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Understanding the Different Types of Car Keys
In the past, misplacing-or worse, losing-your car keys wasn't a big deal. You could purchase a spare key at your local auto parts shop or locksmith.
Since cars have been upgraded to adapt to technological advances replacing keys lost in the car is becoming more difficult and costly. Find out more about what factors into the total cost of a car key replacement.
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. While those are the most popular kinds of keys for cars, there are many other kinds that are more sophisticated and offer enhanced security features. Understanding the differences between car keys will allow people to know what to expect when they have to replace or repair them.
Standard keys are the simplest type of car key. They've been in use for a long time, and remain the most sought-after choice for cars with newer models. These are the keys that you can purchase from an hardware store and then connect to your keychain. Standard keys are relatively cheap to copy, however they could be costly to replace in the event that they are lost or damaged.
Transponder keys are a modern option that has been available since 1995. They offer security and are more secure than traditional keys. Microchips are embedded into the handle of the key, and activated when the key is inserted into the ignition. They are more expensive to replace in the event of a loss or damage, but they provide greater protection against theft than traditional keys.
Another alternative is the switchblade, which folds into a key fob when not in use. These are a little more expensive to replace than standard keys, however they could be more expensive when the handle or shank of the key is damaged.
Lastly, there are also smart keys that come with built-in Bluetooth trackers as well as remote starts. They are more expensive than standard keys and could require a locksmith's specific tools to repair.
Mechanical Keys
In the past when you lost a car key or it stopped working out of the blue, all you had to do was head to your local hardware store and get a replacement. Nowadays, things are a little more complicated. There are numerous kinds of cars on the road and each comes with an individual key. Depending on the type, replacing it may cost you more or less than $50.
Mechanical keys are the most basic type. automotive key repair known as "insert-and-turn" keys. These are the ones that you were in a position to replace at the hardware store to change your pocket. They do not come with a transponder and are used to secure the trunk or doors but not to start the car.
The other type of key, which is the most common utilized is the transponder key. This key has a transponder inside the key head that transmits a coded signal the ignition system of your vehicle to confirm that the key is in fact valid. The system was put in cars starting in 1995. It stops the ignition from being started using an unauthorised key or lost one.
To fix this type of key the first step is to determine what's causing the malfunction. Most of the time, the cause is due to either a problem with the key cap or the key switch. To fix this the key cap and the key switch should be removed with a tool and 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 which 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 tiny microchip that is embedded in the head of the car key transmits the signal to the antenna ring that surrounds the ignition piston. If the car's computer isn't receiving the correct response from the transponder it won't begin to turn on. Most cars produced in the year 1998 feature this kind of chip.
The problem is, the same feature 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 microchips that need to be programmed into the vehicle's computer in order to function.
This is accomplished by connecting an instrument for diagnostics to the computer in your car and then entering a programming mode. It's more complicated than simply cutting a brand blank from scratch, and since the tools aren't accessible in every locksmith shop you're likely to pay more for this service than if you replace a standard mechanical key.
Another aspect is the model and make of the car you are driving. Certain manufacturers have their own equipment that must be used in order to program their vehicles, which could add cost.
Some prefer having an expert do the programming of their transponder keys. It is due to the complex procedures, such as cutting wires to remove the transponder's antenna as well as using a scanner device, as well as the security you gain from knowing that a professional will be working on your vehicle. Based on the model and make you may be saving money by bringing your car directly to the dealer for the installation of your new chip.
Keys Laser Cut Keys
Laser cut keys are a type of car key that has a high-security blade. They came on the scene in the 1990s and help to stop vehicle theft. They are more difficult to duplicate and come with transponder chips embedded in their heads. The chips communicate with the ignition when they are inserted into it, which stops the vehicle from starting in the event that the incorrect key is used.
This technology helps hinder car thefts, but it doesn't stop them completely. The unique blade and design of the key are hard to duplicate, but burglars can still use it with the appropriate tools to gain entry to your vehicle. This is because traditional keys have a standard lock that is easy for burglars to pick. Laser keys, however, come with an asymmetrical cylinder lock that is much more difficult to pick.
The key is also more durable in comparison to traditional keys. The blade is made of hardened steel, which can withstand lots of wear and tear before fading out. However, if the key wears out or is accidentally snagged in half, it's relatively cheap to have it replaced by an experienced locksmith.
While laser-cut keys are more expensive than their edge-cut counterparts but they offer greater security. The combination of the blade design, lock cylinder, and the transponder chip makes them difficult to duplicate or pick. They are still at risk of being stolen or lost if you don't make the proper precautions.
Key Fobs
While they're handy keys can be finicky. They don't last forever and tend to stop working at the moment you most likely don't. A malfunctioning keypad can put you in a tense situation, especially if you're loading your trunk with food items or heading off to work after an extended day. It's possible to need a locksmith or a tow truck and it could cost you a significant amount to get your car back on the road.
Many factors influence the cost of a fob, such as the kind of key it comes with and its materials. It also depends on the manufacturer, which typically costs more. Certain fobs can be programmed by the owner, while others require a dealer to reprogram them to the vehicle.
If your key fob is unresponsive or intermittently works A simple battery replacement might fix the issue. These coin-shaped batteries typically cost $10 or less and can be purchased at hardware stores, big box retailers, and on the internet. To replace the battery, gently pull the two halves of the key fob and then insert the new battery in the same way as the old one.
If your key fob is damaged or isn't functioning properly, you'll need to get it reprogrammed by a dealer. You can do this yourself, but it's preferential to leave it to an expert to avoid accidental damage that could lead to costly repairs in the future. If you have a spare key and fob, you can skip this step and purchase a new one to save money. If you've lost your fob and key together, it's well worth it to allow the dealer to reprogram your key and cut a new key at the exact same time.