15 Reasons To Not Overlook Car Key Replacements
Car Key Replacements
Whether it's a simple lock-and-key key or a more sophisticated fob key, losing one could be costly. It's best to keep a spare key in your wallet.
If you lose keys, the cheapest option is to find an auto locksmith. A dealership might be more expensive, but it's a good choice.
Mechanical Keys
If you own an older car that doesn't have key fob technology, your car keys are probably mechanical. These standard keys are made of metal, like brass, steel or a combination of brass and nickel. The keys are cut on a key duplicator that utilizes the blank key as a template, and an original key against the other side of the machine. The original key is cut using a special cutter to create an exact copy.
Transponder Keys
The majority of modern cars come with a transponder chip built into the key that can be used to unlock and start the vehicle. These chips can be found in the ignition, or the key head. When the key is turned on in the ignition, the transponder emits a signal that is received by the computer system of the car. The computer analyzes the signal and makes sure that it matches the correct serial number.
This makes it almost impossible for a stolen vehicle to be started without the owner's keys. If the signal doesn't match, the car will not start and remain locked. This is a great benefit to deter car thefts, as it lowers the risk of someone else stealing your car.
The downside of a transponder key is that it is more expensive than a standard flat metal key. This is because the transponder contains a small microchip that is expensive to produce and install in a car key. Typically, these kinds of keys can cost hundreds of dollars when purchased through the car dealership.
A locksmith can provide cheaper and more trustworthy transponder key replacements. Beishir Lock and Security has many of these keys and will re-program the chip on the spot, allowing it to work with your car at less than the dealership.
Be sure to compare prices when you are looking for an alternative transponder key. The final cost will be influenced by a variety of factors, including the model and make of your vehicle, any additional features that you can find on the key (such as a remote-control key fob), and even the location you decide to have it copied.
In the end, you must weigh the benefits of a transponder key against the cost and ease of use. If you value safety and security and security, then a transponder key may be worth the investment in the long in the long run. A car key that isn't transponder-compatible won't allow the car to start.
Laser-Cut Keys
Although they may appear like something from a sci-fi movie Laser cut keys are in fact quite common and provide an additional layer of security for vehicles. car key replacements that require specialized key cutting equipment to make and are much harder for thieves to copy or pick than traditional cut keys.
Laser cut car keys are different from traditional keys that have grooves on one side. They also have two slits on the sides. They can be put into the lock cylinder either way and still function. They are thus more durable and thicker than conventional keys.
In addition they can also be used to open some locks with high security. This is due to the slits being tooled into a specific depth that is compatible with various codes of the car manufacturers. It is important to get the correct depth since a blade that is cut incorrectly could harm the cutting machine and cause the key to not to work after it is put into the lock.
The distinctive slits and greater thickness of laser-cut car keys make them more resistant to copying. In addition, many of these keys are equipped with transponder chips which are unique to your vehicle. This means that even if someone makes a copy of your car key with a transponder chip it won't be capable of starting your car.
Keys for cars cut with lasers may be more expensive, but they are still cheaper than purchasing a replacement from a dealership. Locksmiths can often cut these keys more quickly than car dealerships.
Another thing to keep in mind 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 large repair cost. This is why it's crucial to purchase your laser cut car key from a trusted supplier that sells them to auto locksmiths.
Bibens Ace South Burlington has a wide choice of car key replacement FOB keys that fit more than 250 different models and makes of vehicles. We also offer laser-cut sidewinder keys. Visit us today to see how you can save money on car fob replacements, without having to go to a dealer!
Remote Keys
Not so long ago, misplacing or even losing your car keys was not a huge deal. Call a locksmith to get a new key and drive away. Today, however, cars are much more technologically advanced and keys are more difficult to replace and even more difficult for thieves to copy. It's now more expensive to replace keys for cars that have been stolen.
The cost of replacing a key will differ depending on the kind. You can have an old-fashioned key for $10 at a local hardware store or hire an auto locksmith who will come to you and make the key on the spot.
You'll need to take your smart key, transponder that has switchblade, or transponder with remote start to the dealer to be replaced. This can be quite costly and could take a while to order the new key from the manufacturer which will delay your getting back on the road.
Your car key can cease to function without a clear cause as do other electronic devices. This can be due to extreme cold or heat, but can be due to a bad battery or water in the keyfob after rain. It's a good idea to reset your car key prior to calling an auto locksmith in the event that it's not responding.
It's also important to understand that your key fob will only work when it's within reach of the vehicle. This is why it's crucial to keep your key fob on you at all times and to not leave it in your pocket unless you're sure that you'll be able to return it swiftly.
The most frequent way to lose keys to cars is misplacing it or dropping it. In some cases, this can cause it to break or become stuck in the lock and that's why it's always a good idea to have a spare available at all times.