Car Key Replacements
Losing a key can be costly, whether it's a simple lock-and-key, or a high-end key fob. The best way to avoid this is to keep an extra key in your wallet.
If you do lose keys, the cheapest option is to find an auto locksmith. A dealership might be more expensive, but it's an option worth considering.
Mechanical Keys
If you own an older vehicle that doesn't utilize key fob technology, your car keys are probably mechanical. Keys that are standard can be made of steel, brass, or a combination between brass and nickel. The keys are cut on a key duplicator that utilizes a blank key as a template and an original key against the opposite side of the machine. The original key is cut using a special cutter to create a duplicate.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are incorporated in the majority of newer automobiles' keys. These chips are used to unlock the car and start it. The chips are located in the ignition or on the key head. When the key is turned in the ignition, the transponder sends the signal to be received by the computer system of the car. The computer then examines the signal to ensure that it is in line with the correct serial number.
It's almost impossible to start a car without the owner's key. If the signal is not in sync, the vehicle will not start. This is a great benefit to deter car thefts since it lowers the risk of someone else driving off with your car.
A transponder key costs more than a regular metal key. The transponder is a microchip which is expensive to create and install into a car key. Typically, these kinds of keys can cost hundreds of dollars when purchased through the car dealership.
A locksmith can offer much less expensive and trustworthy transponder key replacements. Beishir Lock and Security has many of these keys. They can reprogram the chip right on the spot, allowing it to work with your vehicle at only a fraction of the cost of the dealership.
Be sure to check out quotes when shopping for the replacement transponder keys. There are a variety of factors that influence the final cost, including the model and make of your car, if you have any additional features on your key, such as a remote key-fob, and even where you decide to go to copy it.
In the end, you need consider the advantages of a transponder versus the expense and convenience. If you prioritize safety and security, then a transponder keys might be worth the investment in the long in the long run. Additionally, the majority of modern cars have an immobilizer that won't allow them to start if a non-transponder keys is used, so this is another factor to consider.
Laser-Cut Keys
Although they may appear like something from the sci-fi genre laser cut keys are in fact quite common and provide an extra layer of protection for vehicles. They require specialized key cutting equipment and are much more difficult for thieves to copy or pick than traditional cut keys.
In contrast to traditional keys with grooves cut into one side the laser cut keys have slits tooled on both sides. This allows them to be inserted into the lock cylinder in either direction while still operating it. They are therefore more durable and robust than standard keys.
They can also be employed as a bonus feature to open high-security locks. The slits are tooled to a specific depth that matches the codes of different car manufacturers. Getting the right depth is essential as an incorrectly cut blade can damage the machine that cuts keys and result in the key not functioning shortly after it is put into the lock cylinder.
The increased thickness and unique slits in keys made by lasers are less vulnerable to being copied or taken. Some keys include a transponder that is specific to your car. This means that even if a person makes a copy of your car key using a transponder chip it won't be able to start your vehicle.
Although these additional layers of security could make a laser cut car key more expensive than other kinds however, the reality is that they're still cheaper than purchasing a replacement from your dealer. Locksmiths are able to cut these keys faster than dealerships for cars.
Another important thing to remember is that the quality of a laser cut car key can make all the difference. The wrong type of blade can easily harm the key cutting machine or the cylinder of your lock, which could result in a costly repair bill. It is crucial to purchase your laser-cut car keys from a locksmith for autos who sells them.
Bibens Ace South Burlington has a large choice of car key replacement FOB keys for over 250 different makes and model of vehicles. We also have laser-cut sidewinder key. Visit us today to see how we can save you money on car key fob replacements without the hassle of having to go to a dealership!
Remote Keys
Not so long ago the possibility of losing or misplacing your car keys wasn't a huge deal. Contact a locksmith for a new key and then drive away. Nowadays, however, cars are more advanced in technology and keys are harder to replace and harder for thieves to duplicate. It's now more expensive to replace keys for cars that have been stolen.
Depending on the type of key that you have, the cost to replace it will vary. auto key replacement can have traditional keys for just $10 at a local hardware store or hire an automotive locksmith who will come to you and make the key right there.
You'll need to take your smart key, transponder that has switchblade, or transponder with remote start to the dealer to be repaired. It can be very expensive and may take a while to obtain the new key from the manufacturer, which could delay getting back on the road.
Sometimes, just like any other electronic device the car key can cease to function for no apparent reason. Most often, this happens due to extreme cold or heat but it could be due to an ineffective battery or water in the key fob from rain, or simply deteriorating over time. If you find that your car key is no responding, you should consider trying to reset it first before calling an auto locksmith.
You should also be aware that your key fob can only function if you are within the reach of the vehicle. It's important to always keep your key fob close to you and not put it in your pocket unless necessary.
The majority of people lose their keys to their cars when they drop them or lose keys. In some cases this could cause it to break or be stuck in the lock, which is why it's always recommended to keep an extra key available at all times.