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Understanding the Different Types of Car Keys

In the past misplacing or even losing your car keys wasn't a big deal. You could buy a spare key at the local auto parts store or locksmith.

As cars have evolved to accommodate technological advances, replacing lost keys is becoming more difficult and costly. Find out more about the elements that affect the cost of a replacement car key.

Basic Keys

When people think about their car keys, many imagine a basic metal key that opens doors and starts the engine. While these are the most popular kinds of keys for cars however, there are other kinds that are more sophisticated and offer enhanced security features. Knowing the distinctions between different types of keys for cars will help people determine what to expect when replacing or fixing keys.

One of the most basic types of car keys is a standard one, that has been used for decades and is still the most popular choice for cars with modern technology. These are the keys you can buy at a hardware shop and attach to your keychain. Keys of the standard type are affordable to duplicate, but could cost a lot to replace when they're damaged or lost.

Transponder keys are a new alternative that has been in use since 1995. They provide an extra-secure alternative to traditional keys. These have microchips in the handle of the key and are activated when inserted into the ignition. They are more costly to replace in the event of damage or loss, but they offer greater protection against theft than standard keys.

Switchblade keys are another option. They fold down into an accessory keyfob when not used. They're a bit more expensive to replace than standard keys, however they can be more costly in the event that the handle or shank of the key has been damaged.

There are also smart keys that have built-in Bluetooth trackers and remote key repairs starters. They are more expensive than standard keys, and may require a locksmith's special tools to repair.

Mechanical Keys

In the past when you lost a car key or it stopped working completely out of the blue, all you had to do was visit your local hardware store where to repair car key remote obtain an alternative. It's a little more complicated now. There are a variety of vehicles in use and each one has its own key. Based on the model the key is replaced, it could cost you more or less than $50.

Mechanical keys are the most basic type. They're also known as "insert-and-turn" keys. They were the keys you could replace at the hardware shop for a few cents. They do not have a transponder in them and are used to lock the trunk or door locks but not for starting the car.

The other type of key, which is the most common in use is the transponder keys. The key is equipped with a transponder inside the key head that transmits a coded signal the ignition system of your vehicle to confirm that the key is in fact valid. This system was added to automobiles in 1995 and prevents the ignition from starting in the event that a stolen or unauthorised key is used.

To fix this type of key, the first step is to determine what is causing it to malfunction. Most of the time, a problem with either the cap of the key or the switch is the reason. To fix this problem, the key cap or the key switch will need to be removed with care using an instrument. Then, they will need to be cleaned and lubricated. Lubricating the switch on the key is essential as it will help in removing issues like key chatter that refers to keys that register multiple inputs with each press.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys (also called "chip" keys) are an essential part of your car's anti-theft system. The small microchip embedded in the plastic head of the key transmits a signal to the antenna ring around the cylinder that controls the ignition. If the computer of the car isn't receiving the correct response from the transponder, it won't be able to start. This kind of chip is found in most cars manufactured from 1998 onwards.

The issue is that the same feature that makes these kinds of keys more secure also makes them more expensive to replace. In addition to 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 work correctly.

This is accomplished by connecting an instrument for diagnostics to the computer in your car and entering the programming mode. This procedure can be more complex than cutting a blank, because these devices aren't available in all locksmith shops, you might have to pay more than if were to replace the mechanical key repair service.

The make and model of your vehicle is an additional aspect. Certain manufacturers have their own specialized equipment that must be used in order to program their vehicles, which could increase the cost.

Some people prefer that a professional program their transponder keys. This is due to the complicated procedures, such as cutting wires to remove the transponder's antenna, and using a scanner device, and also the peace of mind that comes from knowing that a professional is working on your car. Depending on your model and make you may be in a position to save money by bringing your car directly to the dealership to arrange to install your new chip.

Laser Cut Keys

Laser cut keys have an edge that is high level of security. They came on the scene in the 1990s and help to combat vehicle theft. They are harder to duplicate and come with transponder chips embedded within their heads. The chips communicate with ignitions when they are inserted to stop the vehicle from being started in the event that keys that are not the correct ones are used.

While this technology can stop car thieves from entering your home, it doesn't prevent them completely. The unique blade and design of the key are hard to duplicate, but a burglar can still use it with the proper tools to gain access to your car. This is because traditional keys use the standard lock cylinder, which is easy to pick. Laser keys, however, have the sidewinder cylinder lock, which is much more difficult to pick.

The key's design is also more durable than conventional keys. The blade is constructed of hardened steel and is able to withstand wear and tear for a long time before it begins to wear out. However, if the key does wear out or is accidentally snapped in half, it's relatively affordable to have it replaced by a professional locksmith.

While laser-cut keys are more expensive than edge-cut counterparts but they offer greater security. The combination of the blade, transponder and the lock cylinder make it more difficult to duplicate. However, they are still susceptible to being stolen or lost stolen if you do not take the necessary precautions to keep them safe.

Key Fobs

Although they're useful, key fobs can be tricky. They won't last forever and are likely to cease working at the moment you most likely don't. You may find yourself in a compromising situation if the fob key repair fails particularly when you are carrying around a large amount of groceries or heading to work after a exhausting day. You may need to call an locksmith or a tow truck and it could cost a lot to get your vehicle back on the road.

The type of key as well as the materials used in the fob may affect the cost. It also depends on the manufacturer that is more expensive. Some fobs are programmed by the user, while others need to be programmed by a dealer.

If your key fob doesn't respond or doesn't work at all If your key fob is not responding or working intermittently, a simple replacement of the battery might fix the issue. The coin-shaped battery are available at hardware stores, online retailers and big box retailers for $10 or less. To replace the battery, gently pull the two parts of the key fob and then insert the new one in the same way as the old one.

If your key fob is damaged or doesn't function properly, you'll have to have it reprogrammed with the help of a dealer. You can do it yourself, but it's preferential to leave it to a professional to avoid accidental damage that could lead to costly repairs in the future. You can save money by purchasing a new key and fob if you already have one. If you've lost your fob and key together, it's worth the cost to have the dealer reprogram the key and cut a new key at the same at the same time.