Understanding the Different Types of Car Keys
It wasn't too long ago that misplacing or, even worse losing your car keys was not a big issue. In fact, you could buy a spare at an auto parts store or your local locksmith.
Since cars have been upgraded to adapt to technological advances replacing keys lost in the car is more complicated and costly. Find out more about what factors into the total cost of car key replacement.
Basic Keys
When people think of their car keys, they often think of a simple metal key that opens doors and turns on the engine. While these are the most commonly used types of car keys however, there are other kinds that are more advanced and have enhanced security features. 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 types of car keys is a standard key, that has been in use for decades and remains the most commonly used option for the latest cars. These are the keys you can buy at a hardware store and hook onto your keychain. Standard keys can be copied at an affordable price, but they are expensive to replace when lost or damaged.
More modern options include the transponder key, that has been used since 1995 and is an extra secure option than traditional keys. They have microchips embedded in the key handle and activate when they are inserted into the ignition. They can be more expensive to replace if they are lost or damaged, but provide greater security against theft than conventional keys.
Another alternative is the switchblade that folds down into the form of a key fob when in use. They're a bit more expensive to replace than standard keys, but can be even more costly if the shank or handle of the key has been damaged.
There are also smart keys that have built-in Bluetooth trackers, as well as remote starters. These keys are more expensive and require locksmiths' specific tools to repair car keys.
Mechanical Keys
In the past the past, if your car's key broke or stopped working, you had to visit the local hardware store and purchase an alternative. Nowadays, things are a little more complicated. There are numerous kinds of vehicles on the road and each has an individual key. Depending on its type it may cost more or less than 50 dollars.
Mechanical keys, also referred to as "insert and turn" keys, are the most basic kind. These keys were the ones you could replace at the hardware shop for a few pennies. They do not have an electronic transponder, and are used to secure the trunk or doors but not to start the car.
The other type of key, that is the most commonly used in use, is the transponder key. It has a tiny transponder inside the key's head that sends a coded message to the ignition system of your vehicle key repairs to verify the legitimacy of the key. The system was put in vehicles from 1995 onwards. It prevents the ignition from being started using an unauthorised key or a lost one.
The first step to fix this type of key is to determine what's causing the issue. In the majority of cases it is due to an issue with the key cap or the key switch. To resolve this problem, the key cap or the key switch will need to be removed with care using the appropriate tool. Then, they will need to be cleaned and lubricated. Lubricating the switch is crucial as it will help to eliminate issues like key chatter. This is a reference to keys which allow multiple inputs to be detected when they are they are pressed.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys, also referred as "chip keys", are an integral element of the anti-theft device in your car. The microchip inside the head of the plastic key transmits a signal to the antenna ring that surrounds the cylinder of ignition. If the car's computer isn't receiving the correct response from the transponder, it won't be able to start. The majority of cars manufactured from 1998 include this type of chip.
The problem is that they're more expensive to replace. They are not only different from conventional mechanical keys in terms of design, but they also contain an electronic chip that must be programmed into the computer of the vehicle for them to function.
This process is done by connecting an instrument for diagnostics to your car's computer and then entering a programming mode. This process can be more complex than cutting a blank since these tools aren't available in all locksmith shops, you might be charged more than if you were to replace the mechanical key.
The model and make of your vehicle is a different aspect. Some manufacturers have their own equipment that needs to be used to program their vehicles, which could increase your cost.
Some people prefer to have professionals handle the programming of their transponder keys. This is due to the complex procedures, such as cutting wires to take off the transponder's antenna and using a scanner device, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing that a professional will be working on your car. You could save money by going directly to the dealership to have your new chip installed.
Laser Cut Keys
Laser cut keys are a form of car Broken Key Repair Near Me that comes with an extremely secure blade. They were introduced in 1990s to prevent theft of vehicles. They are more difficult to duplicate, and they have transponder chips embedded in their heads. The chips communicate with the ignition key repair near me when they are inserted in it, which prevents the vehicle from starting in the event that the wrong key is used.
While this technology works to stop car thieves from entering your home however, it isn't able to stop them from doing so completely. The unique blade and shape of the key are hard to duplicate, however burglars can still use it with the proper tools to gain access to your car. This is because conventional keys have a standard lock that is easy for a burglar to pick. Laser keys, however, come with an asymmetrical cylinder lock that is much more difficult to pick.
The key is also more durable compared to conventional keys. The blade is constructed of hardened steel and can endure wear and tear for a long period before it becomes worn out. If the key is damaged or wears out, it's affordable to repair it by locksmiths.
While laser cut keys are more expensive than their edge-cut counterparts, they offer increased security. The combination of the blade, the transponder and the lock cylinder makes it harder to duplicate. They are still at risk of being lost or stolen if you don't make the proper precautions.
Key Fobs
Even though they're convenient but key fobs can be finicky. They can't keep a charge for long, and they're likely to shut down when you least expect it. A malfunctioning device can put you in a tense situation, especially when you're putting in your trunk full of food items or heading off to work after an extended day. You might need to contact a locksmith or a tow truck and it can cost a lot to get your vehicle back on the road.
The type of key used and the materials used in the fob could influence the cost. Brands are also a factor in that they can be more expensive. Some fobs can be programmed by the owner, while others require a dealer reprogram them to the vehicle key repairs.
If your key fob doesn't respond or doesn't work at all, a simple battery replacement could fix the issue. The coin-shaped batteries usually cost $10 or less and can be purchased at hardware stores, big box retailers, and on the internet. To replace the battery, gently pry apart the two halves of the key fob, then insert the new one with the same orientation.
It's up to your dealer reprogramme it if your key fob is damaged or isn't functioning as it should. While there are ways to do this on your own however, it's best to let an expert handle it in order to avoid any accidental damage that could result in costly repairs in the future. If you have a spare key and fob, you could bypass this step and purchase a new one to save money. If, however, you've lost both keys and fob, it's worth the extra expense to have a dealership reprogram the new key and cut the new key at the same time.