So , You've Bought Car Key Replacements ... Now What?
Car Key Replacements Losing a key can be costly, regardless of whether it's a standard lock-and-key or a more sophisticated key fob. The best way to prevent this is to always have a spare in your wallet. The cheapest solution is to call an auto locksmith if you lose your key. A dealership is more expensive but a solid option. Mechanical Keys If you own an older vehicle that doesn't have key fob technology, your car keys are likely mechanical. These standard keys are made of metal such as brass, steel or a mixture of nickel and brass. The keys are cut using a key duplicator, which uses the blank key as a template and an original key against the other side of the machine. The original key is cut using a special cutter to create a duplicate. Transponder Keys Transponder chips are built into most newer cars keys. These chips are used to unlock the car and begin it. The chips are located in the ignition or on the key head. When the key is inserted into the ignition, the transponder emits an electronic signal that is picked up by the computer system of the car. The computer examines the signal and ensures that it is in line with the correct serial number. This makes it virtually impossible for stolen vehicles to be started without the owner's keys. If the signal doesn't match the vehicle's signal, it will not start. This is an excellent advantage to prevent car thefts as it reduces the likelihood of someone else driving off with your vehicle. The disadvantage of a transponder key is that it is more expensive than a standard flat metal key. The transponder is a microchip which is expensive to create and integrate into a car key. Keys like these are usually expensive when purchased from a dealership for cars. A locksmith can provide less expensive and secure transponder key replacements. Beishir Lock and Security has a wide selection of these keys. They can reprogram the chip on the spot, allowing it to work with your vehicle for a fraction the cost of the dealership. Be sure to check out quotes when shopping for the replacement transponder keys. The final cost is determined by a variety of factors, including the make and model of your vehicle, the extra features you have on the key (such as a remote control key-fob), and even the location you decide to have it copied. In the end, you have consider the advantages of a transponder against the cost and convenience. If you value safety and security, then a transponder key may be worth the investment in the long run. Additionally, many modern cars come with an immobilizer that will not allow them to start if a key that is not transponder is used, so this is another aspect to take into consideration. Laser-Cut Keys While they might seem like something from a sci-fi movie Laser cut keys are in fact quite common and provide an additional security measure for cars. automotive key replacement that require special key cutting equipment and are more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick than traditional cut keys. Unlike traditional keys that feature grooves cut into one side laser cut car keys have slits tooled on both sides. This allows keys to be inserted into the lock cylinder in any direction while still operating it. As a result, they are generally sturdy and stronger than standard keys. Additionally they can also be used to unlock some high-security locks. The slits are tooled to a certain depth, which matches the codes of various car manufacturers. Finding the correct depth is essential since a wrongly cut blade could cause damage to the machine that cuts keys and cause the key to stop working immediately after being placed into the lock cylinder. The thicker and more distinctive slits in keys made by lasers are less vulnerable to being copied or picked. In addition some keys have transponder chips that are unique to your car. This means that even if a person copies your car's key with a transponder chip, they won't be capable of starting your car. Although these extra layers of security could make a laser-cut car key more expensive than other kinds but the truth is that they're still much less than buying a new one from your dealership. Additionally, locksmiths are usually able to cut these keys faster than car dealerships. Another aspect to be aware of is that the quality of a laser cut car key can make all the difference. A bad blade could harm your key cutting machine or lock cylinder and leave you with a huge repair bill. It is crucial to purchase your laser-cut car key from a locksmith that sells the keys. Bibens Ace South Burlington has a large range of replacement car key FOB keys for more than 250 different makes and model of vehicles. We also offer a laser-cut sidewinder key. Visit us today to see how you can save money on replacements for your car fob, without having to go to a dealer! Remote Keys Not too long ago having lost or misplaced keys to your car wasn't an issue. Call a locksmith to get a new key and drive away. Nowadays, however, cars are more advanced in technology and keys are harder to replace and even more difficult for thieves to copy. It's now more expensive to replace keys for cars that have been stolen. Depending on the type of key you have, the cost to replace it can vary. For traditional keys, you can have one made for $10 at a hardware store or you can get an automotive locksmith to come to you and create a key on the spot. If you have an electronic key, a transponder key with a switchblade, or a transponder key with remote start, you will need to visit your dealership to get it replaced. It can be costly and you might have to wait for a long time before the manufacturer can send you a new key. Your car key might cease to function without a clear reason as do other electronic devices. This is often due to extreme heat or cold, but can also be due to an unsatisfactory battery or water in the keyfob from rain. If you find that your car key isn't responding, it's worth trying to reset it first before calling an auto locksmith. It's also important to remember that your key fob will only function if it's within range of the car. This is the reason it's essential to keep your key fob with you at all times, and to not leave it in your pocket unless you're sure that you'll be able to return it swiftly. The majority of people lose their keys to their cars by dropping them or misplacing keys. This can sometimes result in the key breaking or become stuck in the lock. It's recommended to always have a spare.