Understanding the Different Types of Car Keys
In the past, misplacing-or worse, losing-your car keys wasn't a big deal. You could buy keys at your local auto parts shop or locksmith.
Since cars have been upgraded to adapt to technological advances replacing keys lost in the car is becoming more difficult and costly. Find out more about what factors into the total cost of a car key replacement.
Basic Keys
When people think of their car keys, they could think of a basic metal key that can open doors and start the engine. There are many more advanced kinds of keys for cars that can offer enhanced security. Knowing the distinctions between car keys will help people to know what to expect when they have to replace or repair them.
One of the most basic kinds of car keys is a standard one, that has been in use for decades and is still the most popular choice for the latest cars. These are the keys you can buy at a hardware store and hook to your keychain. Keys that are standard can be copied for an affordable price however they can be costly to replace in the event of loss or damaged.
car key repair cost include the transponder key which has been in use since 1995 and is a more secure solution than traditional keys. Microchips are incorporated into the handle of the key, and activated when the key is inserted into the ignition. car keys repairs near me can be more expensive to replace if they are damaged or lost, but provide greater security against theft than traditional keys.
Switchblade keys are an alternative. They fold up into a keyfob when not being used. They are a bit more expensive to replace than standard keys, but can be more costly when the handle or shank of the key is damaged.
There are also smart keys that have built-in Bluetooth trackers, as well as remote starters. These keys are more expensive and could require locksmiths' special tools to repair.
Mechanical Keys
In the past when you lost your car key or it stopped working completely out of the sudden, all you needed to do was head to the local hardware store and obtain a replacement. Today things are more complicated. There are many kinds of vehicles on the market and each comes with a distinct key. Based on the type of car it may cost more or less than 50 dollars.
Mechanical keys, also known as "insert and turn" keys are the simplest kind. These were the keys that you could replace at the hardware shop for a few pennies. They do not come with an electronic transponder, and are used to secure the trunk or doors but not to start the car.
The transponder keys are the other type, and is the most frequently used. It has an internal transponder within the head that sends a coded signal to your car's ignition system to verify that the key is valid. This feature was added to cars in 1995 and prevents them from being started if an unauthorized or lost key is used.
To fix this kind of key, the first step is to figure out what is causing it to malfunction. In most cases the issue is with the cap on the key or switch is the culprit. To fix this issue the key cap and the key switch should be carefully removed using an instrument, and then cleaned and lubricated in order to resolve the problem. Lubricating the switch on the key is a crucial step as this can help to eliminate issues like key chatter which refers to keys that register multiple inputs each press.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys (also called "chip" keys) are an important part of the anti-theft system in your car. The tiny microchip that is embedded in the head of the plastic key transmits signals to the antenna ring around the ignition cylinder. If the computer in the car does not receive the correct response from the transponder, it won't start. This type of chip is found in most cars manufactured since 1998.
The issue is, the same feature that makes these kinds of keys more secure also makes them more expensive to replace. Apart from having an entirely different design than traditional mechanical keys, they also have a specific microchip that must be programmed into your car's computer to function properly.
This is accomplished by connecting an instrument for diagnostics to the car's computer and then entering the programming mode. It can be more difficult than just cutting a new blank, and due to the fact that these tools aren't readily accessible in every locksmith shop you'll be charged more than with the replacement of the basic mechanical key.
The model and make of your vehicle is another important factor. Certain manufacturers have their own specialized equipment that must be used in order to program their vehicles, which can increase the cost.
Some prefer having professionals handle the programming of their transponder key. This is because of the complicated procedures involved, including cutting wires to disconnect the transponder antenna, and using scanners, and the extra assurance that comes with knowing you are working with a professional who is experienced on your vehicle. You may be able save money by going directly to the dealer to have your new chip installed.
Laser Cut Keys
Laser cut keys come with a blade with a high degree of security. They were first introduced in the 1990s to prevent theft of vehicles. They are much harder to duplicate than traditional keys and have transponder chips inside their heads. The chips communicate with ignitions when inserted to stop the vehicle from being started if the wrong keys are used.
While this technology helps deter car thieves, it doesn't prevent them from doing so completely. The unique blade shape are difficult to duplicate, but thieves with the appropriate tools and equipment could still use it to gain entry into your vehicle. This is because traditional keys have a standard lock cylinder that's easy to pick. Laser keys, however, come with an asymmetrical cylinder lock that is more difficult to pick.
The key is also more durable to conventional keys. The blade is made of hardened steel, which can withstand wear and wear for a long time before it begins to wear out. If the key wears out or is accidentally snagged in half, it's relatively inexpensive to replace it by a seasoned locksmith.
While laser cut keys are more expensive than edge-cut counterparts but they offer increased security. The combination of the blade design, the lock cylinder, and the transponder chip makes them more difficult to duplicate or pick. However, they're susceptible to being stolen or lost stolen if you do not take the necessary security measures to ensure their safety.
Key Fobs
Key fobs may not be reliable even though they're practical. They don't last forever and often stop working when you least expect them. You could find yourself in an embarrassing situation if your device fails particularly when you are carrying around a large amount of groceries or going to work after a tiring day. You might need to call an emergency locksmith or tow truck and it could cost a lot of money to get your vehicle back on the road.
There are many factors that affect the price of a fob. These include the type of key it is made of and the materials used. It also depends on the brand, which typically costs more. Some fobs can be programmed by the owner, while others require a dealer reprogram them to the vehicle.
If your key fob does not function or functions intermittently, a replacement battery might be the solution. These coin-shaped batteries typically cost less than $10 and can be purchased at hardware stores or big box retailers and even online. To replace the battery, gently pry apart the two halves of the key fob and insert the new battery with the same orientation.
It's up to your dealer change the program if your key fob has been damaged or is no longer working properly. car key repair cost can do this yourself, but it's better to leave it to a professional to avoid any accidental damage which could lead to expensive repairs in the future. You can save money by buying a new key and fob in the event that you already have one. If you've lost your key and fob together, it's worth it to have the dealer reprogram the key and cut a brand new key at the exact same at the same time.