Car Key Replacements
If it's a basic lock-and-key key or a sophisticated fob key, losing one could be costly. The best way to prevent this is to always keep one in your wallet.
If you lose a key, the cheapest solution is to hire an auto locksmith. A dealership may be more costly, but it's a good choice.
Mechanical Keys
Your car keys will likely be mechanical if you have an old vehicle that does not use key fobs. These standard keys are made of metal like brass, steel or a mixture of nickel and brass. The keys are cut using the key duplicator, which uses an uncut key as a template and an original key placed on the opposite side of the machine. The original key is cut using a special cutter to create a duplicate.
Transponder Keys
Most newer cars come equipped with a transponder chips built into the key that is used to unlock and start the vehicle. These chips can be found in the ignition or the key head. When the key is inserted into the ignition, the transponder emits an electronic signal that is picked up by the car's computer system. The computer then checks the signal to make sure it matches the correct serial number.
This makes it virtually impossible for a stolen vehicle to be started without owner's keys. If the signal doesn't match, the car will not start and will remain locked. This is a huge benefit that helps to discourage car thieves since the odds of someone else starting and driving off with your car are significantly diminished.
A transponder key is more expensive than a regular metal key. The transponder is a chip that is expensive to create and put into a car key. The keys are usually expensive when purchased from a dealership for cars.
A locksmith can offer less expensive and more trustworthy transponder key replacements. Beishir Lock and Security carries many of keys, and they can reprogramme the chip to work with your car on-the-spot at a fraction of the cost of a dealership.
Be sure to check out quotes when shopping for an alternative transponder key. There are many factors that impact the final price, including the model and make of your car key replacement, if you have additional features on the key like a remote key-fob, and even the location you choose to get it copied.
In the end, you need consider the advantages of a transponder against the cost and the convenience. If you value safety and security and security, then a transponder key might be worth the investment in the long in the long run. A car key that isn't transponder-compatible will not allow the car to start.
Laser-Cut Keys
While they might sound like something out of the sci-fi genre, laser cut keys are in fact quite common and provide an additional security measure for vehicles. These keys require special key cutting equipment to make and are much more difficult for thieves to copy or pick than traditional cut keys.
Contrary to traditional keys, which have grooves cut into one side laser cut car keys have slits tooled on both sides. They can be put into the lock cylinder any way, and they still function. This means that they tend to be sturdier and thicker than traditional keys.
In addition they can also be used to unlock some high-security locks. The slits are made to a specific depth, which matches the codes of different automobile manufacturers. It is important to get the correct depth since cutting the blade incorrectly can damage the cutting machine, and cause the key not to function after it is inserted into the lock.
The greater thickness and unique slits on laser cut car keys are less vulnerable to being copied or taken. Furthermore, many of these keys contain transponder chips that are unique to your vehicle. This means that anyone who copies your car keys, even if it's equipped with transponder chips it will not be able to start your vehicle.
Laser-cut car keys might be more expensive however they are cheaper than buying a replacement from the dealership. Additionally, locksmiths are usually able to cut these keys more quickly than the car dealership.
A car keys replacement key that is laser cut's quality can make a significant difference. A bad blade could cause damage to the machine that cuts keys or lock cylinder and leave you with a large repair bill. It's vital to purchase your laser-cut car key from a locksmith for autos who sells the keys.
Bibens Ace South Burlington offers an extensive selection of replacement car key FOB keys for over 250 different makes and models of vehicles, in addition to sidewinder keys laser-cut. Visit us today to see how we can help save you money on replacement car key fobs without the hassle of going to a dealer!
Remote Keys
It wasn't that long ago that a car key was lost or losing it was not a huge issue. You could contact an expert locksmith, get an alternate and then leave. Nowadays, however, automobiles are more advanced in technology, and the corresponding keys are harder to replace and more difficult for thieves to duplicate. This means that when you lose your car keys it could be more expensive than before to get it replaced.
Depending on the type of key that you have, the price to replace it will differ. You can purchase traditional keys for $10 at a local hardware store or employ an automotive locksmith who will come to you to create it immediately.
If you own an electronic key, transponder key with a switchblade, or a transponder key that has remote start, you'll need to visit your dealership to get it replaced. This can be quite costly, and it may take some time to get the new key from the manufacturer which could delay getting back on the road.
Sometimes, as with any other electronic device the car key can cease to function for no apparent reason. This is often due to extreme cold or heat however, it can also be caused from a bad battery or water in the keyfob from rain. It is recommended to reset your car key prior to calling an auto locksmith if you notice that it's not responding.
It's also important to remember that your key fob will only function if it's within range of the car. It is essential to keep your key fob with you and never take it out of your pocket unless it's absolutely required.
A majority of people lose their keys to their cheap car keys replacement when they drop them or lose them. This can sometimes result in the key breaking or become stuck in the lock. It's a good idea to always have a spare.