Understanding the Different Types of Car Keys
A few years ago the loss of car keys was not a big deal. You could purchase keys at your local auto parts store or locksmith.
However, as vehicles have advanced to meet the demands of technology the process of replacing keys has become more complicated and costly. Learn more about the factors that affect the total cost of car key replacement.
Basic Keys
When people think about their car keys, they often imagine a basic metal key that opens doors and turns on the engine. There are many more advanced kinds of keys for cars that can provide greater security. Knowing the differences between different types of keys for cars can help people anticipate what to anticipate when replacing or repairing keys.
Keys that are standard are the simplest type of car key. They've been in use for decades, and they are still the most popular option for newer vehicles. my latest blog post are the keys that you can buy at an hardware store and then connect to your keychain. Standard keys are relatively inexpensive to copy, but can be expensive to replace in the event that they are lost or damaged.
More modern options include the transponder keys, which has been in use since 1995 and provides security over traditional keys. Microchips are embedded in the handle of the key and activated when the key is put into the ignition. These can be more expensive to replace if lost or damaged, but provide greater security against theft than conventional keys.
Another alternative is the switchblade that folds down into an accessory key fob when it is not in use. These are a little more expensive to replace than standard keys, however they can be more costly if the shank or handle of the key is damaged.
There are also smart keys that have built-in Bluetooth trackers and remote starters. These keys are more expensive and require locksmiths' tools to repair.
Mechanical Keys
In the past when you lost a car key or it stopped working completely out of the sudden, all you needed to do was go to your local hardware store to find an alternative. Things are a bit more complicated today. There are numerous kinds of cars on the road and each comes with an individual key. Based on the type of car it can cost more or less than 50 dollars.
Mechanical keys are the simplest type. They're also referred to as "insert-and-turn" keys. These were the keys that you could replace at the hardware shop for a few pennies. They do not contain a transponder within them and are used for locking the trunk or door locks but not for starting the car.
The transponder key is the other type that is commonly used. This key has an internal transponder within the head that transmits a coded signal the ignition system in your car to verify that the key is in fact valid. This system was added to cars in 1995 and prevents the ignition from starting when a lost or stolen key is used.
To fix this type of key the first step is to identify what's causing the malfunction. In the majority of cases, the cause is due to a problem with the cap of the key or the key switch. To fix this problem, the key cap or the key switch will need to be removed carefully using a tool. They will then need to be cleaned and lubricated. Lubricating the switch is important since it can eliminate issues like key chatter. This refers to keys that can register multiple inputs when they are they are pressed.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys (also called "chip" keys) are an essential part of your car's anti-theft security system. The microchip inside the plastic head of the car key transmits the signal to the antenna ring around the ignition piston. The car will not start if the computer doesn't get the correct response. This type of chip is present in the majority of cars made since 1998.
The problem is that they're more expensive to replace. They are not only different from traditional mechanical keys in terms of design however, they also have an electronic chip that must be programmed into the car's computer for them to work.
This is accomplished by connecting the diagnostic tool to the car's computer and then entering a programming mode. This process is more complex than cutting a blank, because these devices aren't widely available in all locksmith shops, you might be charged more than if you were to replace a mechanical key.
Another aspect is the make and model of the car you are driving. Certain manufacturers require special equipment to program their vehicles and increase the cost.
Some prefer to have a professional program their transponder keys. This is due to the intricate procedures involved, including cutting wires to remove the transponder antenna and utilizing a scanning device and the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have an experienced professional working on your vehicle. You could save money if you go directly to the dealership to have the new chip installed.
Laser Cut Keys Keys
Laser cut keys are a form of car key with high-security blade. They were first introduced in the 1990s to combat vehicle theft. They are more difficult to duplicate and have transponder chips embedded in their heads. The chips communicate with the ignition once they are placed into it, which stops the vehicle from starting in the event that the incorrect key is used.
While this technology helps stop car thieves from entering your home however, it isn't able to stop them completely. The unique blade design is difficult to duplicate, however a burglar with the right tools and equipment can still use it to gain entry into your car. This is because traditional keys have a standard lock cylinder that's easy to pick. Laser keys, however, have a sidewinder lock cylinder, which is much more resistant to picking.
The key's design is also more durable than traditional keys. The blade is made from hardened steel, which can withstand lots of wear and tear before eventually wearing out. However, if the key does wear out or is accidentally snapped in half, it's relatively cheap to have it replaced by a professional locksmith.
While laser cut keys are more expensive than their edge-cut counterparts but they offer greater security. The combination of the blade, transponder and the lock makes it harder to duplicate. However, they're vulnerable to being lost or stolen if you do not take the proper steps to protect them.
Key Fobs
While they're handy but key fobs can be finicky. They don't hold a charge for long, and they're likely to stop functioning at the moment you aren't expecting it. You could end up in an embarrassing situation if your device fails in the middle of taking your trunk full of groceries or going to work after a exhausting day. It's possible to call for an locksmith or a tow truck, and it can cost you a lot of money to get your vehicle back on the road.
The type of key and the materials used in the fob could influence the cost. It also depends on the brand, which typically costs more. Certain fobs are programmed by the person using them, while others need to be reprogrammed by a dealer.
If your key fob will not work or is working infrequently, a new battery may be the solution. These coin-shaped battery are available at hardware stores, online retailers and big box retailers for $10 or less. To replace the battery, gently pull off the two halves of the key fob and then insert the new one with the same orientation.
You'll need your dealer to reprogramme it if your key fob is damaged or isn't working properly. You can do it yourself, but it's better to let it be done by a professional to avoid accidental damage which could result in costly repairs in the future. If you have a spare key and fob, you could bypass this step and purchase a replacement to save money. If you've lost your key and fob together, it's worth the cost to have the dealer reprogram the key and cut a brand new key at the exact same at the same time.