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Understanding the Different Types of Car Keys

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

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

Basic Keys

When people think of their car keys, they often imagine a basic metal key that opens doors and starts the engine. While these are the most popular kinds of keys for cars, there are many other kinds that are more sophisticated and have enhanced security features. Knowing the distinctions between car keys will help people understand what to expect when they need to replace or repair them.

Keys that are standard are the simplest type of car key. They have been around for decades, and they are still the most popular option for vehicles with newer technology. These are the keys you can purchase from the hardware store and attach to your keychain. Keys of standard size can be copied at a relatively low cost however they can be costly to replace in the event of loss or damaged.

Transponder keys are an innovative option that has been around since 1995. They provide a more secure alternative to traditional keys. They are equipped with microchips inside the handle of the key and are activated when they are inserted into the ignition. These can be more expensive to replace if they are damaged or lost, but they provide greater security against theft than conventional keys.

Switchblade keys are a different option. They fold up into a keyfob when not being used. They are more expensive than regular keys, but they can be more expensive when the shank of the key or the handle are damaged.

There are also smart keys that have built-in Bluetooth trackers, and remote key fob repairs starters. These keys are more expensive and may require locksmiths' special tools to repair.

Mechanical Keys

In the old days, if you lost a car key or it stopped working completely out of the blue, all you had to do was visit the local hardware store and obtain a replacement. The process is a bit more complicated today. There are a variety of cars on the road, and each one has a unique key. Based on the model that you are replacing, it could cost you more or less than $50.

Mechanical keys are the most basic type. They're also known as "insert-and-turn" keys. These keys were the ones you could buy from the hardware shop for a few cents. They do not have transponders and are used to secure the trunk or the doors, but not to start the car.

The other type of key, that is the most common utilized is the transponder keys. This key has a small transponder located in the head of the key which transmits a coded signal to the ignition system of your vehicle to verify the legitimacy of the key. This feature was added to vehicles in 1995, and can stop them from being started if an unauthorized or lost key is used.

To fix this type of key the first step is to identify the reason for its malfunction. In most cases it is due to an issue with the key cap or the key switch. To correct this problem, the cap of the key fob repair and the key switch should be removed with a tool and then cleaned and lubricated in order to resolve the issue. Lubricating the switch is essential because it can help eliminate issues like key chatter. This refers to keys that allow multiple inputs to be detected when they are pressed.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys, also referred as "chip keys" are an integral part of the anti-theft system in your Car Key Repair Cost. The small microchip embedded inside the plastic head of the car key sends the signal to the antenna ring around the ignition key cylinder. The car won't start if the computer doesn't receive the correct response. This type of chip is used in all cars built from 1998 onwards.

The problem is, the same factor that makes these kinds of keys more secure also makes them more expensive to replace. They're not just different from traditional mechanical keys in terms of design however, they also have a microchip that needs to be programmed into the computer of the vehicle for them to function.

This process is done by connecting the diagnostic tool to the computer in your car and entering a programming mode. This process is more complicated than cutting a blank because these tools aren't available in all locksmith shops, you could be charged more than if you were to replace a mechanical key.

The make and model of your vehicle is an additional important factor. Certain manufacturers require special equipment to program their cars and increase the cost.

Some people prefer to have professionals handle the programming of their transponder key. This is due to complex procedures, such as cutting wires to take off the transponder's antenna and using a scanner device as well as the security you gain from knowing that a professional is working on your vehicle. Depending on the make and model you might be able to save money by going directly to the dealership to arrange to install the new chip.

Laser Cut Keys

Laser cut keys have an edge that is high degree of security. They were introduced in the 1990s to prevent theft of vehicles. They are more difficult to duplicate than traditional keys and have transponder chips inside their heads. The chips communicate with ignitions when they are inserted and prevent the vehicle from being started when keys that are not the correct ones are used.

While this technology works to stop car thieves from entering your home but it's not able to stop them completely. The unique blade and shape of the key fob repair service are hard to duplicate, however burglars can still use it with the appropriate tools to gain entry where to repair car key remote your vehicle. This is because traditional key have a standard lock that's easy for burglars to pick. However, laser keys come with a sidewinder lock cylinder that is more difficult to pick.

The key is also more durable in comparison to traditional keys. The blade is made of hardened steel, which can withstand a lot of wear and tear before eventually wearing out. If the key wears out or is accidentally snapped in half, it's relatively inexpensive to replace it by an experienced locksmith.

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

Key Fobs

Although they're useful but key fobs can be tricky. They aren't always reliable and often stop working when you most likely don't. You could end up in a embarrassing situation if your device fails in the middle of taking your trunk full of groceries or going to work after a tiring day. You might need to call locksmith services or a tow truck and it could cost you a lot of money to get your vehicle back on the road.

There are many factors that affect the price of a fob, including the type of key it is made of and the materials it is made of. It is also dependent on the brand that is more expensive. Some fobs can be programmed by the owner, while others require a dealer reprogram them to the vehicle.

If your key fob does not function or functions intermittently, a replacement battery could be the answer. The coin-shaped battery are available at hardware stores, online retailers, and big box retailers for as little as $10. To replace the battery, gently pry apart the two halves of the key fob key repair, then insert the new battery with the same orientation.

If your key fob is damaged or no longer works correctly, you'll need to get it reprogrammed by a dealer. Although you may be able to do this yourself however, it's best to have a professional handle it to prevent any accidental damage that could result in costly repairs in the future. If you have spare keys and fob, you could bypass this step and buy a replacement to save money. If you've lost both your keys and fob, it's worth the extra cost to have a dealer reprogram the new key and cut the new key at the same time.