Keys Replacement For Cars If you have a basic mechanical key, you should be able to find a replacement at any hardware store for inexpensive. However, the key will have to be programmed by a locksmith or dealer. Smart keys are more complex and require a visit from the dealer for the keys to be paired with your car. They can be expensive, but many car insurance companies will pay for the cost. Mechanical Keys There are still car keys that are only mechanical, like the ones you insert into an ignition lock cylinder and then turn to start your car. If your car is equipped with one of these keys, replacing the key and fob is relatively cheap (if they're lost or stolen). A locksmith can cut an entry level key for you at a less price than you would buy from a dealership. You can also ask a neighbour or a friend who knows how to program transponder keys for aftermarket use (which are cheaper than the keys made by the factory) to make you a spare key and then program it. Getting a spare is important since modern cars won't be able to start when a key that isn't programmed with the correct chip is used. Transponder keys are like mechanical keys, but they contain an electronic chip inside the base. The chip communicates with the computer system of your vehicle. Your car will be able to recognize the code inside the chip and accept it, but it will not start if another code is utilized. If your spare key is equipped with a chip, you'll need to bring it to a dealer to get it programmed. The dealership will require an exclusive machine for cutting and programming the key. These machines are available only at certain dealerships. It is unlikely that a locksmith have the tools needed to create a key that has transponder. Keys with remotes are expensive to replace, especially if you need an extra. If you only have the shank of your key missing and a working replacement fob, you could try reprogramming your fob by yourself. However, car key replacements could be time-consuming and complicated. If you've lost the entire fob and the key, however you should seek out a dealer as your best bet. There are other types of car keys that require a specialized set of skills to replace, for example flip keys and smart keys. They are more complicated and typically need to be replaced at the dealership. Some key fobs have an electronic key that folds into the enclosure and opens doors or is operated by a proximity sensor to open and start your vehicle. Transponder Keys If your car was built in the past 10 years or so, it's likely to have a transponder key system. These keys contain an embedded microchip and the receiver is programmed to send a signal to start your vehicle. Transponder keys are a great way to stop theft because they require two components for the car to start which is the transmitter (transponder) inside the key and the receiver that is connected to your immobilizer system. Without both the key and the immobilizer system present, the car will not start and is impossible to hotwire. The key chips come with an individual serial number specific to your vehicle. The serial number of the key is sent to the immobilizer of the car and verified to be in line. If it does then the engine will begin. This security feature can only be defeated by a special device which can read the chip and match it with a different car. When you get a transponder-related key replaced, you'll need to visit an locksmith with the necessary equipment to reprogram the key into your vehicle. Some car dealerships provide this service as well but they tend to be more expensive than an independent locksmith because of their overhead. The process of getting a new car keys that has a chip in it is a complex procedure. The key needs to be cut using a particular machine to get the proper tracks that can then be used to program the key to your car. It requires specialized software, and the correct key cutter to do it properly. The majority of auto parts stores can duplicate some of the more basic keys for chips, but you must be aware of the serial number of the original key to ensure that the correct information is incorporated into the 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 are also known as sidewinder key because of the distinctive winding cut on the key shank. They provide an additional layer of security to your car. Because it requires specialized equipment to duplicate these keys, they're a fantastic protection against auto theft. They also come with built-in chips to prevent unauthorized key copying from starting your car. They also come with a unique code on the key that must be programmed to your specific vehicle in order to unlock and start it. This additional layer of security is a great option to protect your investment and deter thieves who may be trying to steal your car for parts or sell it to. Laser-cut keys differ from mechanically cut keys in terms of design. They have fewer grooves cut on the key. They also have a larger key shaft that is an indication that it's not your typical car key. Generally, locksmiths make use of milling tool to cut these types of keys. This type of machine looks much like a drill bit and is designed to remove metal with extremely precise, controlled angles. These are the safest keys that you can purchase for your vehicle. They are difficult to duplicate and must by cut by a certified locksmith or dealer. Unlike traditional keys, they're made from a small piece of steel which is shaped into a code and then cut with a laser in the factory. This type of key can withstand a lot wear and tear and is among the best options for protecting your vehicle. Depending on the key, it could fold into the fob or pop out with the click of a button. Keys like these are commonly used in German cars, and provide an extra layer of security against car thieves. They also make it difficult for thieves to pick your vehicle or pick-lock it because the cylinder is extremely durable and is difficult to break. Smart Keys Smart keys communicate with the vehicle using radio-frequency identification (RFID) instead of the traditional single piece of carved metal. This means they come with tiny chips that contain an encrypted code that is unique to each key. The key transmits a message to the onboard computer of your vehicle each time you unlock the doors or open the trunk. The computer will then prompt the right frequency that allows you to start your car. The smart key's chip comes with a variety of security features to guard against theft. First the key emits a low-frequency signal that can't be received by any receiver other than your car. If the computer onboard detects this signal it will transmit an additional signal that is an exclusive code that only your vehicle can comprehend. This stops a cyber-savvy criminal from using an external pulse generator to "fool" the system and make the key work for other vehicles. Certain smart keys come with specific features, like storing driver preferences and opening windows remotely, or the sunroof remotely and many more. These are accomplished by activating the key fob's proximity sensor or pressing a button on the key itself, or, in some instances, by twisting a tiny metal piece inside the key. Certain key fobs are opened by placing the dead key in a slot or by placing it near an inductive coil that is located on the dashboard. Some key fobs feature mechanical (fully emergency) key blade in the key. Replace a smart key requires an appointment with a dealer, where they can request the replacement or have it in stock. The dealer will also need to program the new key to recognize your vehicle. But, you can visit a locksmith to get your new key fob programmed and replaced. A locksmith might charge more than the dealer, but they'll likely be able to do the job more quickly and for less.
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