20 Things You Need To Know About Car Key Replacements

Car Key Replacements

The loss of a key could be expensive, whether it's a standard lock-and-key or a sophisticated key fob. The best way to avoid this is to always have a spare in your wallet.

If you've lost a key, the cheapest solution is to hire an auto locksmith. A dealership can be more expensive, but it is a good choice.

Mechanical Keys

If you own an older vehicle that doesn't utilize key fob technology, your car keys are likely mechanical. The standard keys are made of steel, brass or a mixture of nickel and brass. They are cut with the key duplicator machine with the original key placed against one side of the machine and an unaligned blank key placed next to it to function as a template. The original key is then cut with a specially-designed cutter to create a duplicate.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are built into the majority of modern cars keys. These chips are used to unlock the car and then start it. These chips can be found in the ignition, or the key head. The transponder sends an electronic signal to the computer in the car when the key is turned into the ignition. The computer examines the signal and ensures that it matches with the correct serial number.

It is almost impossible to start a car without the owner's keys. If the signal doesn't match the car's signal, it won't start and remain locked. This is a huge benefit to help deter car thefts as it reduces the likelihood of someone else stealing your vehicle.

The downside of a transponder key is that it's more expensive than a traditional flat metal key. The reason for this is that the transponder has a tiny microchip that isn't cheap to make and put into the car key. Typically, these kinds of keys can cost hundreds of dollars purchased through the car dealership.

A locksmith can offer much less expensive and trustworthy transponder key replacements. Beishir Lock and Security carries a large assortment of these keys and can even modify the chip to work with your car in-the-moment for a fraction of cost of a dealership.

Be sure to check out quotes when shopping for a replacement transponder key. There are a variety of factors that influence the final cost, including the model and make of your car, whether you have additional features on the key like a remote key-fob and the location you choose to copy it.

In the end, you need to evaluate the advantages of a transponder key against the cost and ease of use. If you are concerned about security and safety, then a transponder key may be worth the investment in the long run. Additionally, the majority of modern cars come with an immobilizer that won't allow the car to start if a non-transponder keys is utilized, so this is another aspect to take into consideration.

Laser-Cut Keys

Although they may appear like something from a sci-fi movie Laser cut keys are actually quite common and provide an extra layer of security for vehicles.  key car replacement  that require special key cutting equipment and are much more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick than traditional cut keys.

Unlike traditional keys that feature grooves cut into one side the laser cut keys have slits tooled on both sides. They can be inserted in the lock cylinder either way and still function. They are therefore more durable and thicker than standard keys.

They can also be used as a bonus to open high-security locks. The slits are made to a particular depth, which is in line with the codes of various automobile manufacturers. It is important to get the correct depth as an incorrectly-cut blade can damage the cutting machine, and cause the key not to work after it is placed into the lock.

The distinctive slits and greater thickness of the car keys laser-cut make them more resistant to copying. Additionally the majority of these keys have transponder chips that are unique to your vehicle. This means that even if a person copies your car's key with a transponder chip it won't be capable of starting your vehicle.

While these extra layers of security may make a laser cut car key more expensive than other keys however, the reality is that they're still less expensive than buying a new one from your dealership. Additionally, locksmiths are usually able to cut these keys more quickly than a car dealership.

Another aspect to be aware of is that the quality of a laser-cut car key could make all the difference. The wrong blade can easily damage the key cutting machine or lock cylinder, leaving you with a huge repair bill. This is why it's crucial to purchase your laser cut car key from a reliable supplier who sells them to auto locksmiths.

Bibens Ace South Burlington has a large choice of car key replacement FOB keys that fit more than 250 different models and brands of vehicles. We also have laser-cut sidewinder keys. Stop by today and see how we can help save you money on replacement car key fobs without the hassle of going to a dealership!

Remote Keys

It wasn't long ago that losing your car key or losing it was not a big deal. You could contact a locksmith, get an alternate and then drive away. The cars of today are more technologically advanced and the keys that correspond to them may be more difficult to replace. They can also be difficult to steal. This means that if you lose your car keys, it can be more expensive than before to replace it.

The cost of replacing a key will differ depending on the type. For traditional keys you can have an exact copy made for around $10 at a hardware shop, or you can get an automotive locksmith to visit you and make a copy on the spot.

If you own an electronic key, transponder keys with switchblade, or a transponder key that has remote start, you'll have to visit your dealer to have it replaced. This can be expensive, and you might have to wait for a long time for the manufacturer to send you a new key.

The car key may stop working for no apparent reason as do other electronic devices. It is usually due to extreme heat or cold however, it can be due to an unsatisfactory battery or water in the keyfob after rain. It's worth resetting your car keys prior to calling an auto locksmith if you notice that it is not responding.

It's also important to know that your key fob will only function if it's within range of the car. This is why it's important to keep your key fob with you at all times and to not leave it in your pocket unless you are certain that you'll be able to return it quickly.

The majority of people lose their keys to their car by dropping them or misplacing keys. In certain instances this could cause it to break or be stuck in the lock and that's why it's a good idea to have an extra available at all times.