Understanding the Different Types of Car Keys
A few years ago the loss of car keys weren't a big deal. In fact, you could purchase a spare from an auto parts shop or even your local locksmith.
Since cars have been upgraded to keep up with technological advancements, replacing lost keys is becoming more difficult and costly. Read on to learn more about the factors that influence the total cost of car key replacement.
Basic Keys
When people think of their car keys, many imagine a basic metal key that opens doors and turns on the engine. While those are the most common types of car keys but there are a variety of kinds that are more advanced and can provide enhanced security features. Knowing the distinctions between car keys will allow people know what to expect when they need to replace or repair them.
One of the most basic types of car keys is a standard one, which has been around for decades and is still the most popular choice for newer cars. These are the keys that you can purchase from an establishment that sells hardware and connect to your keychain. Standard keys are relatively cheap to copy, however they could cost a lot to replace when they're damaged or lost.
More modern options include the transponder keys, which has been in use since 1995 and is an extra secure option than traditional keys. These have microchips in the handle of the key, and are activated when inserted into the ignition. They are more expensive to replace in the event of loss or damage, but they are more secure against theft than traditional keys.
Switchblade keys are an alternative. They fold up into the form of a keyfob when they are not being used. They are a bit more expensive to replace than standard keys, but can be even more costly if the shank or handle of the key has been damaged.
Lastly, there are also smart keys that come with built-in Bluetooth trackers and remote starts. These keys are more expensive and may require locksmiths' specific tools to repair.
Mechanical Keys
In the past when you lost a car key or it stopped working out of the out of the blue, all you had to do was visit your local hardware store to get a replacement. Today things are more complicated. There are several types of vehicles on the market and each one has its own key. Depending on the type, replacing it may cost you more or less than $50.
Mechanical keys, also referred to as "insert and turn" keys are the simplest type. They are the keys that you were able to replace at the hardware store for pocket change. They do not have a transponder in them and are used for locking the trunk or door locks, but not to start the car.
key fob repair near me of key, which is the most common in use is the transponder key. car key repair company is equipped with a tiny transponder in the key's head that sends a coded message to the ignition system of your car to verify the authenticity of the key. This system was introduced in cars starting in 1995. It prevents them from being started with an unauthorised key or a lost one.
The first step in fixing this kind of key is to determine what is causing the malfunction. Most of the time the reason is due to a problem with the key cap or the key switch. To fix this problem, the cap of the key and switch need to be removed carefully using an instrument, and then cleaned and lubricated to fix the issue. Lubricating the switch is essential as it will help to solve issues such as key chatter. This is a reference to keys which allow multiple inputs to be detected when they are they are pressed.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys, also referred to as "chip keys", are an integral element of the anti-theft device in your car. The tiny microchip that is embedded in the head of the key transmits an electrical signal to the antenna ring that surrounds the ignition cylinder. The car will not start if the computer does not get the correct response. Most cars built since 1998 have this type of chip.
The issue is that they are more expensive to replace. Apart from having an entirely different design than traditional mechanical keys, they contain a special microchip that needs to be programmed into your vehicle's computer to work correctly.
This is accomplished by connecting the diagnostic tool to the car's computer and then entering the programming mode. This process can be more complicated than cutting a blank, because these devices aren't widely available in all locksmith shops, you may pay more than if you were to replace a mechanical key.
Another aspect is the make and model of your car. Certain manufacturers require special equipment to program their vehicles which can increase the cost.
Some prefer having an expert do the programming of their transponder keys. This is due to the complicated procedures, like cutting wires to take off 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 car. Based on the model and make you may be able to save money by visiting the car dealership to install the new chip.
Laser Cut Keys
Laser cut keys have a blade with a high level of security. They came on the scene in the 1990s and help to stop vehicle theft. They are difficult to duplicate, and they have transponder chips in their heads. The chips communicate with ignitions when they are inserted and prevent the vehicle from being started when keys that aren't the right ones are used.
This technology does prevent car thefts, however it's not enough to stop them completely. The unique blade shape is difficult to duplicate, however anyone with the right tools and equipment can still make use of it to gain access into your vehicle. This is because conventional keys have a standard lock that's easy for a burglar to pick. But laser keys come with a sidewinder lock cylinder which is more resistant to picking.
The key's design is also more durable than traditional keys. The blade is made of hardened steel, which can withstand a lot of wear and tear before fading out. If the key is damaged or wears out, it's fairly inexpensive to have it repaired by a locksmith.
While laser cut keys are more expensive than edge-cut counterparts, they offer increased security. The combination of the blade, transponder and the lock cylinder make it difficult to duplicate. They are still vulnerable to being lost or stolen if you don't make the proper precautions.
Key Fobs
Key fobs are not always reliable even though they're practical. They can't keep a charge for long, and they're likely to shut down when you most likely won't notice it. A malfunctioning keypad can put you in an embarrassing situation, particularly if you're putting in your car with groceries or leaving for work after an extended day. You might need to call for a locksmith or a tow truck, and it may cost a lot to get your vehicle back on the road.
There are many factors that affect the price of a fob, including the kind of key it comes with and the materials used. It also depends on the brand which is usually more expensive. Some fobs are programmed by the user, while others must be reprogrammed to the vehicle by a dealer.
If your key fob isn't responding or intermittently works, a simple battery replacement might fix the issue. The coin-shaped batteries can be found at hardware stores, online retailers and big box retailers for less than $10. To replace the battery, gently break apart the two halves of your key fob and insert the new battery with the same orientation.
It is necessary for your dealer to change the program if your key fob is damaged or is no longer functioning properly. Although you may be able to do this on your own however, it's best to let a professional handle it to avoid any accidental damage that could result in costly repairs in the future. If you have spare keys and fob, you could skip this step and purchase a new one to save money. If, however, you've lost both fob and keys it's worth the cost to have a dealer reprogram the new key and cut the new key at the same time.