14 Questions You re Afraid To Ask About Car Key Replacements
Car Key Replacements
The loss of a key can be costly, regardless of whether it's a standard lock-and-key or a high-end key fob. The best way to prevent this is to always have one in your wallet.
If you've lost keys, the most affordable solution is to hire an auto locksmith. A dealership may be more expensive, but it's an excellent option.
Mechanical Keys
The keys to your car are likely to be mechanical if you have an old vehicle that doesn't use key fobs. These standard keys can be made of brass, steel or a mixture of brass and nickel. They are cut using a key duplicator, using an original key set against one side of the machine, and a blank key aligned with it to act as a template. The original key is cut with a specific cutter to create a duplicate.
Transponder Keys
Most newer cars come equipped with a transponder chip integrated into the key which is used to unlock and start the car. The chips are located in the ignition or on the key head. The transponder sends an electronic signal to the computer of the car when the key is turned into the ignition. The computer then checks the signal to verify that it matches with the correct serial number.
It is almost impossible to start cars without the owner's keys. If the signal doesn't match the vehicle's signal, it will not start. This is a great benefit to help deter car thefts, as it lowers the risk of someone else driving off with your car.
The drawback of a transponder key is that it costs more 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 of keys can cost hundreds of dollars if purchased from a dealership.
A locksmith can provide less expensive and more reliable transponder key replacements. Beishir Lock and Security has a wide selection of these keys. They can re-program the chip on the spot to function with your vehicle for only a fraction of the cost for replacement car key of the dealership.
Be sure to check out estimates when looking for the replacement transponder keys. There are a variety of factors that influence the final cost, including the model and make of your vehicle, whether you have any additional features on your key, like a remote key-fob or a remote key-fob, and also where you'll go to get it copied.
In the end, you need to weigh the benefits of a transponder against the expense and convenience. Transponder keys may be beneficial in the long run if you prioritize security and safety. A car key replacement online key that isn't transponder-compatible will not allow the car to start.
Laser-Cut Keys
Although they may seem like something from the sci-fi genre Laser cut keys are actually quite common and provide an additional security measure for vehicles. These keys require special key cutting equipment to make and are more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick than traditional cut keys.
In contrast to traditional keys with grooves cut into one side the laser cut keys have slits tooled on both sides. They can be inserted in the lock cylinder any way, and they still function. They are, therefore, more durable and robust than conventional keys.
As a bonus, they can also be used to unlock some locks with high security. This is due to the slits being tooled into a specific depth that matches with the various codes of the car manufacturers. Getting the right depth is crucial because a blade that is not cut correctly can damage the machine that cuts keys and cause the key to stop functioning shortly after it is put into the lock cylinder.
The increased thickness and unique slits on keys made by lasers are less vulnerable to being copied or taken. Many of these keys also have a transponder chip that is specific to your car keys replacements. This means that even if someone creates a duplicate of your car's key with a transponder chip, they won't be able to start your car.
Although these additional layers of security could make a laser cut car key more expensive than other types, the fact is that they're still much less than buying a new car key replacement one from your dealer. Locksmiths often cut keys faster than car dealerships.
Another aspect to be aware of is that the quality of a laser cut car key could make all the difference. A bad blade can easily harm the machine that cuts keys or your lock cylinder, leaving you with an expensive 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 a variety of replacement car key FOB keys for over 250 different makes and models of vehicles, as well as laser-cut sidewinder key replacements. Stop by today and see how we can help you save money on replacement key fob for car car key fobs without the hassle of going to a dealership!
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 locksmith, receive an alternate and then leave. Nowadays, however, automobiles are much more technologically advanced and keys are harder to replace and harder for thieves to copy. This means that when you lose your car keys it could be more expensive than before to replace it.
Depending on the type of key you have, the price to replace it will vary. You can get an old-fashioned key for $10 at your local hardware store or employ an automotive locksmith who will come to you to make it on the spot.
You'll need to take your smart key, transponder with switchblade, or transponder with remote start to the dealer to be replaced. This can be very costly, and it may take a while to obtain the new key from the manufacturer which can delay your getting back on the road.
Sometimes, just like any other electronic device keys for cars will stop working without reason. Usually, this is due to extreme heat or cold however, it could also be due to a bad battery or water in the key fob from rain, or just wearing out over time. It's a good idea to reset your car key before calling an auto locksmith if you find that it's not responding.
You should also be aware that your keyfob will only function if you're within the reach of the vehicle. It's essential to always keep your key fob close to you, and never let it go out of your pocket unless essential.
A majority of people lose their keys to their cars in the event of dropping them or misplacing keys. This can sometimes result in the key breaking or get stuck in the lock. It's a good idea to always have a spare.