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Understanding the Different Types of Car Keys

It wasn't that long ago that losing or worse, losing your car keys was not a big problem. You could purchase keys at your local auto parts shop or locksmith.

However, as automobiles have evolved to accommodate technological advances the process of replacing keys is becoming more complicated and expensive. Learn more about the factors that impact the cost of a replacement car key.

Basic Keys

When people think of their car keys, many think of a simple metal key repair shop that opens doors and starts the engine. There are a variety of more sophisticated kinds of keys for cars that can offer enhanced security. Understanding the differences between car keys will help people understand what to expect when they need to replace or repair them.

Standard keys are the most basic kind of car key. They have been around for a long time, and remain the most popular option for vehicles with newer technology. These are the keys you can purchase at the hardware store and attach onto your keychain. Keys of standard size can be copied for a relatively low cost however they can be costly to replace when lost or damaged.

The most modern alternatives include the transponder keys, which has been used since 1995 and provides security over traditional keys. Microchips are incorporated into the handle of the key and activated when the key is put into the ignition. They are more expensive to replace if they are damaged or lost, but offer greater protection from theft than conventional keys.

Another alternative is the switchblade key that folds down into the form of a key fob when in use. They are more expensive than normal keys, but they may cost more when the shank of the key or the handle is damaged.

Additionally, there are the smart keys that have built-in Bluetooth trackers and remote start. These keys are more expensive and may require locksmiths' specific tools to repair.

Mechanical Keys

In the past, if you lost a car key or it stopped working out of the sudden, all you needed to do was head to the local hardware store and find a replacement. The process is a bit more complicated today. There are numerous kinds of vehicles on the road and each has distinct keys. Depending on its type it can cost more or less than 50 dollars.

Mechanical keys are the most basic type. They're also called "insert-and-turn" keys. They were the keys you could buy from the hardware shop for a few pennies. They do not have a transponder and are used to secure the trunk or doors but not to start the car.

The transponder keys are the other type, and is the most frequently used. The key is equipped with an internal transponder within the head that sends a coded signal to your car's ignition system to confirm that the key is valid. This system was added to vehicles in 1995 and prevents the ignition from starting if an unauthorized or lost key is used.

The first step in fixing this kind of key is to pinpoint the cause of the problem. Most of the time it is due to either an issue with the key cap or the key switch. To resolve this problem, the key cap or the key switch must be removed carefully using a tool. They will then have to be cleaned and lubricated. Lubricating the switch is important because it can help eliminate issues like key chatter. This is a reference to keys which can register multiple inputs when they are they are pressed.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys, also referred as "chip keys" are an integral part of the anti-theft system in your car. The tiny microchip that is embedded in the head of the car key sends the signal to the antenna ring that surrounds the ignition cylinder. The car will not start if the computer can't get the right response. This type of chip is present in the majority of cars made from 1998 onwards.

The issue is that they are 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 vehicle's computer in order to function.

This is accomplished by connecting an instrument for diagnostics to the car's computer and entering a programming mode. It is more complicated than simply cutting a brand blank from scratch, and since the tools aren't available in every locksmith shop, you'll spend more than when replacing a standard mechanical key.

The make and model of your vehicle is a different factor. Certain manufacturers have their own equipment that needs to be used in order to program their vehicles, which could increase your cost.

Some people prefer that a professional program their transponder keys. This is due to the complicated procedures, like cutting wires to remove the transponder's antenna as well as using a scanner device, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing that a professional will be working on your car. Depending on the model and make you might be saving money by bringing your car directly to the dealership to arrange to install the new chip.

Laser Cut Keys

Laser cut keys are a kind of car key with high-security blade. They were introduced in the 1990s and help to prevent vehicle theft. They are harder to duplicate and have transponder chips in their heads. The chips communicate with the ignition when inserted in it, which prevents the vehicle from starting in the event that the wrong key is used.

This technology helps prevent car thefts, however it's not able to stop them entirely. The key's unique blade and design is difficult to duplicate, but thieves with the appropriate tools and equipment could still use it to gain entry into your vehicle. This is because conventional keys have a standard lock key repair near me that is easy for burglars to pick. Laser keys, however, have the sidewinder cylinder lock, which is much more difficult to pick.

The key's design is more durable than traditional keys. The blade is made from hardened steel and can withstand a lot of wear and tear before fading out. If the key does wear out or is accidentally cut in half, it's relatively inexpensive to replace it by an experienced locksmith.

While laser cut keys are more expensive than edge-cut counterparts but they offer increased security. The combination of the blade, the lock cylinder and the transponder makes it harder to duplicate. They are still susceptible to being stolen or lost in the event that you fail to make the proper precautions.

Key Fobs

While they're handy keys can be tricky. They can't keep a charge for a long time, and they are likely to cease functioning at the moment you most likely won't notice it. You could end up in a compromising situation if the fob fails, especially if you are carrying around a large amount of groceries or heading to work after a tiring day. It's possible to contact locksmith services or a tow truck, and it may cost you a lot of money to get your vehicle back on the road.

Many factors influence the cost of a fob, such as the kind of key repair it comes with and the materials used. It also depends on the manufacturer that is more expensive. Certain fobs are programmed by the user while others must be reprogrammed to the vehicle by an authorized dealer.

If your key fob will not work or works intermittently, a simple replacement battery could be the answer. The coin-shaped batteries usually cost less than $10 and are available at hardware stores and big box retailers and online. To replace the battery, gently pry the two halves of the key fob apart and then insert the new battery in the same way that the old one had.

If your key fob is damaged or no longer works properly, you'll have to have it reprogrammed by the dealer. While you can find ways to do this yourself, it's best to let professionals handle the task to prevent any accidental damage that could cause costly repairs in the future. If you have a spare key and fob, you can skip this step and buy a replacement to save money. If you've lost your key and fob together, it's worth the cost to allow the dealer to reprogram your automotive key repair and cut a brand new key at the same at the same time.