14 Misconceptions Common To Car Key Replacements
Car Key Replacements
The loss of a key can be expensive, whether it's a standard lock-and-key or a sophisticated key fob. It's best to keep an extra key in your wallet.
If you do lose a key, the cheapest option is to find an auto locksmith. A dealership might be more expensive, but it's a good choice.
Mechanical Keys
Your car keys are likely to be mechanical if you have an older vehicle that doesn't have key fobs. These standard keys can be made of brass, steel or a mix of nickel and brass. Keys are cut using a key duplicator that utilizes the blank key as a template and an original key on the other side of the machine. The original key is cut with an specialized cutter to make the copy.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are integrated into most newer cars' keys. These chips are used to unlock the car and start it. These chips can be found in the ignition or the key head. The transponder sends a signal to the computer in the car when the key is turned on in the ignition. The computer then checks the signal to make sure it matches the correct serial number.
It's almost impossible to start an automobile without the owner's key. If the signal doesn't match the car's signal, it won't start and remain locked. This is a huge benefit that helps to discourage car thieves since the likelihood of someone else attempting to start and then driving away with your car are significantly decreased.
The disadvantage of a transponder key is that it's more expensive than a standard flat metal key. This is because the transponder has a tiny microchip that's expensive to manufacture and then install into a car key. Typically, these kinds of keys can cost hundreds of dollars if purchased from a dealership.
A locksmith can provide less expensive and more trustworthy transponder key replacements. Beishir Lock and Security carries an extensive selection of these keys and can even modify the chip to work with your car on-the-spot at a fraction of the cost of the dealership.
Be sure to check out estimates when looking for a replacement transponder key. There are a variety of factors that influence the final price, including the model and make of your vehicle, whether you have additional features on the key like a remote key-fob, and even where you decide to go to copy it.
In the end, it is important to weigh the benefits of a transponder against the cost and the convenience. If you value safety and security, then a transponder keys may be worth the investment in the long run. A car key without a transponder won't allow the car to start.
Laser-Cut Keys
Laser cut keys might look like something from a sci-fi film however they are actually very common. They add an extra layer of security to cars. They require special key cutting equipment and are much harder for thieves to copy or pick than traditional cut keys.
Laser cut car key fob replacement keys differ from traditional keys with grooves on one side. They also have slits on both sides. This allows keys to be inserted into the lock cylinder either direction and still operate it. They are, therefore, more durable and thicker than conventional keys.
They can also be utilized as a bonus to open certain high-security locks. The slits are made to a certain depth that matches the codes of various automobile manufacturers. The right depth is vital as an incorrectly cut blade could damage the key cutting machine and cause the key to stop working immediately after being placed into the lock cylinder.
The increased thickness and unique slits in car keys cut with lasers make them less prone to being copied or picked. A lot of these keys have a transponder chip that is unique to your car. This means that anyone who copies your car key, even if it's equipped with transponder chip, they will not be able to start your car.
While these extra layers of security might make a laser-cut car key more expensive than other types but the truth is that they're still less expensive than purchasing a replacement from your dealer. Additionally, locksmiths are usually able to cut these keys more quickly than the car dealership.
A car key that is laser cut's quality can make a huge difference. A blade that is not of the right type can easily harm the key cutting machine or your lock cylinder leading to a large repair bill. This is the reason it's essential to purchase your laser-cut car key from a trusted supplier that sells them to auto locksmiths.
Bibens Ace South Burlington offers a wide selection of replacement car key FOB keys for more than 250 different makes and models of automobiles, as well as sidewinder keys laser-cut. Visit us today to find out how you can save money on replacement car fobs without going to a dealer!
Remote Keys
It wasn't too long ago that misplacing your car key or losing it was not a big issue. You could contact an locksmith, receive a replacement and still leave. Nowadays, however, automobiles are a lot more technologically advanced, and the corresponding keys are harder to replace and even more difficult for thieves to copy. It is now more expensive to replace a lost car key.
Depending on the type of key that you own, the cost of a replacement car key to replace it can vary. For traditional keys, you can have an exact copy made for around $10 at a hardware store, or you can hire an automotive locksmith to come to you and create a key right there.
You will need to take your smart key, transponder that has switchblade, or transponder with remote start to the dealer to be repaired. This can be quite costly and may take some time to get the new key from the manufacturer which will delay your getting back on the road.
Sometimes, just like any other electronic car key replacement (pop over to this website) device, your car key will stop working for no apparent reason. Often, this is due to extreme heat or cold but it could also be due to an unsatisfactory battery or key fob from rain, or just wearing out over time. If you notice that your car key is no responding, it's worth trying to reset it first before calling an auto locksmith.
It is important to know that your keyfob will only work if you're within the reach of the vehicle. It's essential to always keep your key fob with you and not let it go out of your pocket unless absolutely necessary.
The most common method of losing the car key is through losing it or dropping it. In some instances this could cause it to break or be stuck in the lock, which is why it's an ideal idea to have an extra key available at all times.
