Now That You've Purchased Car Key Replacements ... Now What?
Car Key Replacements
The loss of a key could be costly, whether it's a simple lock-and-key, or a more sophisticated key fob. The best way to prevent this is to always have a spare in your wallet.
If you lose keys, the most affordable solution is to hire an auto locksmith. Dealerships are more expensive but a solid choice.
Mechanical Keys
Your car keys are likely to be mechanical if you own an older vehicle that doesn't have key fobs. The standard keys are made of metal, like steel, brass or a combination of brass and nickel. They're cut using a key duplicator machine, with an original key positioned against one side of the machine, and a blank key aligned with it to act as the template. The original key is cut with a specialized cutter to create a duplicate.
Transponder Keys
The majority of newer cars are equipped with a transponder chip integrated into the key that is used to unlock and start the car. These chips can be found in the ignition, or the key head. When the key is inserted into the ignition, the transponder emits the signal to be received by the computer system in the car. The computer checks the signal and ensures it matches the correct serial number.
This makes it nearly impossible for stolen vehicles to be started without owner's keys. If the signal doesn't match the vehicle's signal, it will not start. This is an enormous benefit that can stop car thieves from taking your car as the odds of someone else attempting to start and then driving away with your car are greatly decreased.
A transponder key costs more than a regular metal key. The transponder is a chip that is costly to produce and integrate into the car key. Typically, these types keys can cost hundreds of dollars when purchased through the car dealership.
A locksmith can offer much cheaper and more secure transponder key replacements. Beishir Lock and Security carries a large assortment of keys, and they can modify the chip to work with your car on-the-spot for a fraction of the price of the dealership.
Make sure to compare quotes when shopping for an alternative transponder key. The final price is influenced by many factors, including the make and model of your vehicle, any additional features that you can find on the key (such as a remote-control key-fob), and even the location you select to copy it.
In the end, you must weigh the benefits of a transponder key versus the cost and convenience. If you prioritize security and safety, then a transponder key might be worth the investment in the long in the long run. Additionally, the majority of modern cars come with an immobilizer that won't allow the car 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 an sci-fi film Laser cut keys are in fact quite common and provide an extra layer of security for vehicles. They are created using specially designed key cutting equipment and are more difficult to duplicate or steal from thieves than traditional cut keys.
In contrast to traditional keys with grooves cut into one side the laser cut keys have slits cut on both sides. This allows them to be inserted into the lock cylinder in either direction while still operating it. They are thus more durable and thicker than conventional keys.
As a bonus they can also be used to unlock some high-security locks. This is due to the slits being placed in a particular depth that is compatible with various codes used by car manufacturers. It is important to get the right depth, as cutting the blade incorrectly can damage the cutting machine, and cause the key to not to function once it has been inserted into the lock.
The thicker and more distinctive slits on car keys cut with lasers make them less susceptible to being copied or taken. In addition the majority of these keys are equipped with transponder chips which are unique to your car. This means that even if a person creates a duplicate of your car key with transponder chips, they won't be capable of starting your vehicle.
While these extra layers of security could make a laser cut car key more expensive than other types but the truth is that they're still cheaper than purchasing a replacement from your dealer. Locksmiths often cut these keys more quickly than dealerships selling cars.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the quality of a laser cut car key can make a huge difference. The wrong type of blade can easily harm the key cutting machine or the cylinder of your lock, leaving you with an expensive repair bill. It's vital to purchase your laser-cut car key from a locksmith that sells them.
Bibens Ace South Burlington offers a wide selection of replacement car key FOB keys for over 250 different makes and models of vehicles, in addition to laser-cut sidewinder keys. Visit us today and discover how we can help you save money on car key fob replacements without the hassle of having to go to a dealer!
Remote Keys
In the past, misplacing or even losing keys to your car wasn't a huge deal. You could contact a locksmith, get an alternate and then leave. Nowadays, however, automobiles are much more technologically advanced and keys are more difficult to replace and more difficult for thieves to copy. It's becoming more expensive to replace the key to a car that has been lost.
The cost of replacing a key can vary depending on the type. For traditional keys you can have one made for $10 at a hardware store, or you can get an locksmith from the automotive industry to visit you and make a copy on the spot.
If you have a smart key, transponder key with a switchblade, or a transponder with remote start, you'll need to visit your dealership to get it replaced. This can be very costly and may take a while to order the new key from the manufacturer which could delay getting back on the road.
The car key may stop working for no apparent reason as do other electronic devices. Usually, this is due to extreme heat or cold however, it could also be caused by an ineffective battery, water in the key fob due to rain or simply wearing out over time. It's a good idea to reset your car key prior to calling an auto locksmith if you find that it's not responding.
You should also know that your keyfob will only function if you are within the reach of the vehicle. auto key replacement to always keep your key fob close to you and never take it out of your pocket unless required.
The majority of people lose their keys to their car when they drop them or lose keys. This could result in the key breaking or get stuck in the lock. It's an ideal idea to have a spare.