Car Key Replacements
The loss of a key could be costly, whether it's an ordinary lock-and-key or a high-end key fob. It's recommended to keep one spare key in your wallet.
The cheapest option is to contact an auto locksmith if you have lost your key. A dealership might be more expensive, but it is an excellent option.
Mechanical Keys
If you have an older car that doesn't use key fob technology, your keys are likely mechanical. These standard keys can be made from steel, brass or a mixture of brass and nickel. The keys are cut on the key duplicator, which makes use of a blank key as a template, and an original key against the opposite side of the machine. The key that was originally used is cut with a specially-designed cutter to create a duplicate.
Transponder Keys
The majority of modern cars come with a transponder chip integrated into the key which is used to unlock and start the vehicle. These chips are usually located in the head of the key, but they can also be found in the ignition. The transponder sends a signal to the car's computer when the key is turned on in the ignition. The computer checks the signal and ensures that it is in line with the correct serial number.
This makes it almost impossible for a stolen car to be started without owner's keys. If the signal doesn't match the vehicle won't start. This is a huge benefit that can deter car thieves as the likelihood of someone else attempting to start and then driving away with your car are greatly reduced.
The drawback of transponder keys is that it costs more than a conventional flat metal key. The transponder is a microchip that is expensive to create and put into the car key. These keys are typically expensive when purchased from a dealership for cars.
A locksmith can offer more reliable and cheaper transponder key replacements. Beishir Lock and Security has an extensive selection of these keys and can program the chip right on the spot, allowing it to work with your car at only a fraction of the cost of the dealership.
Be sure to compare quotes when shopping for the replacement transponder keys. The final price is influenced by many factors, such as the make and model of your vehicle, the additional features you can get on the key (such as a remote-control key-fob) and even the location where you choose to have it copied.
Ultimately, you should weigh the benefits of a transponder key against the cost and convenience. If you value security and safety, then a transponder keys could be worth the cost in the long run. Additionally, many modern cars come with an immobilizer that doesn't allow the car to start if a key that is not transponder is utilized and this is a further reason to think about.
Laser-Cut Keys
While they might seem like something from an sci-fi film Laser cut keys are actually quite common and offer an extra layer of security for cars. They are created using special key cutting machines and are more difficult to duplicate or steal from thieves than traditional cut keys.
Contrary to traditional keys, which have grooves cut into one side laser cut car keys have slits cut on both sides. This allows keys to be inserted into the lock cylinder in either direction while still operating it. They are thus more durable and robust than standard keys.
They can also be used as a bonus to open high-security locks. The slits are drilled to a specific depth that matches the codes of the different car manufacturers. It is crucial to choose the correct depth since cutting the blade incorrectly can cause damage to the cutting machine and make the key unable to work after it is inserted into the lock.
The greater thickness and unique slits in laser cut car keys make them less susceptible to being copied or picked. Furthermore the majority of these keys are equipped with transponder chips which are unique to the vehicle you're using them on. This means that even if a person copies your car key using transponder chips, they won't be able to start your vehicle.
Laser-cut car keys might be more expensive however they are cheaper than purchasing a replacement from the dealership. In addition, locksmiths can often cut these keys more quickly than a car dealership.
A laser-cut car key's quality can make a huge difference. The wrong blade could harm the key cutting machine or lock cylinder and leave you with a large repair bill. This is why it's important to get your laser cut car key from a trusted company that sells them to auto locksmiths.
Bibens Ace South Burlington offers a variety of car key FOB replacement keys for more than 250 different makes and models of vehicles, in addition to sidewinder keys laser-cut. Visit us today to discover how you can save money on replacements for your car fob without going to an auto dealer!
Remote Keys
It wasn't that long ago that a car key was lost or losing it was not a big issue. You could call a locksmith, get a replacement and still leave. Nowadays, however, automobiles are a lot more technologically advanced and keys can be harder to replace and more difficult for thieves to copy. This means that if you lose your car keys it will be more expensive than before to get it replaced.
The cost of replacing a key can vary according to the type. For traditional keys you can have one made for $10 at a hardware shop, or you can ask an locksmith from the automotive industry to visit you and create a key on the spot.
If you own an intelligent key, a transponder key with switchblade, or a transponder key with remote start, you'll be required to visit your local dealer to have it replaced. This can be quite costly, and it may take a while to obtain the new key from the manufacturer, which will delay your getting back on the road.
Your car key can cease to function without a clear cause as with other electronic devices. Usually, this is due to extreme cold or heat, but it can also be due to a bad battery or water in the key fob from rain, or just wearing out over time. If car key and fob replacement notice that your car key is no longer responding, it's worth trying to reset it first before contacting an auto locksmith.
You should also know that your key fob can only function if you're within the reach of the vehicle. This is why it's crucial to keep your key fob with you at all times and not let it leave your pocket unless you are certain that you'll return it quickly.
The most common way to lose the car key is through losing it or dropping it. In some cases, this can cause it to break or become stuck in the lock and this is why it's recommended to keep an extra key on hand at all times.