Car Key Replacements
If it's a basic lock-and-key keys or a sophisticated fob key, losing one can be costly. It's ideal to keep a spare key in your wallet.
If you do lose keys, the most affordable alternative is to locate an auto locksmith. A dealership might be more costly, but it's a good choice.
Mechanical Keys
Your car keys will likely be mechanical if you have an old vehicle that does not use key fobs. These standard keys can be made of brass, steel or a mixture of brass and nickel. The keys are cut on a key duplicator that utilizes the blank key as a template and an original key on the opposite side of the machine. The original key is then cut using a special 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. The chips are located in the ignition or on the key head. The transponder sends signals to the computer in the car when the key is turned into the ignition. The computer then examines the signal to make sure it matches with the correct serial number.
It's almost impossible to start an automobile without the owner's keys. If the signal doesn't match the vehicle's signal, it will not start. This is a huge advantage to prevent car thefts as it lowers the risk of someone else driving off with your vehicle.
The drawback of transponder keys is that it's more expensive than a standard flat metal key. The transponder is a chip that is expensive to manufacture and integrate into a car key. Typically, these types keys can cost hundreds of dollars if purchased through the car dealership.
A locksmith can offer much less expensive and reliable transponder key replacements. Beishir Lock and Security carries many of keys, and they can reprogramme the chip to work with your car on-the-spot at a fraction of the price of the dealership.
When you are looking for a transponder replacement key, be sure to get multiple quotes. The final cost is determined by a variety of factors, including the model and make of your vehicle, the additional features that you can find on the key (such as a remote-control key-fob) and the location where you choose to copy it.
In the end, you have consider the advantages of a transponder in comparison to the cost and convenience. Transponder keys could be worth it in the long run in the event that you are concerned about security and safety. A non-transponder car key will not allow the car to start.
Laser-Cut Keys
Although they may sound like something out of an sci-fi film Laser cut keys are in fact quite common and provide an extra layer of protection for vehicles. These keys are made with specially designed key cutting equipment and are much harder to duplicate or steal from thieves than traditional cut keys.
In contrast to traditional keys with grooves cut into one side, laser cut car keys have slits cut on both sides. They can be inserted in the lock cylinder either way and still work. As a result, they tend to be sturdier and thicker than traditional keys.
As a bonus they can be used to open certain high-security locks. This is because the slits are placed in a particular depth that is compatible with different car manufacturers' codes. It is crucial to choose the correct depth since a blade that is cut incorrectly could cause damage to the cutting machine and cause the key not to function after it has been inserted into the lock.
The unique slits and increased thickness of laser-cut car keys make them more resistant to copying. In addition 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 someone copies your car key using transponder chips they will not be able to start your car.
While these extra layers of security could make a laser-cut car key more expensive than other keys but the truth is that they're still cheaper than purchasing a replacement from your dealership. Additionally, locksmiths are often able to cut these keys more quickly than car dealerships.
The quality of a laser-cut car key can make a big difference. car key replacement locksmith could easily damage the machine that cuts keys or your lock cylinder, 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 the keys.
Bibens Ace South Burlington has an extensive selection of replacement car key FOB keys that fit more than 250 different makes and model of vehicles. We also offer a laser-cut sidewinder key. Visit us today to see how you can save money on replacement car fobs, without having to go to a dealer!
Remote Keys
It wasn't too long ago that losing your car key or losing it was not a big problem. Call a locksmith to get a new key and leave. Today, however, cars are more advanced in technology and keys are more difficult to replace and harder for thieves to copy. It is now more expensive to replace the key to a car that has been lost.
Depending on the type of key that you have, the cost to replace it will differ. For traditional keys, you can have an exact copy made for around $10 at a hardware store or you can get an automotive locksmith to visit you and make one right there.
If you own a smart key, a transponder key with a switchblade, or a transponder with remote start, you will have to visit your dealer to get it replaced. This can be quite costly, and it may take a while to obtain the new key from the manufacturer which could delay getting back on the road.
The car key may cease to function without a clear reason as with other electronic devices. Often, this is due to extreme cold or heat but it could also be caused by a bad battery or key fob from rain, or simply deteriorating over time. If you find that your car key isn't longer responding, it's worth trying to reset it before calling an auto locksmith.
You should also know that your key fob will only function if you're within the reach of the vehicle. It's important to always keep your key fob with you and not put it in your pocket unless necessary.
The most frequent method of losing a car key is by misplacing it or dropping it. In some cases, this can cause it to break or get stuck in the lock and this is why it's always an ideal idea to have an extra key available at all times.