Keys Replacement For Cars
You can purchase the replacement key for a mechanical key in any hardware store. However, this key will have to be programmed by a locksmith or dealership.
Smart keys are more complex and require a visit to a car dealer to be paired with your vehicle. They can be expensive however, many insurance companies will cover the cost.
Mechanical Keys
You can still buy mechanical keys for cars such as the ones you insert into the ignition lock cylinder to start your vehicle. If your car uses one of these keys, it's cheap to replace the key and fob (if lost or stolen).
A locksmith can create a new basic key for less than what you pay at a dealership. You can also have a friend or neighbor that knows how to program transponder keys that are made for the aftermarket (which are less expensive than factory keys) cut keys and program them. Getting a spare is important since modern cars won't be able to start if a key without the proper chip is used.
Transponder keys look a lot like mechanical keys, however they have a hidden electronic chip in the base of their plastic form that communicates with the computer system in your vehicle. Your car will recognize the code contained in the chip and accept it, but it will refuse to start if any other code is utilized.
If your spare key has chips, you'll have to bring it to a dealership to have it programmed. They will need to use a special machine to both cut the key and then program it. The machines are available at specific dealerships, and it is unlikely that a locksmith would have the tools needed to create a key with a transponder.
Keys with remotes are expensive to replace, especially if you need a spare. You can try reprogramming your fob on your own if you're just missing the shank on the key and you have a working replacement fob, but it can be difficult and time-consuming. You're better off contacting an authorized dealer if you've lost both the key and the fob.
There are other kinds 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 are operated by a proximity sensor or a door opener with a spring loaded mechanism.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed in the past 10 years or so, it's likely to have transponder keys. These keys contain a microchip and a receiver that is programmed to communicate to start your car.
Transponder keys are an excellent method to deter theft since they require two parts for the car to be able to start which is the transmitter (transponder) inside the key and the receiver that is connected to your immobilizer system. The car won't start without both the key and immobilizer system.
These key chips are programmed with a serial number that is unique to your vehicle. When the key is inserted into the ignition the serial number is sent to the immobilizer in the car and checked to ensure that it matches up, it will then allow the engine to start. The only thing that could defeat this security feature is a device that is able to detect the chip and match it with another vehicle.
You'll need to find a locksmith that has the equipment needed to reprogram your key. Some car dealerships offer this service as well but they are typically more expensive than a private locksmith because of their expenses.
It can be difficult to get an entirely new key that has chip. The key has to be cut using a specific machine in order to have the right tracks that can then be programmed to assign the key to your car. It requires specialized software and the correct key cutter to do it correctly.
Certain of the more basic chip keys can be copied at most auto part stores, but you must be aware of the serial number of the original key to ensure that the proper information is being transferred to the new key. Many people make a mistake by visiting their dealer to purchase the clone of a chip key and end up paying overpriced costs.
Laser-Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys are also referred to as a sidewinder keys due to the distinctive winding cut on the shank of the key. They add an extra layer of security to your car. Because it takes specialized machinery to duplicate these keys, they're a fantastic security measure against auto theft.
They also have built-in chips that prevent the copying of keys by unauthorized people from starting your car. They have a unique code that must be programmed into your vehicle to unlock it and begin it. This extra layer of security will protect your investment and stop thieves from trying to steal your vehicle for parts or to resell it.
Laser-cut keys differ from mechanically-cut keys in terms of design. They have fewer grooves cut on the key. The shaft of the key is more substantial, which is another sign that this is not a regular car key. Locksmiths usually use a milling machine to cut these keys. This kind of machine appears much like a drill bit and is designed to remove metal at very precise, controlled angles.
They're among the most secure keys you can get for your car, as they're very hard to replicate and only cut by a dealer or a licensed locksmith. They're not created using traditional keys. Instead, they are constructed from a small piece of steel that is shaped to a code at the factory before being cut using laser. This type of key is able to endure a lot of wear and tear, and is among the best options for protecting your vehicle.
The key can be folded in the fob, or it can be released by pressing the button. These kinds of keys are commonly used in German cars and offer an additional layer of security against car thieves. The cylinder is also very tough and difficult to break into, making it extremely difficult for a thief pick or pick-lock the vehicle.
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Unlike the traditional single piece of carved metal, smart keys make use of RFID, also known as radio-frequency identification for short, to communicate with the car. They are equipped with a chip that has a unique code, which is encoded on every key. When you open your car doors or pop the trunk key, it transmits a signal to your car's onboard computer. The computer will then prompt the correct frequency to allow you to start your vehicle.
The chip in the smart key is equipped with several security features to protect it from theft. The key emits an extremely low-frequency signal that can only be detected by your vehicle. If the computer onboard detects this signal, it will trigger an alternative one that's an exclusive sequence that only your vehicle will understand. This will stop a criminal with a high-tech background from using an external generator to "fool" the system and create the key function for other vehicles.
Some smart keys offer specific features, like saving preferences for drivers, opening windows remotely or the sunroof remotely and many other. This can be accomplished by activating the key's proximity sensor or pressing a button on the key, or, in some instances, by twisting a tiny metal part inside the key.
Certain key fobs can be opened by holding the dead key in a slot, or by placing it near an inductive coil on the dashboard. Certain key fobs come with a mechanical (fully emergency) key blade inside the key.
Replacing a key with a smart chip typically requires a visit the dealer, who will either have the replacement in stock or order it for you. They'll also need to program the new key to recognize the car you are driving. But, you can go to a locksmith shop to have your new key fob programmed and replaced. A locksmith may cost more than a dealer, however, they can complete the task faster and at a lower cost.