Car Key Replacements
Whether it's a simple lock-and-key key or a more sophisticated fob key, losing it could be costly. It's best to keep one spare key in your wallet.
If you do lose keys, the most affordable solution is to hire an auto locksmith. A dealership is more expensive but a solid choice.
Mechanical Keys
Your car keys are likely to be mechanical if you own an old vehicle that does not use key fobs. These standard keys can be made of brass, steel or a mixture of nickel and brass. The keys are cut on a key duplicator that uses an uncut key as a template, and an original key on the other side of the machine. The original key is cut using a specific cutter to create the duplicate.
Transponder Keys
The majority of modern cars come with a transponder chips built into the key which is used to unlock and start the car. These chips are usually located in the key head but they can also be found in the ignition. When the key is turned on in the ignition, the transponder sends a signal that is received by the computer system in the car. The computer then checks the signal to ensure that it is in line with the correct serial number.
This makes it virtually impossible for a stolen vehicle to start without the owner's keys. If the signal doesn't match the car's signal, it won't start and will remain locked. This is a huge benefit to deter car thefts, as it reduces the likelihood of someone else driving off with your vehicle.
The downside of transponder keys is that it's more expensive than a standard flat metal key. The transponder is a microchip which is expensive to create and install into the car key. Typically, these types keys can cost hundreds of dollars when purchased from a car dealer.
A locksmith can offer more reliable and less expensive transponder key replacements. Beishir Lock and Security has many of these keys. They can re-program the chip on the spot to work with your car at less than the dealership.
Make sure to compare prices when you are looking for a replacement transponder key. The final cost is determined by a variety of factors, including the make and model of your vehicle, the additional features that you can find on the key (such as a remote-control key-fob), and even the location you select to copy it.
In the end, you must evaluate the advantages of a transponder key versus the cost and convenience. Transponder keys might be worth it in the long run, in the event that you are concerned about safety and protection. A non-transponder car key will not allow the vehicle to start.
Laser-Cut Keys
Although they may seem like something from the sci-fi genre laser cut keys are in fact quite common and provide an extra layer of security for cars. These keys require special key cutting equipment and are more difficult for thieves to copy or pick than traditional cut keys.
Unlike traditional keys that feature grooves cut into one side laser cut car keys have slits cut on both sides. They can be put into the lock cylinder any way and still work. They are, therefore, more durable and robust than traditional keys.
Additionally, they can be used to open some high-security locks. The slits are tooled to a specific depth, which matches the codes of different automobile manufacturers. It is crucial to choose the correct depth since a blade that is cut incorrectly could damage the cutting machine, and cause the key not to work after it is put into the lock.
The unique slits and increased thickness of laser-cut car keys make them more resistant to being copied. Many of these keys also have a transponder chip that is unique to your vehicle. This means that when someone copies your mobile car key replacement keys, even if it contains transponder chips it will not be able to start your vehicle.
While these extra layers of security might make a laser-cut car key more expensive than other keys however, the reality is that they're still cheaper than purchasing a replacement car keys from your dealership. Locksmiths are usually able to cut these keys more quickly than the emergency car key replacement near me dealership.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the quality of a laser cut car key can make a huge difference. The wrong blade can easily harm the machine that cuts keys or lock cylinder and leave you with a large repair bill. This is the reason it's essential to purchase your laser cut car key from a reliable company that sells them to auto locksmiths.
Bibens Ace South Burlington offers an extensive selection of replacement key fob for car car key FOB keys for more than 250 different makes and models of vehicles, in addition to laser-cut sidewinder key replacements. Stop by today and see how we can help save you money on replacement car key fobs without the hassle of going to a dealer!
Remote Keys
In the past the possibility of losing or misplacing your car keys was not a huge deal. Get a locksmith on the phone to get a new key and then drive away. Nowadays, however, automobiles are much more technologically advanced, and the corresponding keys can be harder to replace and harder for thieves to copy. This means that when you lose your car keys, it can be more costly than ever to get it replaced.
Depending on the type of key you have, the cost to replace it will differ. For traditional keys, you can have one made for $10 at a hardware store, or you can ask an locksmith from the automotive industry to visit you and make one on the spot.
You will need to take your smart key, transponder that has 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 before the manufacturer can send you the new key.
Sometimes, just like any other electronic device, your car key will stop working for no apparent reason. Most often, this happens due to extreme heat or cold however, it could also be due to an unsatisfactory battery or water in the key fob from rain, or simply wearing out over time. If you notice that your car key is no 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 function when it's within reach of the vehicle. It's important to always keep your key fob with you and never put it in your pocket unless essential.
The most common method of losing keys to cars is misplacing it or dropping it. This could result in the key breaking or get stuck in the lock. It's recommended to always have an extra.