Car Key Replacements
The loss of a key can be costly, whether it's a simple lock-and-key, or a sophisticated key fob. It's recommended to keep one spare key in your wallet.
If you've lost keys, the cheapest option is to find an auto locksmith. A dealership may be more costly, but it's a good choice.
Mechanical Keys
If you have an older vehicle that doesn't use key fob technology, your keys are likely mechanical. These standard keys are made from metal like steel, brass or a combination of nickel and brass. The keys are cut using a key duplicator that utilizes the blank key as a template, and an original key placed on the other side of the machine. The key that was originally used is cut with a specially-designed cutter to create a duplicate.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are incorporated into the majority of modern cars keys. These chips are used to unlock the car and start it. These chips are usually placed inside the key head, but they can also be found in the ignition. The transponder sends signals to the car's computer when the key is turned on in the ignition. The computer then analyzes the signal to make sure it matches with the correct serial number.
It's nearly impossible to start cars without the owner's key. If the signal doesn't match, the car will not start and remain locked. This is an enormous benefit that helps discourage car thieves since the chances of someone else attempting to start and then driving away with your car are greatly reduced.
The drawback of a transponder key is that it is more expensive than a standard flat metal key. The transponder is a microchip which is expensive to create and put into the car key. Typically, these types keys can cost hundreds of dollars if purchased from a dealership.
A locksmith can provide cheaper and more secure transponder key replacements. Beishir Lock and Security carries an extensive selection of keys, and can modify the chip to work with your car in-the-moment for a fraction of price of the dealership.
If you're looking for a transponder key replacement, be sure to get multiple estimates. The final price is influenced by many factors, including the make and model of your vehicle, the extra features that you can find on the key (such as a remote control key-fob) and the location you decide to copy it.
Ultimately, you should weigh the benefits of a transponder key versus the cost and convenience. Transponder keys could be beneficial in the long run, when you value security and safety. Additionally, many modern vehicles have an immobilizer that doesn't allow them to start if a key that is not transponder is used and this is a further reason to think about.
Laser-Cut Keys
While they might sound like something out of an sci-fi film Laser cut keys are in fact quite common and provide an extra security measure for vehicles. These keys are created with specially designed key cutting equipment and are harder to copy or pick for thieves than traditional cut keys.
In contrast to traditional keys with grooves cut into one side, laser cut car keys have slits tooled on both sides. This allows keys to be inserted into the lock cylinder in either direction, and still operate. They are thus more durable and robust than standard keys.
They can also be used as a bonus to unlock certain locks with high security. This is due to the slits being fitted into a certain depth that is compatible with various codes used by car manufacturers. The right depth is crucial since a wrongly cut blade could cause damage to the key cutting machine and cause the key to stop functioning shortly after it is placed into the lock cylinder.
The distinctive slits and greater thickness of laser-cut car keys make them more resistant to being copied. Additionally the majority of these keys are equipped with transponder chips which are unique to your vehicle. This means that even if someone copies your car key using a transponder chip, they won't be able to start your car.
While these extra layers of security may make a laser-cut car key more expensive than other keys however, the reality is that they're still less expensive than getting a new replacement from your dealership. Locksmiths often cut these keys more quickly than dealerships selling cars.
A car key that is laser cut's quality can make a huge difference. The wrong type of blade could cause damage to the machine that cuts keys or the cylinder of your lock, which could result in a costly repair cost. It is essential to purchase your laser-cut car keys from a locksmith for autos who sells keys.
Bibens Ace South Burlington offers an extensive selection of replacement car key FOB keys for over 250 different models and makes of automobiles, as well as sidewinder keys laser-cut. Stop by today and see how we can help you save money on replacement car key fobs without the hassle of going to a dealership!
Remote Keys
In the past, misplacing or even losing your car keys wasn't a huge deal. You could contact an locksmith, receive an alternate and then drive away. Today's cars are more technologically advanced and the keys that correspond to them are more difficult to replace. They also are harder for thieves copy. It's now more expensive to replace a lost car key.
The cost of replacing a key will vary depending on the type. For traditional keys you can have an exact copy made for around $10 at a hardware shop, or you can hire an automotive locksmith to visit you and create a key right there.
If you have a smart key, a transponder key with a switchblade or a transponder with remote start, you will need to visit your dealership to get it replaced. It can be very expensive, and it may take a while to order 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 stop working without reason. This is often due to extreme cold or heat, but can be due to an ineffective battery or the presence of water in the keyfob from rain. If you notice that your car key isn't responding, it's worth trying to reset it first before calling an auto locksmith.
It's also important to understand that your key fob can only function if it's within range of the vehicle. car fob replacement key is the reason it's essential to keep your key fob on you at all times and not let it leave your pocket unless you're certain that you can return it swiftly.
The most frequent method of losing keys to cars is not locating it or dropping it. This can sometimes cause the key to break or become stuck in the lock. It's a good idea to always have an extra.