How To Save Money On Car Key Replacements
Car Key Replacements
Whether it's a simple lock-and-key key or a sophisticated fob key, losing one can cost you big time. The best way to avoid this is to always have a spare in your wallet.
If you do lose a key, the cheapest car key replacement solution is to hire an auto locksmith. A dealership may be more expensive, but it's a good choice.
Mechanical Keys
If you have an older car that doesn't have key fob technology, your car keys are probably mechanical. The standard keys are made of metal, like brass, steel or a combination of brass and nickel. The keys are cut on the key duplicator, which uses an uncut key as a template and an original key placed on the opposite side of the machine. The original key is cut using an specialized cutter to make the duplicate.
Transponder Keys
Most newer cars come equipped with a transponder chips built into the key that is used to unlock and start the vehicle. The chips are typically placed in the key head however they could also be placed in the ignition. The transponder sends an electronic signal to the computer of the car when the key is turned into the ignition. The computer checks the signal and ensures that it matches with the correct serial number.
It's nearly impossible to start an automobile without the owner's keys. If the signal isn't compatible, the car will not start and will remain locked. This is a great benefit to help deter car thefts, as it reduces the likelihood of someone else driving off with your vehicle.
A transponder key is more expensive than a flat metal key. The transponder is a chip that is expensive to create and install into a car key. Typically, these types of keys can cost hundreds of dollars if purchased from a car dealer.
A locksmith can offer much less expensive and more reliable transponder key replacements. Beishir Lock and Security carries many of these keys and can even modify the chip to work with your vehicle on-the-spot at a fraction of the cost of a dealership.
Be sure to check out prices when you are looking for the replacement transponder keys. There are many variables that affect the final price, such as the make and model of your car, if you have any extra features on the key such as a remote key fob and where you'll go to copy it.
In the end, it is important to weigh the benefits of a transponder in comparison to the cost and convenience. Transponder keys could be worth it in the long run if you prioritize security and safety. A car key replacements near me 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 movie, but they are quite common. They add an extra layer of security to cars. These keys are created with special key cutting machines and are much harder to duplicate or pick for thieves than traditional cut keys.
Laser cut car keys are different from traditional keys, which have grooves on one side. They also have cut-outs on both sides. This allows keys to be inserted into the lock cylinder either direction and still operate it. In the end, they tend to be sturdier and thicker than traditional keys.
As a bonus they can also be used to open some locks with high security. The slits are drilled to a specific depth, which is in line with the codes of various car manufacturers. It is crucial to choose the correct depth as cutting the blade incorrectly can cause damage to the cutting machine and cause the key to not to function after it is put into the lock.
The distinctive slits and the increased thickness of car key replacement service keys cut with lasers make them more resistant to being copied. Furthermore some keys contain transponder chips that are unique to your vehicle. This means that when someone copies your car key, even if it's equipped with transponder chip they won't be able to start your vehicle.
While these extra layers of security may make a laser-cut car key more expensive than other types, the fact is that they're still cheaper than buying a new one from your dealer. Additionally, locksmiths are usually able to cut these keys more quickly than the car dealership.
The quality of a laser-cut car key can make a significant difference. A bad blade could cause damage to the machine that cuts keys or the cylinder of your lock, leaving you with an expensive repair bill. It's vital to purchase your laser-cut car replacement keys near me keys from a locksmith for autos who sells keys.
Bibens Ace South Burlington offers a variety of replacement car key FOB keys for over 250 different makes and models of vehicles, as well as sidewinder keys laser-cut. Stop by today and see how we can help save you money on replacement key for car cost car key fobs without the hassle of having to go to a dealership!
Remote Keys
It wasn't long ago that misplacing your car key or losing it was not a big problem. You could contact an locksmith, receive a replacement and still drive away. The cars of today are more technologically advanced and keys that go with them may be more difficult to replace. They can also be difficult to steal. This means that if you lose your car key it could be more expensive than ever to get it replaced.
The cost of replacing a key will vary according to the kind. For keys that are traditional you can get an exact copy made for around $10 at a hardware store or you can get an locksmith from the automotive industry to visit you and create a key on the spot.
If you have a smart key, a transponder key with a switchblade or a transponder with remote start, you will need to visit your dealership to have it replaced. This can be quite costly and could take some time to get the new key from the manufacturer which can delay your getting back on the road.
Sometimes, as with any other electronic device keys for cars will stop working for no apparent reason. Often, this is due to extreme heat or cold however, it could also be due to an ineffective battery, water in the key fob from rain, or simply wearing out over time. It's worth resetting your car keys prior to calling an auto locksmith in the event that it's not responding.
You should also be aware that your key fob can only work if you're within the range of the vehicle. It's important to always keep your key fob close to you and not let it go out of your pocket unless it's absolutely required.
The most frequent way to lose keys to cars is misplacing it or dropping it. In some instances this could cause it to break or be stuck in the lock and this is why it's always a good idea to have an extra on hand at all times.
