Understanding the Different Types of Car Keys
It wasn't too long ago that losing or worse, losing your car keys was not an issue. In fact, you could purchase a spare from an auto parts shop or even your local locksmith.
However, as cars have adapted to technological advancement the process of replacing keys has become more complicated and expensive. Learn more about the factors that impact the cost of replacing a car key.
Basic Keys
When people think of their car keys, they may think of a basic metal key that opens doors and start the engine. While these are the most common types of car keys but there are a variety of kinds that are more advanced and have enhanced security features. Knowing the distinctions between car keys will allow people know what to expect when they have to replace or repair them.
One of the most basic kinds of keys for cars is a standard key which has been around for decades and remains the most popular choice for the latest cars. These are the keys that you can purchase at an establishment that sells hardware and connect to your keychain. Standard keys can be copied for a relatively low cost however, they can be expensive to replace if lost or damaged.
More modern options include the transponder keys, which has been used since 1995 and is a more secure solution than traditional keys. These have microchips in the handle of the key, and are activated when inserted into the ignition. These can be more expensive to replace in the event that they become damaged or lost, but they offer greater protection from theft than traditional keys.
Another option is the switchblade key, which folds into the form of a key fob when in use. These are a little more expensive to replace than standard keys, but could be more expensive in the event that the handle or shank of the key has been damaged.
There are also smart keys with built-in Bluetooth trackers and remote starters. These keys are more expensive and require locksmiths' special tools to repair.
Mechanical Keys
In the past, if your car key was damaged or stopped working, you only needed to visit the local hardware store to get new keys. Nowadays, things are a little more complicated. There are many different types of cars on the road, and each one has a unique key. Based on the model, replacing it may cost more or less than $50.
Mechanical keys, also known as "insert and turn" keys, are the most basic kind. They were the keys you could buy from the hardware shop for a few cents. They don't have a transponder inside them and are used to lock the trunk or door locks, but not for starting the car.
The other type of key, which is the most commonly used utilized is the transponder key. This key has a small transponder in the key's head that transmits a coded message to the ignition system of your car to verify the legitimacy of the key. The system was put in vehicles as early as 1995. It prevents the ignition from being started by an unauthorized key or a lost one.
The first step to fix this type of key is to identify what's causing the issue. In the majority of cases the issue is with the cap of the key or the switch is the culprit. To fix this issue, the key cap and the key switch should be removed with an instrument, and then cleaned and lubricated to fix the problem. Lubricating the switch is essential because it can help remove issues such as key chatter. This is the case with keys which allow multiple inputs to be detected when they are they are pressed.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys (also known as "chip" keys) are a vital component of the anti-theft system in your car. The microchip inside the plastic head of the car key transmits the signal to the antenna ring around the ignition cylinder. If the computer of the car doesn't receive the correct response from the transponder, it won't begin to turn on. This kind of chip is used in all cars built from 1998 onwards.
The issue is that they're more expensive to replace. Apart from having an entirely different design than traditional mechanical keys, they contain a unique microchip that needs to be programmed into your vehicle's computer to work properly.
Connecting a diagnostic tool to your car's computer and then entering the programming mode is how you do this. It is more complicated than just cutting a blank from scratch, and since these tools aren't readily accessible in every locksmith shop you'll pay more for this service than if you replace the basic mechanical key.
Another consideration is the make and model of the car you are driving. Certain manufacturers have their own specialized equipment that needs to be used in order to program their vehicles, which can increase your cost.
Some prefer having professionals handle the programming of their transponder keys. This is due to the complicated procedures involved, such as cutting wires to disconnect the transponder antenna and utilizing a scanning device and the security that comes with knowing that you have a skilled professional working on your vehicle. You could save money by going directly to the dealership to get the new chip installed.
Keys Laser Cut Keys
Laser cut keys are a type of car key that has an extremely secure blade. They came on the scene in the 1990s, and are used to combat vehicle theft. They are much harder to duplicate than traditional keys and feature transponder chips in their heads. The chips communicate with the ignition when they are inserted into it, which stops the vehicle from starting if the wrong key is used.
While this technology helps protect against car thieves, it doesn't prevent them completely. The unique blade and shape of the key is difficult to duplicate, but burglars can still use it with the appropriate tools to gain entry to your car. This is because traditional key have a standard lock that's easy for a burglar to pick. But laser keys have a sidewinder lock cylinder, which is much more difficult to pick.
The key is also more durable to conventional keys. car key repairs is made from hardened steel and can withstand a lot of wear and tear before fading out. If the key wears 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, they provide increased security. The combination of the blade design, the lock cylinder and the transponder chip makes them more difficult to duplicate or pick. However, they are still susceptible to being stolen or lost stolen if you do not take the necessary steps to protect them.
Key Fobs
Key fobs aren't always reliable even though they're useful. They don't last forever, and they tend to stop functioning at the moment you least expect to notice. You could end up in a compromising situation if the fob fails, especially if you are taking your trunk full of groceries or going to work after a tiring day. You may need to call for locksmith services or a tow truck and it could cost you a lot of money to get your vehicle back on the road.
A variety of factors affect the price of a fob. These include the kind of key it comes with and its materials. It also depends on the manufacturer which is usually more expensive. Some fobs can be programmed by the owner while others require a dealer reprogram them to the vehicle.
If your key fob doesn't respond or doesn't work at all A simple battery replacement may be the solution. The coin-shaped batteries usually cost $10 or less and are available at hardware stores or big box retailers and on the internet. To replace the battery, gently pull off the two halves of the key fob, then insert the new one in the same orientation.
If your key fob is damaged or isn't functioning properly, you'll need to have it reprogrammed by the dealer. While you can find ways to do this yourself but it's better to let professionals handle the task to avoid any accidental damage that could lead to costly repairs in the future. You can save money by purchasing a new key and fob if you already have one. If you've lost both your keys and fob, it's worth the extra cost to have a dealership reprogram the new key and cut the new key simultaneously.