Understanding the Different Types of Car Keys
In the past the loss of car keys was not a big deal. You could purchase a spare key at your local auto parts store or locksmith.
However, as automobiles have advanced to meet the demands of technology and technology, replacing keys that have been lost has become more difficult and costly. Find out more about the factors that affect the total cost of a car key replacement.
Basic Keys
When people think of their car keys, they might think of a basic metal key that can open doors and start the engine. There are a myriad of more advanced kinds of keys for cars that can offer enhanced security. Understanding car key repair between car keys will help people understand what to expect when they need to replace or repair them.
Standard keys are the simplest type of car key. They've been in use for decades, and they remain the most popular option for vehicles with newer technology. These are the keys you can purchase at the hardware store and attach to your keychain. Keys of standard size can be copied for a relatively low cost however they can be costly to replace when lost or damaged.
Transponder keys are a new alternative that has been in use since 1995. They offer a more secure alternative to 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 if they are damaged or lost, but offer greater protection from theft than conventional keys.
Another alternative is the switchblade that folds down into the form of a key fob when in use. These are a little more expensive to replace than standard keys, but could be more expensive when the handle or shank of the key is damaged.
There are also the smart keys with built-in Bluetooth trackers and remote start. These keys are more expensive and may require locksmiths' specific tools to repair.
Mechanical Keys
In the past when you lost your car key or it stopped working out of the sudden, all you needed to do was go to the local hardware store and obtain a replacement. Nowadays things are more complicated. There are several types of vehicles on the market and each has a different key. Depending on its type, it could cost more or less than 50 dollars.
Mechanical keys, also referred to as "insert and turn" keys are the most basic type. They were the keys you could replace at the hardware store for a few dollars. They do not have a transponder and are used to lock the trunk or doors, but not to start the car.
The other kind of key, which is the most popular utilized is the transponder keys. It has a tiny transponder in the key's head that sends a coded message to the ignition system in your car to verify the validity of the key. The system was put in vehicles from 1995 onwards. It stops them from being started with an unauthorized key or a lost one.
The first step in fixing this type of key is to pinpoint what is causing the malfunction. Most of the time, the cause is due to either an issue with the cap of the key or the key switch. To fix the problem, the key cap or key switch will need to be removed with a tool. They will then have to be cleaned and lubricated. Lubricating the key switch is essential as it will help in removing issues such as key chatter, which refers to keys that register multiple inputs with each press.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys, also known as "chip keys", are an integral component of the anti-theft system in your vehicle. The small microchip embedded inside the plastic head of the car key sends the signal to the antenna ring around the ignition piston. If the computer of the car does not receive the correct response from the transponder, it won't be able to start. Most cars built since 1998 have this type of chip.
The problem is, the same factor that makes these kinds of keys more secure makes them more expensive to replace. Apart from having a different design than traditional mechanical keys, they also contain a unique microchip that must be programmed into your vehicle's computer to work effectively.
Connecting a diagnostic device to your car's computer, and then entering the programming mode is how you accomplish this. Ongoing is more complicated than just cutting a new blank, and due to the fact that the tools aren't available in every locksmith shop, you'll spend more than if you replace a standard mechanical key.
Another factor is the make and model of your vehicle. Certain manufacturers have their own equipment that has to be used to program their vehicles, which could increase the cost.
Some people prefer to have an expert do the programming of their transponder keys. This is due to the complicated procedures, like cutting wires to take off the transponder's antenna and using a scanner device, and the peace of mind you get from knowing that a professional will be working on your vehicle. Depending on your make and model you might be saving money by bringing your car directly to the dealer for the installation of the new chip.
Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys
Laser cut keys are a type of car key with a high-security blade. They first came to the market in the 1990s and help to prevent vehicle theft. They are harder to duplicate and come with transponder chips embedded in their heads. The chips communicate with ignitions when inserted to stop the vehicle from being started when keys that are not the correct ones are used.
This technology helps prevent car thefts, however it's not enough to stop them completely. The unique blade and design of the key are hard to copy, but a burglar can still use it with the right tools to gain access to your car. This is because traditional keys use the standard lock cylinder, which is easy to pick. But laser keys have a sidewinder lock that is more resistant to picking.
The key is also more durable to traditional keys. The blade is made from hardened steel and is able to withstand a lot of wear and tear before eventually wearing out. But, if the key does wear out or is accidentally snapped in half, it's affordable to have it replaced by an experienced locksmith.
Laser-cut keys are more expensive, however, they provide greater security. The combination of the blade, lock cylinder and the transponder make it difficult to duplicate. They are still vulnerable to being stolen or lost if you do not make the proper precautions.
Key Fobs
Key fobs are not always reliable, even though they are useful. They won't last forever and tend to stop functioning when you least expect them. A malfunctioning fob can leave you in a difficult situation, especially when you're putting in your car with groceries or heading to work after an exhausting day. You may have to call a locksmith or a tow truck, and it could cost you a considerable amount to get your vehicle back on the road.
The type of key and the materials used in the fob could affect the cost. It also depends on the brand that is more expensive. Some fobs are programmed by the user while others must be programmed by a dealer.
If your key fob does not function or functions intermittently, a replacement battery could be the answer. These coin-shaped batteries typically cost less than $10 and are available at hardware stores and big box retailers and on the internet. To replace the battery, gently pry the two parts of the key fob apart and then insert the new one with the same orientation that the old one had.
If your key fob is damaged or no longer works properly, you'll need to have it reprogrammed by the dealer. You can do it yourself, but it's preferential to leave it to an expert to avoid accidental damage which could lead to costly repairs in the future. If you have spare keys and fob, you could skip this step and buy a replacement to save money. If you've lost both keys and fob, it's worth the extra cost to have a dealership reprogram the new key and cut the new key simultaneously.