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Understanding the Different Types of Car Keys

It wasn't that long ago that misplacing or worse, losing your mobile car key repair near me keys was not an issue. In fact, you could buy a spare at an auto parts shop or even your local locksmith.

As cars have adapted to accommodate technological advances replacing keys lost in the car is more difficult and expensive. Read on to learn more about the factors that affect the total cost of car key replacement.

Basic Keys

When we think of our car keys, many imagine a basic metal key that opens doors and turns on the engine. While these are the most popular types of car keys, there are many other types that are more advanced and can provide enhanced security features. Knowing the distinctions between car keys will help people understand what to expect when they have to replace or repair them.

One of the most basic types of car keys is a standard key, that has been in use for a long time and is the most commonly used option for cars with modern technology. These are keys that you can buy at the hardware store and attach onto your keychain. Keys that are standard are fairly affordable to duplicate, but could cost a lot to replace in the event that they are lost or damaged.

Transponder keys are a new option that has been around since 1995. They offer security and are more secure than traditional keys. Microchips are incorporated into the handle of the key and activated when the key is put into the ignition. They can be more expensive to replace if they are damaged or lost, but they offer greater protection from theft than traditional keys.

Switchblade keys are an alternative. They fold into a keyfob when not being used. They're a bit more expensive to replace than standard keys, but can be more costly in the event that the handle or shank of the key has been damaged.

Lastly, there are also the smart keys with built-in Bluetooth trackers and remote key fob repair near me starts. These keys are more expensive and require locksmiths' specific tools to repair.

Mechanical Keys

In the past, if you lost a car key or it stopped working out of the out of the blue, all you had to do was go to the local hardware store and get an alternative. Things are a bit more complicated now. There are many kinds of cars in circulation and each has a different key. Based on the model, replacing it may cost you more or less than $50.

Mechanical keys are the simplest type. They're also known as "insert-and-turn" keys. These were the keys that you could buy from the hardware store for a few dollars. They do not contain a transponder within them and are used to lock the door or trunk locks, but not for starting the car.

The transponder keys are the other type that is commonly used. This key has a small transponder inside the head of the key which transmits a coded signal to the ignition system of your vehicle to verify the validity of the key. This system was installed in vehicles as early as 1995. It protects them from being started with an unauthorised key or lost one.

The first step in fixing this kind of key is to determine the cause of the problem. In the majority of cases the reason is due to an issue with the cap on the key or the key switch. To fix this the key cap and key switch must be removed carefully using tools, then cleaned and lubricated in order to resolve the problem. Lubricating the switch is important because it can help eliminate issues like key chatter. This is a reference to keys which register multiple inputs when pressed.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys (also known as "chip" keys) are an important part of the anti-theft system in your car. The tiny microchip that is embedded in the plastic head of the car key fob repairs near me key transmits the signal to the antenna ring around the ignition key cylinder. If the car's computer does not receive the correct response from the transponder, it won't begin to turn on. Most cars built in the year 1998 feature this kind of chip.

Problem is, they're more expensive to replace. They're not only different from traditional mechanical keys in terms of design, but they also contain a microchip that needs to be programmed into the vehicle's computer in order to function.

This process is done by connecting an instrument for diagnostics to the computer in your car and entering a programming mode. This process can be more complex than simply cutting a blank and because these tools aren't available in all locksmith shops, you may have to pay more than if were to replace the mechanical key.

Another factor is the make and model of your vehicle. Certain manufacturers require special equipment to program their vehicles and increase the cost.

Some prefer to have a professional program their transponder keys. This is because of the intricate procedures involved, such as cutting wires to disconnect the transponder antenna, and using scanning devices as well as the assurance that comes with knowing that you have an experienced professional working on your vehicle. Based on the model and make, you may be in a position to save money by going directly to the car dealership for the installation of the new chip.

Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys

Laser cut keys are a kind of car key that has an extremely secure blade. They were introduced in the 1990s and work to prevent vehicle theft. They are more difficult to duplicate than traditional keys and have transponder chips inside their heads. The chips communicate with the ignition when they are inserted into it, which stops the vehicle from starting in the event that the wrong key lock repair near me is used.

While this technology works to protect against car thieves but it's not able to stop them completely. The unique blade and shape of the key are hard to copy, but thieves can still make use of it with the appropriate tools to gain entry to your car. This is because traditional keys have a standard lock that is easy for burglars to pick. Laser keys, however, have the sidewinder cylinder lock, which is much more difficult to pick.

The key is also more durable compared to conventional keys. The blade is made of hardened steel, which can withstand wear and tear for a long time before it wears out. But, if the key wears out or is accidentally snapped in half, it's relatively inexpensive to replace it by a professional locksmith.

While laser-cut keys are more expensive than their edge-cut counterparts but they offer greater security. The combination of the blade, the lock cylinder and the transponder makes it harder to duplicate. However, they're vulnerable to being lost or stolen if you do not take the necessary steps to protect them.

Key Fobs

Even though they're convenient, key fobs can be difficult to use. They don't last forever, and they tend to stop functioning at the moment you least expect it. A malfunctioning fob can leave you in an embarrassing situation, particularly if you're loading your trunk full of groceries or leaving for work after an exhausting day. It's possible to need an emergency locksmith or tow truck and it could cost a lot of money to get your car back on the road.

The type of key as well as the materials used in the fob can affect the cost. It is also dependent on the brand, which typically costs more. Some fobs can be programmed by the owner, while others require a dealer to reprogram them to the vehicle.

If your key fob will not work or is working intermittently, a simple replacement battery might be the solution. These batteries are typically less than $10 and can be purchased at hardware stores, big box retailers, and online. To replace the battery, gently tear the two halves of the key fob apart and then insert the new one with the same orientation as the old one.

If your key fob is damaged or isn't functioning properly, you'll need to have it reprogrammed by the dealer. While there are ways to do this on your own however, it's best to let an expert handle it in order to avoid any damage that could result in costly repairs in the future. If you have a spare key and fob, you can skip this step and simply purchase a new one to save money. If, however, you've lost both your fob and keys, it's worth the extra cost to have a dealership reprogram the new key and cut the new key simultaneously.