Car Key Replacements
Losing a key can be expensive, whether it's a simple lock-and-key, or a more sophisticated key fob. It's ideal to keep a spare key in your wallet.
If you've lost a key, the cheapest solution is to hire an auto locksmith. A dealership is more expensive but a solid alternative.
Mechanical Keys
The keys to your car are likely to be mechanical if you own an older vehicle that doesn't use key fobs. The standard keys are made of metal, such as brass, steel or a combination of brass and nickel. Keys are cut using the key duplicator, which makes use of a blank key as a template and an original key against the other side of the machine. The original key is cut with a specific cutter to create an exact duplicate.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are integrated into most newer cars keys. These chips are used to unlock the car and begin it. The chips are located in the ignition or the key head. When the key is inserted into the ignition, the transponder transmits the signal to be received by the computer system in the car. The computer analyzes the signal and ensures that it is in line with the correct serial number.
This makes it nearly impossible for stolen vehicles to be started without the owner's keys. If the signal does not match the vehicle's signal, it will not start. This is an excellent benefit to deter car thefts since it reduces the likelihood of someone else stealing your vehicle.
Transponder keys cost more than a regular metal key. The transponder is a microchip which is expensive to manufacture and install into a car key. Typically, these kinds of keys can cost hundreds of dollars when purchased through the car dealership.
A locksmith can offer much less expensive and reliable transponder key replacements. Beishir Lock and Security has an extensive selection of these keys and can reprogram the chip on the spot, allowing it to work with your vehicle at less than the dealership.
When shopping around to replace a transponder key, be sure to get multiple quotes. There are many factors that impact the final price, such as the make and model of your vehicle, whether you have additional features on the key, like a remote key-fob, and even where you'll go to copy it.
In the end, you must evaluate the advantages of a transponder key against the cost and ease of use. If you are concerned about security and safety, then a transponder keys might be worth the investment in the long run. Additionally, many modern vehicles have an immobilizer that will not allow the car to start if a key that is not transponder is used which is another aspect to take into consideration.
Laser-Cut Keys
Although they may seem like something from a sci-fi movie, laser cut keys are actually quite common and offer an additional security measure for vehicles. These keys require specialized key cutting equipment and are more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick than traditional cut keys.
Laser cut car keys differ from traditional keys that have grooves on one side. They also have two slits on the sides. They can be inserted into the lock cylinder any way, and they still function. This means that they are generally robust and durable than conventional keys.
Additionally they can also be used to open some high-security locks. The slits are drilled to a specific depth, which is in line with the codes of various car manufacturers. Getting the right depth is crucial because a blade that is not cut correctly could damage the machine that cuts keys and result in the key not working immediately after being put into the lock cylinder.
The unique slits and increased thickness of the car keys laser-cut make them more resistant to being copied. A lot of these keys include a transponder that is unique to your vehicle. This means that even if someone copies your car key using transponder chips it won't be in a position to start your vehicle.
While these extra layers of security could make a laser cut car key more expensive than other types, the fact is that they're still less expensive than getting a new replacement from your dealer. Locksmiths are able to cut keys faster than car dealerships.
replacement car keys to remember is that the quality of a laser-cut car key could make all the difference. The wrong blade could damage your key cutting machine or lock cylinder and leave you with a huge repair bill. This is why it's important to get your laser cut car key from a reliable supplier that sells keys to auto locksmiths.
Bibens Ace South Burlington has a large selection of replacement car key FOB keys for over 250 different models and brands of vehicles. We also offer laser-cut sidewinder key. Visit us today to see how we can save you money on car key fob replacements without the hassle of having to go to a dealership!
Remote Keys
It wasn't that long ago that misplacing your car key or losing it was not a big problem. Get a locksmith on the phone to get a new key and leave. Today's cars are more technologically advanced, and keys that go with them may be more difficult to replace. They also are more difficult for thieves to copy. It is now more expensive to replace keys for cars that have been stolen.
Depending on the type of key that you own, the cost to replace it can vary. You can purchase a traditional key made for $10 at your local hardware store or employ an automotive locksmith who will visit you to create it immediately.
If you own an electronic key, transponder keys with a switchblade, or a transponder with remote start, you will have to visit your dealer to get it replaced. It can be very expensive and could take some time to get the new key from the manufacturer which could delay getting back on the road.
Your car key can cease to function without a clear reason as do other electronic devices. This can be due to extreme cold or heat, but can be due to an ineffective battery or the presence of water in the keyfob following rain. If you notice that your car key is no responding, you should consider trying to reset it before calling an auto locksmith.
It is important to know that your key fob can only function if you are within the range of the vehicle. This is why it's important to keep your key fob with you at all times and to not leave it in your pocket unless you're certain that you'll return it swiftly.
The most frequent way to lose the car key is through misplacing it or dropping it. In some instances this could cause it to break or get stuck in the lock, which is why it's always an ideal idea to have an extra key on hand at all times.
