Understanding the Different Types of Car Keys

It wasn't long ago that misplacing or, even worse losing keys to your car was not an issue. You could buy keys at your local auto parts store or locksmith.

As cars have adapted to accommodate technological advances, replacing lost keys is becoming more difficult and costly. Learn more about the variables that affect the cost of a replacement car key.

Basic Keys

When people think of their car keys, they may think of a simple metal key that opens doors and start the engine. While these are the most popular kinds of keys for cars but there are a variety of types that are more advanced and offer enhanced security features. Understanding the differences between car keys will help people to know what to expect when they have to replace or repair them.

One of the most basic types of keys for cars is a standard key, which has been around for decades and is still the most commonly used option for newer cars. These are the keys you can purchase from a hardware shop and attach to your keychain. Keys of the standard type are cheap to copy, however they could be costly to replace when they're damaged or lost.

More modern options include the transponder key which has been in use since 1995 and is a more secure solution than traditional keys. They are equipped with microchips inside the handle of the key and activate when they are inserted into the ignition. They can be more expensive to replace if damaged or lost, but they offer better protection against theft than traditional keys.

Switchblade keys are an alternative. They fold up into an accessory keyfob when not used. They're more expensive than standard keys to replace, but they can be more expensive when the shank of the key or the handle are damaged.

Lastly, there are also the smart keys with built-in Bluetooth trackers and remote starts. These keys are more expensive and could require locksmiths' specific tools to repair car keys near me.

Mechanical Keys

In the old days when you lost your car key or it stopped working completely out of the blue, all you had to do was visit the local hardware store and get a replacement. Today, things are a little more complicated. There are many kinds of cars in circulation and each has a different key. Based on the type of car, it could cost more or less than 50 dollars.

Mechanical keys, also known as "insert and turn" keys are the simplest kind. They were the keys you could replace at the hardware store for a few pennies. They don't have a transponder inside them and are used for locking the trunk or door locks, but not for starting the car.

The other kind of key, which is the most commonly used in use is the transponder key. The key is equipped with a transponder inside the key head that transmits a coded signal your car's ignition system to confirm that the key is legitimate. This system was added to cars in 1995 and can prevent the ignition from starting when a lost or stolen key is used.

The first step in fixing this type of key fob repairs is to identify what's causing the issue. Most of the time, the cause is due to an issue with the key cap or the key switch. To fix this issue problem, the cap of the key and key switch must be removed with an instrument, and then cleaned and lubricated to fix the problem. Lubricating the switch is essential because it can help solve issues such as key chatter. This refers to keys that 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 vehicle. The small microchip embedded in the head of the key transmits signals to the antenna ring around the ignition cylinder. If the car's computer doesn't receive the correct response from the transponder it won't start. This kind of chip is present in the majority of cars made since 1998.

The issue is, the same thing that makes these types of keys more secure also makes them more expensive to replace. They're not only different from traditional mechanical keys in terms of design and appearance, but they also include microchips that need to be programmed into the car's computer for them to function.

This is accomplished by connecting an instrument for diagnostics to the computer in your car and then entering a programming mode. This process can be more complex than cutting a blank since these tools aren't readily available in all locksmith shops, you could be charged more than if you were to replace the mechanical key.

The model and make of your vehicle is an additional factor. Certain manufacturers require specialized equipment to program their vehicles, which increases your cost.

Some people prefer having an expert do the programming of their transponder key. This is due to the intricate procedures involved, such as cutting wires to disconnect the transponder antenna and using scanners and the assurance that comes with knowing that you have a skilled professional working on your vehicle. It is possible to save money by going directly to the dealership to get the new chip installed.

Laser Cut Keys Keys

Laser cut keys are a form of car key that comes with high-security blade. They were introduced in the 1990s to prevent theft of vehicles. 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, preventing the vehicle from starting if the incorrect key is used.

While this technology helps deter car thieves but it's not able to stop them from doing so completely. The key's unique blade shape are difficult to duplicate, but thieves with the proper tools and equipment can still use it to get into your vehicle. This is because traditional keys use a standard lock cylinder that's easy to pick. Laser keys, however, have a sidewinder lock cylinder, which is much more difficult to pick.

The key is also more durable to traditional keys. The blade is made from hardened steel and is able to withstand a lot of wear and tear before fading out. However, if the broken key repair near me wears out or is accidentally cut in half, it's inexpensive to replace it by an experienced locksmith.

Laser-cut keys are more expensive however, they provide greater security. The combination of the blade, transponder and the lock make it more difficult to duplicate. They are still susceptible to being stolen or lost if you don't take the appropriate precautions.

Key Fobs

Key fobs aren't always reliable even though they're convenient. They won't last forever and often stop functioning when you most likely don't. A malfunctioning keypad can put you in a tense situation, particularly if you're loading your trunk with groceries or heading to work after a long day. You may have to call an emergency locksmith or tow truck and it could cost you a significant amount to get your car back on the road.

A variety of factors affect the price of a fob, including the type of key it is made of and the materials used. It also depends on the brand which is usually more expensive. Certain fobs can be programmed by the owner, while others require a dealer reprogram them to the vehicle.

If your key fob will not function or functions infrequently, a new battery may be the solution. The coin-shaped batteries usually cost $10 or less and are available at hardware stores, big box retailers, and online. To replace the battery, gently pull apart the two halves of your key repair shop near me fob, then insert the new battery with the same orientation.

If your key fob is damaged or no longer works properly, you'll need to have it reprogrammed by the dealer. While you can find ways to do this on your own however, it's best to have an expert handle it in order to avoid any accidental damage that could lead to costly repairs in the future. You can save money by purchasing an additional key and fob if you already have one. If you've lost your key and fob together, it's worth it to allow the dealer to reprogram your key and cut a brand new key at the same time.

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