Understanding the Different Types of Car Keys

It wasn't that long ago that losing or, even worse, losing your car keys wasn't a big issue. You could buy keys at your local auto parts store or locksmith.

However, as automobiles have advanced to meet the demands of technology, replacing lost keys is becoming more complicated and expensive. Learn more about the variables that affect the cost of a replacement car key.

Basic Keys

When people think about their car keys, they usually imagine a basic metal key that opens doors and starts the engine. There are a myriad of more advanced kinds of keys for cars that offer greater security. Knowing the distinctions between car keys will help people know what to expect when they need to replace or repair them.

One of the most basic types of keys for cars is a standard key that has been used for decades and remains the most commonly used option for the latest cars. These are keys that you can purchase from a hardware store and hook onto your keychain. Standard keys can be copied for a relatively low cost, but they are expensive to replace when lost or damaged.

The most modern alternatives include the transponder key that has been used since 1995 and provides security over traditional keys. Microchips are embedded into the handle of the key, and activated when the key is put into the ignition. These can be more expensive to replace if they are lost or damaged, but provide greater security against theft than traditional keys.

Another alternative is the switchblade, which folds into a key fob when not in use. They are more expensive than normal keys to replace, but they can be more expensive in the event that the shank of the key or the handle is damaged.

There are also smart keys with built-in Bluetooth trackers, and remote car key repair near me starters. These keys are more expensive and could require locksmiths' tools to repair car keys near me.

Mechanical Keys

In the past when your car key broke or stopped working, you needed to visit the local hardware store and purchase a new one. It's a little more complicated in the present. There are a variety of cars available and each has an individual key. Based on the model the key is replaced, it could cost you more or less than $50.

Mechanical keys are the most basic type. They're also called "insert-and-turn" keys. They're the ones you were in a position to replace at the hardware store to change your pocket. They do not have a transponder in them and are used to lock the door or trunk locks, but not for starting the remote car key repair near me.

The other type of key, that is the most common in use is the transponder keys. This key has a small transponder in the head of the key that transmits a coded message to the ignition system in your car to verify the legitimacy of the key. This system was introduced in vehicles from 1995 onwards. It prevents them from being started with an unauthorized key or a lost one.

To fix this kind of key the first step is to figure out what's causing the malfunction. Most of the time, the cause is due to a problem with the cap on the key or the key switch. To resolve this problem, the key cap or key switch must be removed with a tool. Then, they will need to be cleaned and lubricated. Lubricating the switch on the key is a crucial step as it will help in removing issues like key chatter that refers to keys that register multiple inputs with each press.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys, also referred as "chip keys", are an integral component of the anti-theft system in your vehicle. The microchip inside the plastic head of the car key transmits the signal to the antenna ring around the ignition piston. If the computer of the car doesn't receive the correct response from the transponder, it won't begin to turn on. The majority of cars manufactured in the year 1998 feature this kind of chip.

The problem is, the same factor that makes these kinds of keys more secure makes them more expensive to replace. They are not only different from conventional mechanical keys in terms of design however, they also have an electronic chip that must be programmed into the vehicle's computer in order to function.

Connecting a diagnostic device to the computer in your car remote key repair near me, and then entering the programming mode is how you do this. It can be more difficult than just cutting a blank from scratch, and since these tools aren't readily accessible in every locksmith shop you'll be charged more than if you replace the basic mechanical key.

Another factor is the model and make of your car. Some manufacturers require specialized equipment to program their vehicles which can increase the cost.

Some people prefer having an expert do the programming of their transponder key. It is due to the complicated procedures, such as cutting wires to remove the transponder's antenna and using a scanner device, and also the peace of mind you get from knowing that a professional is working on your car. Depending on the model and make you might be saving money by bringing your car directly to the dealer to install the new chip.

Keys Laser Cut Keys

Laser cut keys are a type of car key repair company key that comes with a high-security blade. They first came to the market in the 1990s, and are used to combat vehicle theft. They are more difficult to duplicate than traditional key designs and feature transponder chips in their heads. The chips communicate with the ignition once they are placed into it, preventing the vehicle from starting if the wrong key is used.

This technology helps deter car thefts, but it doesn't stop them completely. The key's unique blade shape is difficult to duplicate, however a burglar with the appropriate tools and equipment could still use it to gain entry into your vehicle. This is because traditional keys use an ordinary lock cylinder that's easy to pick. Laser keys, however, come with an asymmetrical cylinder lock that is more difficult to pick.

The key is also more durable in comparison to traditional keys. The blade is made of hardened steel that is able to withstand a lot of wear and tear before wearing out. If the key is damaged or wears out, it's fairly inexpensive to repair it by a locksmith.

While laser-cut keys are more expensive than edge-cut counterparts, they offer more security. The combination of the blade, lock cylinder and the transponder makes it harder to duplicate. They are still susceptible to being lost or stolen if you do not take the necessary precautions.

Key Fobs

Key fobs aren't always reliable even though they're convenient. They can't keep a charge for a long time, and they are likely to cease functioning at the moment you least expect it. You may find yourself in a embarrassing situation if your fob malfunctions, especially if you are taking your trunk full of groceries or going to work after a tiring day. You might need to call for a locksmith or a tow truck, and it could cost you a lot of money to get your Car key lock Repair near me back on the road.

Many factors influence the cost of a fob. These include the type of key it is made of and the materials it is made of. Brands also play a role, as they tend to be more expensive. Some fobs can be programmed by the owner while others require a dealer to reprogram them to the vehicle.

If your key fob does not work or is working infrequently, a new battery may be the solution. These coin-shaped batteries typically cost $10 or less and are available at hardware stores, big box retailers, and on the internet. To replace the battery, gently pull the two halves of the key fob apart and then insert the new battery with the same orientation as the old one.

If your key fob is damaged or isn't functioning correctly, you'll need to have it reprogrammed by the dealer. While there are ways to do this on your own, it's best to let an expert handle it in order to avoid any damage that could lead to costly repairs in the future. If you have a spare key and fob, you could skip this step and purchase a new one to save money. If you've lost your fob and key together, it's well worth the cost to have the dealer reprogram the key and cut a brand new key at the same time.