20 Fun Facts About Car Key Replacements

Car Key Replacements

Whether it's a simple lock-and-key key or a more sophisticated fob key, losing one could cost you big time. The best way to prevent this is to always keep an extra key in your wallet.

The most affordable option is to call an auto locksmith in the event that you've lost your keys. Dealerships are more expensive, but it is a good option.

Mechanical Keys

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

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are built in the majority of newer automobiles keys. These chips are used to unlock the car and then start it. The chips are located in the ignition, or the key head. When the key is turned in the ignition, the transponder sends the signal to be received by the car's computer system. The computer examines the signal and ensures that it matches the correct serial number.

This makes it almost impossible for a stolen vehicle to be started without owner's keys. If the signal doesn't match the car's signal, it won't start and will remain locked. This is an enormous benefit that helps discourage car thieves since the odds of someone else attempting to start and then driving away with your car are significantly diminished.

The drawback of transponder keys is that it costs more than a traditional flat metal key. The reason for this is that the transponder contains a small microchip that is expensive to manufacture and then install into a car key. These keys are typically expensive when bought from a dealership.

A locksmith can provide less expensive and more secure transponder key replacements. Beishir Lock and Security carries an extensive selection of these keys and can even modify the chip to work with your vehicle on-the-spot for a fraction of the price of the dealership.

When shopping around for a transponder key replacement ensure you request multiple estimates. There are a variety of variables that affect the final cost, including the model and make of your car, whether you have any additional features on your key, such as a remote key-fob and where you decide to go to copy it.

In the end, you need to weigh the benefits of a transponder key against the cost of car key replacement and ease of use. Transponder keys could be beneficial in the long term when you value safety and protection. A car key without a transponder won't allow the car to start.

Laser-Cut Keys

While they might appear like something from an sci-fi film, laser cut keys are in fact quite common and provide an extra security measure for cars. These keys are created with specialized key cutting machines and are harder to duplicate or steal from thieves than traditional cut keys.

Unlike traditional keys that feature grooves cut into one side laser cut car keys have slits cut on both sides. This allows them to be put into the lock cylinder in either direction while still operating it. They are therefore more durable and robust than conventional keys.

They are also used as a bonus to unlock certain locks with high security. This is because the slits are placed in a particular depth that matches with the various codes used by car key battery replacement manufacturers. The right depth is crucial since a wrongly cut blade could cause damage to the key cutting machine and result in the key not functioning shortly after it is put into the lock cylinder.

The distinctive slits and the increased thickness of car key fob replacement near me keys cut with lasers make them more resistant to copying. Some keys have a transponder chip that is unique to your vehicle. This means that when someone copies your car key even if it's equipped with transponder chips it will not be able to start your vehicle.

While these extra layers of security may make a laser-cut car key more expensive than other keys however, the reality is that they're still cheaper than getting a new replacement from your dealer. Locksmiths often cut keys faster than dealerships for cars.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the quality of a laser-cut car key can make all the difference. A bad blade could easily damage the machine that cuts keys or your lock cylinder, leaving you with an expensive repair bill. It is crucial to purchase your laser-cut car key from an auto car key replacement near me locksmith who sells the keys.

Bibens Ace South Burlington has a large selection of replacement car key FOB keys for over 250 different models and makes of vehicles. We also offer a laser-cut sidewinder key. Visit us today to see how we can help save you money on replacement car key fobs without the hassle of going to a dealer!

Remote Keys

It wasn't long ago that a car key was lost or losing it was not a huge issue. You could contact an expert locksmith, get an alternate and then drive away. Nowadays, however, cars are more advanced in technology, and the corresponding keys are more difficult to replace and more difficult 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 price to replace it can vary. You can have an old-fashioned key for $10 at your local hardware store or replacement car key fobs employ an automotive locksmith who will visit you to make it on the spot.

If you have an intelligent key, transponder key with a switchblade, or a transponder with remote start, you'll be required to visit your local dealer to get it replaced. This can be expensive, and you may have to wait for a long period of time before the manufacturer will send you a new key.

Sometimes, as with any other electronic device keys for cars will stop working for no apparent reason. It is usually due to extreme cold or heat, but can be due to a bad battery or water in the keyfob from rain. If you notice that your car key isn't responding, it's worth trying to reset it first before contacting an auto locksmith.

You should also be aware that your keyfob will only function if you're within the range of the vehicle. This is the reason it's essential to keep your key fob with you at all times and not let it leave your pocket unless you are certain that you can return it quickly.

A majority of people lose their keys to their cars when they drop them or lose keys. This can result in the key breaking or get stuck in the lock. It's an ideal idea to have a spare.