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Understanding the Different Types of Car Keys

It wasn't long ago that misplacing or worse losing keys to your car was not a big issue. In fact, you could find a spare at an auto parts store or your local locksmith.

As cars have evolved to keep up with technological advancements replacement of keys that have been lost is more difficult and expensive. Find out more about the elements that influence the cost of replacing a car key.

Basic Keys

When people think about their car keys, they often think of a simple metal key that opens doors and then starts the engine. There are a variety of more sophisticated types of car keys that can provide greater security. Knowing the distinctions between different kinds of car keys will help people determine what to expect when it comes to replacing or fixing the keys.

One of the most basic kinds of car keys is a standard one, that has been used for decades and remains the most common option for cars with modern technology. These are keys that you can purchase from an hardware store and then connect to your keychain. Keys that are standard can be copied at the cost of a small amount, but they are expensive to replace in the event of loss or damaged.

Transponder keys are a modern option that has been around since 1995. They offer a more secure alternative to traditional keys. They are equipped with microchips inside the key handle and activate when they are inserted into the ignition. They are more costly to replace in the event of a loss or damage, but they are more secure against theft than standard keys.

Another alternative is the switchblade key which folds up into a key fob when not in use. They're more expensive than regular keys, however they can be more expensive when the shank of the key car repair or the handle are damaged.

There are also the smart keys that have built-in Bluetooth trackers and remote car key repair near me starts. These keys are more expensive and require locksmiths' tools to repair.

Mechanical Keys

In the past, if your car key was damaged or stopped working, you needed to visit the local hardware store and purchase new keys. Nowadays things are more complicated. There are a variety of cars available and each has an individual key. Depending on its type it may cost more or less than 50 dollars.

Mechanical keys, also referred to as "insert and turn" keys, are the most basic type. These keys were the ones could be replaced at a hardware shop for a few pennies. They don't have a transponder inside them and are intended for locking the trunk or door locks but not for starting the car.

The transponder keys are the other type one, and is the most frequently used. The key is equipped with a tiny transponder inside the head of the key that transmits a coded message to the ignition system of your car to verify the authenticity of the key. This system was installed in cars starting in 1995. It prevents the ignition from being started using an unauthorised key or a lost one.

To fix this type of key, the first step is to determine the reason for its malfunction. Most of the time it is due to a problem with the cap on the key or the key switch. To correct this the key cap and switch need to be removed carefully using tools, then cleaned and lubricated to resolve the issue. Lubricating the key switch 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 to as "chip keys" are an integral part of the anti-theft system in your car. The small microchip embedded inside the plastic head of the car key transmits the signal to the antenna ring surrounding the ignition key cylinder. The car will not start if the computer doesn't receive the correct response. This kind of chip can be found in most cars manufactured since 1998.

The issue is that they are more expensive to replace. Apart from having an entirely different design than traditional mechanical keys, they have a specific microchip that has to be programmed into your car's computer to function effectively.

This process is done by connecting the diagnostic tool to your car's computer and entering a programming mode. This procedure can be more complex than cutting a blank because these tools aren't available in all locksmith shops, you might be charged more than if you were to replace the mechanical key repairs near me.

The make and model of your vehicle is another important factor. Some manufacturers have their own specialized equipment that has to be used to program their vehicles, which will add cost.

Some people prefer to have professionals handle the programming of their transponder keys. This is due to the complicated procedures, such as cutting wires to remove the transponder's antenna as well as using a scanner device, and the security you gain from knowing that a professional will be working on your car. Based on the model and make, you may be able to save money by going directly to the car dealership to install your new chip.

Laser Cut Keys Keys

Laser cut keys are a type of car key that comes with a high-security blade. They were introduced in the 1990s and help to stop vehicle theft. They are more difficult to duplicate than traditional keys and have transponder chips inside their heads. The chips communicate with ignitions when inserted, preventing the vehicle from being started when keys that are not the correct ones are used.

While this technology can stop car thieves from entering your home but it's not able to stop them entirely. The unique blade and design of the key is difficult to duplicate, however thieves can still make use of it with the proper tools to gain access to your vehicle. This is because traditional keys use the standard lock cylinder, which is easy to pick. Laser keys, however, have a sidewinder lock cylinder, which is much more difficult to pick.

The key's design is also more durable than traditional keys. The blade is made from hardened steel and can withstand a lot of wear and tear before fading out. If the key breaks or wears out, it is relatively inexpensive to repair it by locksmiths.

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

Key Fobs

Even though they're convenient, key fobs can be finicky. They aren't always reliable and are likely to cease functioning when you least expect them. A malfunctioning fob can leave you in a tense situation, especially when you're putting in your trunk full of food items or heading off to work after an exhausting day. It's possible to need an emergency locksmith or tow truck, and it could cost you a significant amount to get your car back on the road.

The type of key used and the materials used in the fob may affect the price. It also depends on the manufacturer which is usually more expensive. Some fobs are programmed by the user while others must be reprogrammed to the vehicle by a dealer.

If your key fob will not work or works intermittently, a replacement battery might be the solution. The coin-shaped batteries usually cost $10 or less and are available at hardware stores, big box retailers, and even online. To replace the battery, gently pry off the two halves of the key fob and insert the new one in the same orientation.

You'll need your dealer to reprogramme it if your key fob has been damaged or is not working properly. Although you may be able to do this on your own, it's best to let professionals handle the task to avoid any damage that could cause costly repairs in the future. If you have spare keys and fob, you could bypass this step and buy a replacement to save money. If you've lost your fob and key together, it's well worth it to get the dealer to reprogram the key and cut a new key at the exact same at the same time.