Is Technology Making Car Key Replacements Better Or Worse
Car Key Replacements
The loss of a key can be costly, whether it's a simple lock-and-key, or a high-end key fob. It's best to keep an extra key in your wallet.
If you do lose keys, the most affordable solution is to hire an auto locksmith. Dealerships are more expensive, but it is a good alternative.
Mechanical Keys
Your car keys are likely to be mechanical if you own an old car that doesn't have key fobs. Keys that are standard can be made from steel, brass or a mix of brass and nickel. Keys are cut using a key duplicator, which makes use of a blank key as a template and an original key on the other side of the machine. The original key is then cut with a specially-designed cutter to create a duplicate.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are integrated into most newer cars' keys. These chips are used to unlock the car and start it. These chips are usually located inside the key head, but can also be located in the ignition. The transponder sends signals to the computer in the car when the key is turned on in the ignition. The computer examines the signal and ensures that it matches the correct serial number.
This makes it nearly impossible for a stolen car to be started without owner's keys. If the signal is not in sync the vehicle won't start. This is an enormous benefit that helps deter car thieves as the chances of someone else attempting to start and then driving away with your vehicle are drastically decreased.
The drawback of transponder keys is that it's more expensive than a conventional flat metal key. The transponder is a microchip which is expensive to manufacture and integrate into a car key. Keys like these are usually expensive when purchased from a car dealership.
A locksmith can provide much more reliable and less expensive transponder key replacements. Beishir Lock and Security has many of these keys and will re-program the chip on the spot, allowing it to work with your vehicle for less than the dealership.
Be sure to check out prices when you are looking for the replacement car keys near me transponder keys. There are a variety of factors that influence the final price, such as the make and model of your vehicle, whether you have any extra features on your key, such as a remote key-fob and where you'll go to get it copied.
In the end, you must weigh the benefits of a transponder key versus the cost and convenience. Transponder keys could be beneficial in the long term in the event that you are concerned about security and safety. A car key without a transponder will not allow the vehicle to start.
Laser-Cut Keys
Although they may appear like something from the sci-fi genre Laser cut keys are actually quite common and offer an additional security measure for cars. These keys require special key cutting equipment to make and are much harder for thieves to duplicate or pick than traditional cut keys.
Laser cut car keys differ from traditional keys that have grooves on one side. They also have slits on both sides. They can be put into the lock cylinder in any way, and they still function. They are, therefore, more durable and stronger than traditional keys.
As a bonus they can be used to open certain high-security locks. This is because the slits are fitted into a certain depth that matches with the various codes of the car manufacturers. The right depth is vital because a blade that is not cut correctly could damage the key cutting machine and cause the key to stop functioning shortly after it is put into the lock cylinder.
The greater thickness and unique slits on laser cut car keys make them less prone to being copied or taken. Some keys have a transponder chip that is unique to your vehicle. This means that even if a person creates a duplicate of your car's key with transponder chips it won't be able to start your vehicle.
Although these additional layers of security could make a laser-cut car key more expensive than other kinds but the truth is that they're still cheaper than buying a new one from your dealer. Locksmiths can often cut keys faster than car dealerships.
A laser-cut car key's quality can make a big difference. The wrong blade can easily damage your key cutting machine or lock cylinder and leave you with a huge repair cost. This is why it's important to purchase your laser-cut car key from a reputable company that sells keys to auto locksmiths.
Bibens Ace South Burlington offers an extensive selection of car key FOB replacement keys for over 250 different makes and models of automobiles, as well as laser-cut sidewinder keys. Stop by today and see how we can save you money on car key fob replacements without the hassle of having to go to a dealer!
Remote Keys
Not so long ago the possibility of losing or misplacing keys to your car wasn't an issue. You could call an locksmith, receive an alternate and then leave. Modern cars are more technologically advanced and the keys that correspond to them can be harder to replace. They can also be difficult to steal. It is now more expensive to replace the key to a car that has been lost.
Depending on the type of key you have, the cost to replace it will differ. For keys that are traditional, you can have a copy made for about $10 at a hardware shop, or you can ask an automotive locksmith to come to you and make a copy on the spot.
You will need to take your smart key, transponder with switchblade or transponder with remote start to the dealer to be replaced. This can be quite costly and may take a while to obtain the new key from the manufacturer which could delay getting back on the road.
Your car key might cease to function without a clear reason as with other electronic car key replacement devices. Usually, this is due to extreme heat or cold however, it could also be caused by an ineffective battery or key fob from rain or simply wearing out over time. If you find that your car key is no responding, you should consider trying to reset it before calling an auto locksmith.
It is important to know that your key fob will only work if you're within the reach of the vehicle. It is essential to keep your key fob with you, and never put it in your pocket unless it's absolutely essential.
A majority of people lose their keys to their emergency car key replacement near me by dropping them or misplacing them. This can sometimes cause the key to break or get stuck in the lock. It's a good idea to always have a spare.