a slot or placing the dead key in an area on the dashboard, where it is able to hold an inductive coil that is able to transfer energy. Some even include an emergency (fully mechanical) key blade that is hidden inside the key to enable this.
Replacing a key with a smart chip usually requires a visit to the dealership, who will either have the replacement on hand or make it available for you to purchase. They'll also have to program the new key to recognize your vehicle. You can also go to an locksmith to get your replacement key fob to be programmed and replaced. A locksmith may charge more than the dealer, but they'll be able to finish the job quicker and for less.