Car Key Replacements
Whether it's a simple lock-and-key keys or a sophisticated fob key, losing it could be costly. It's ideal to keep an extra key in your wallet.
The cheapest option is to contact an auto locksmith in the event that you have lost your key. A dealership may be more costly, but it's a good choice.
Mechanical Keys
Your car keys will likely be mechanical if you own an old vehicle that doesn't use key fobs. These standard keys can be made from steel, brass, or a combination between brass and nickel. They are cut using the key duplicator machine with the original key placed against one side of the machine and a blank key aligned with it to serve as an example. The original key is then cut using a special cutter to create a duplicate.
Transponder Keys
The majority of modern cars come with a transponder chip built into the key which is used to unlock and start the vehicle. The chips are typically placed in the head of the key, but can also be located in the ignition. When the key is turned in the ignition, the transponder transmits a signal that is received by the computer system of the car. The computer then analyzes the signal to verify that it matches the correct serial number.
This makes it virtually impossible for a stolen car to start without the owner's keys. If the signal isn't compatible the car's signal, it won't start and will remain locked. This is a huge advantage that helps to deter car thieves as the likelihood of someone else starting and driving away with your car are significantly decreased.
The downside of transponder keys is that it is more expensive than a traditional flat metal key. The transponder is a microchip that is expensive to create and put into the car key. Typically, these types keys can cost hundreds of dollars if purchased from a car dealer.
A locksmith can offer cheaper and more trustworthy transponder key replacements. Beishir Lock and Security has a wide selection of these keys and can reprogram the chip right on the spot to work with your car at only a fraction of the cost of the dealership.
When shopping around for a transponder replacement key ensure you request multiple estimates. There are a variety of factors that influence the final price, including the model and make of your car, if you have any additional features on your key, like a remote key-fob or a remote key-fob, and also where you'll go to copy it.
Ultimately, you should weigh the benefits of a transponder-based key against the cost and convenience. Transponder keys could be worth it in the long run, if you prioritize safety and protection. A car key without a transponder will not allow the vehicle to start.
Laser-Cut Keys
Although they may seem like something from an sci-fi film laser cut keys are actually quite common and provide an additional security measure for cars. These keys are made with special key cutting machines and are much harder to duplicate or steal from thieves than traditional cut keys.
In contrast to traditional keys with grooves cut into one side the laser cut keys feature slits that are tooled on both sides. They can be inserted in the lock cylinder either way and still work. They are thus more durable and robust than conventional keys.
As a bonus, they can also be used to unlock some locks with high security. This is because the slits are tooled into a specific depth that matches with the various codes used by car manufacturers. Finding the correct depth is essential since a wrongly cut blade could damage the machine that cuts keys and cause the key to stop functioning shortly after it is inserted into the lock cylinder.
The increased thickness and unique slits in laser cut car keys are less vulnerable to being copied or taken. Some keys include a transponder that is unique to your vehicle. This means that if someone copies your car key, even if it's equipped with transponder chip it will not be able to start your vehicle.
Keys for cars cut with lasers may be more expensive, but they are still less expensive than buying a new one from the dealership. Locksmiths are able to cut these keys faster than dealerships selling cars.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the quality of a laser cut car key could make all the difference. Info that is not of the right type can easily harm the machine that cuts keys or your lock cylinder, leading to a large repair bill. This is why it's crucial to get your laser cut car key from a reputable company that sells them to auto locksmiths.
Bibens Ace South Burlington has a wide range of replacement car key FOB keys for more than 250 different makes and model of vehicles. We also offer laser-cut sidewinder key. Visit us today to see how we can save you money on car key fob replacements without the hassle of going to a dealership!
Remote Keys
It wasn't too long ago that a car key was lost or losing it was not a huge deal. Call a locksmith to get a new key and leave. Today's cars are more technologically advanced and keys that go with them are more difficult to replace. They also are more difficult for thieves to copy. It's now more expensive to replace keys for cars that have been stolen.
The cost of replacing a key will differ according to the kind. For keys that are traditional, you can have one made for $10 at a hardware shop, or you can hire an automotive locksmith to visit you and create a key on the spot.
You'll have to take your smart key, transponder with switchblade or transponder that has remote start to the dealer to be changed. It can be costly and you may have to wait a long time for the manufacturer to send you an alternative key.
Sometimes, as with any other electronic device keys for cars will stop working for no apparent reason. Usually, this is due to extreme cold or heat, but it can be due to a bad battery or water in the key fob from rain or just wearing out over time. If you find that your car key is no longer responding, it's worth trying to reset it first before contacting an auto locksmith.
It's also important to know that your key fob will only work when it's within reach of the car. This is the reason it's essential to keep your key fob close to you at all times, and to not leave it in your pocket unless you're certain that you'll be able to return it swiftly.
A majority of people lose their keys to their cars by dropping them or misplacing keys. This can sometimes cause the key to break or get stuck in the lock. It's recommended to always have an extra.