Test: How Much Do You Know About Keys Replacement For Cars

Keys Replacement For Cars

If you have a standard mechanical key it is likely to purchase a replacement from any hardware store for relatively cheap. The key must be programmed by a dealership or locksmith.

Smart keys are more complicated and require a visit to the dealer to connect them to your vehicle. They can be expensive however, many insurance companies will pay for the cost.

Mechanical Keys

You can still buy car keys lost replacement keys that are solely mechanical, such as the ones you put into an ignition lock cylinder and turn to start your vehicle. If your cheapest car key replacement is equipped with one of these keys, replacing the fob and key is fairly inexpensive (if they're lost or stolen).

A locksmith can create the basic key for you at a cheaper cost than what you would buy from the dealership. You can also ask a neighbor or friend who knows how to program transponder keys for aftermarket use (which are less expensive than keys made by the factory) to cut you a spare and program it. It is important to have a spare key as modern cars will not start in the event that the key does have the correct chip.

Transponder keys look like mechanical keys, but they have a hidden electronic chip in the base of their plastic shape that communicates with your vehicle's computer system. Your car will accept the code in the chip, but it will not start if you choose another code.

If your spare key contains a chip that is programmed, it will have to be programmed at a dealership. They'll require a specific machine to cut the key and program it. These machines are available only at specific dealerships, and it is unlikely that a locksmith will have the equipment necessary to make a key using a transponder.

It's expensive to replace keys using remotes, especially if require an extra. You can try reprogramming your fob by yourself if you're missing the shank on the key and you have a functional replacement fob, however it can be time-consuming and difficult. If you've lost the complete key and fob however you should seek out a dealer as the best option.

There are different kinds of car keys that require a specialized set of skills to replace, for example flip keys and smart keys. They are more complicated and are usually replaced at the dealership. Certain key fobs operate by a proximity sensor or a door opener with a spring loaded mechanism.

Transponder Keys

If your car was built in the past 10 years or so, you're likely to use transponder keys. These keys have a microchip in the key itself and a receiver in your car which are both programmed to communicate with each other in order to start the car.

Transponder keys are an excellent way to discourage theft because they require two parts for the car to start - the transmitter (transponder) in the key and the receiver connected to your immobilizer system. Without both the key and the immobilizer device present, the car will not start and it will be impossible to hotwire.

The key chips come with an individual serial number specific to your vehicle. When the key is inserted into the ignition, the serial number is transmitted to the immobilizer in the car and then verified to make sure it is in line, it will then allow the engine to run. The only thing that can defeat this security feature is a special device that can read the chip and match it with another car.

You'll have to find an locksmith with the tools to reprogram your key. Some car dealerships offer this service, but their overheads make them more expensive than a locksmith who is independent.

Finding a new car key lost replacement key that has a chip in it can be a very complex procedure. To program your car, the key must be programmed using a specific machine. It requires specialized software as well as the appropriate key cutter to cut it properly.

Some of the simpler chip keys can be cloned at the majority of auto parts stores but you must know the serial number of the original key to ensure the proper information is being programmed into the new key. Many people make the mistake of going to their dealer in search of an exact copy of a chip key and end up paying inflated prices.

Laser-Cut Keys

Laser-cut keys, referred to as sidewinder keys because of their distinctive winding cuts in the key shank they add a layer of security to your vehicle. Because it takes specialized machinery to duplicate these keys, they're a fantastic protection against auto theft.

They also come with built-in chips to stop unauthorized key copying from starting your vehicle. They also usually contain a unique code the key that must be programmed for your specific vehicle in order to allow it to be opened and started. This additional level of security is a fantastic option to protect your investment and deter thieves who might be trying to steal your car for parts or sell it to.

Keys cut with lasers differ slightly from mechanically cut keys in terms of design. They have fewer grooves cut on the key. They also have a thicker key shaft that is an indication that it's not your regular car key. Locksmiths generally use a machine called milling tool to cut these types of keys. This kind of machine appears similar to a drill bit and is designed to cut metal with extremely precise and controlled angles.

They're among the most secure keys you can purchase for your vehicle, since they are extremely difficult to duplicate and only cut by the dealer or a licensed locksmith. They're not like traditional keys. They're made from a small piece of steel that's shaped into a code and then cut with the laser in the factory. This type of key is very robust and can be able to withstand a lot of wear and tear and is one of the best options for protecting your car.

Depending on the key, it could fold in the fob or be released with the click of a button. These types of keys are used extensively in German cars and offer an additional layer of protection against mobile car key replacement thieves. They also make it difficult for thieves to pick or pick-lock your car, as the cylinder is extremely rugged and hard to break into.

Smart Keys

Smart keys communicate with the vehicle using radio-frequency identification (RFID) instead of the conventional single piece of carved metal. This means they come with tiny chips that contain an encrypted code that is unique to each key. The key sends a message to the onboard computer in your vehicle whenever you unlock the doors or open the trunk. The computer then signals the appropriate frequency, allowing you to access your car key replacement service and begin it.

The chip inside the smart key comes with a variety of security features to protect it from theft. The key emits a low-frequency signal, which can only be detected by your vehicle. If the computer onboard detects this signal, it will trigger another one that is a unique sequence that only your vehicle can understand. This stops a tech-savvy criminal from using a pulse generator in order to "fool the system" and make the key work on other vehicles.

Certain smart keys come with special features, such as saving preferences for drivers and opening windows remotely, or the sunroof via remote and many more. This can be accomplished by activating the key fob's proximity sensor, pressing a button on the key, or, in some cases, twisting a small metal part inside the key.

Some key fobs can be opened by placing the dead key in a slot or by placing it next to an inductive coil on the dashboard. Some even include an emergency (fully mechanical) key blade concealed in the key to activate this.

Replacing a smart lock requires an appointment with a dealer, who will either purchase the replacement or have it in stock. The dealer will also need to program your new key to identify your vehicle. However, you can also visit a locksmith to have your new key fob programmed and replaced. Locksmiths will cost more than dealers, but they will complete the task faster and for less.