20 Tips To Help You Be Better At Car Key Replacements

Car Key Replacements

The loss of a key could be costly, regardless of whether it's a simple lock-and-key, or a high-end key fob. It's recommended to keep a spare key in your wallet.

If you lose keys, the cheapest option is to find an auto locksmith. A dealership is more expensive, but is a great option.

Mechanical Keys

If you have an older vehicle that doesn't use key fob technology, your keys are likely mechanical. The standard keys are made of metal like steel, brass or a mixture of nickel and brass. They're cut using the key duplicator machine using an original key set against one side of the machine, and an unaligned blank key placed next to it to act as a template. The original key is cut with an specialized cutter to make an exact copy.

Transponder Keys

The majority of newer cars are equipped with a transponder chips built into the key that is used to unlock and start the car. These chips are usually placed in the key head but can also be located in the ignition. When the key is turned on in the ignition, the transponder transmits 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.

This makes it nearly impossible for stolen vehicles to start without the owner's keys. If the signal is not in sync the vehicle's signal, it will not start. This is an enormous benefit that can deter car thieves as the likelihood of someone else starting and driving off with your vehicle are drastically diminished.

The drawback of transponder keys is that it costs more than a standard flat metal key. The transponder is a microchip that is costly to produce and put into a car key. Typically, these kinds of keys can cost hundreds of dollars if purchased from a dealership.

A locksmith can offer much cheaper and more secure transponder key replacements. Beishir Lock and Security carries many of these keys and can even reprogram the chip to work with your vehicle on-the-spot for a fraction of the price of the dealership.

Be sure to compare prices when you are looking for a replacement transponder key. There are many variables that affect the final price, such as the make and model of your vehicle, whether you have additional features on the key, such as a remote key fob and where you decide to go to get it copied.

In the end, you must weigh the benefits of a transponder key versus the cost and convenience. Transponder keys could be beneficial in the long term in the event that you are concerned about security and safety. Additionally, many modern vehicles have an immobilizer that doesn't allow the car to start if a non-transponder key is utilized and this is a further reason to think about.

Laser-Cut Keys

Although they may seem like something from a sci-fi movie laser cut keys are actually quite common and offer an extra layer of protection for cars. These keys require special key cutting equipment to make and are more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick than traditional cut keys.

Contrary to traditional keys, which have grooves cut into one side, laser cut car keys have slits tooled on both sides. They can be put into the lock cylinder either way and still work. This means that they are generally robust and durable than conventional keys.

As a bonus they can also be used to unlock some high-security locks. The slits are made to a certain depth, which matches the codes of various car manufacturers. It is essential to select the right depth, as an incorrectly-cut blade can harm the cutting machine and cause the key not to function once it is inserted into the lock.

The distinctive slits and the increased thickness of car keys cut with lasers make them more resistant to being copied. Additionally, many of these keys are equipped with transponder chips which are unique to your vehicle. This means that when someone copies your car keys, even if it's equipped with transponder chip they won't be able start your vehicle.

Keys for cars cut with lasers may be more expensive however, they are cheaper than buying a replacement from a dealership. Additionally, locksmiths can often cut these keys faster than the car dealership.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the quality of a laser cut car key can make all the difference. The wrong blade could cause damage to the machine that cuts keys or lock cylinder, leaving you with a large repair bill. This is the reason it's essential to purchase your laser-cut car key from a reliable supplier who sells them to auto locksmiths.

Bibens Ace South Burlington has an extensive range of replacement car key FOB keys for over 250 different models and car key replacements brands of vehicles. We also have laser-cut sidewinder key. Visit us today to see how you can save money on replacements for your car fob without going to an auto dealer!

Remote Keys

In the past having lost car keys replacement cost or misplaced your car keys was not a huge deal. Call a locksmith to get a new key and then drive away. Nowadays, however, automobiles are a lot more technologically advanced, and the corresponding keys are harder to replace and more difficult for thieves to copy. It's becoming more expensive to replace a lost car key.

Depending on the type of key you have, the price to replace it can vary. You can purchase an old-fashioned key for $10 at your local hardware store or hire an automotive locksmith who will visit you and make the key on the spot.

If you own an electronic key, transponder key with a switchblade or a transponder key that has remote start, you will be required to visit your local dealer to get it replaced. It can be costly and you might need to wait for a long time for the manufacturer to send you the new key.

Your car key can not function for no apparent cause as do other electronic devices. Most often, this happens due to extreme cold or heat however, it could also be caused by an unsatisfactory battery, water in the key fob from rain, or Car key replacements just wearing out over time. If you find that your car key isn't longer responding, it's worth trying to reset it before contacting an auto locksmith.

You should also know that your key fob can only function if you are within the reach of the vehicle. This is why it's crucial to keep your key fob close to you at all times and to not leave it in your pocket unless you're sure that you'll return it promptly.

The most frequent way to lose keys to cars is losing it or dropping it. In some instances this could cause it to break or get stuck in the lock and that's why it's always recommended to keep an extra key in your possession at all times.