15 Reasons Not To Ignore Car Key Replacements
Car Key Replacements
The loss of a key could be expensive, whether it's a standard lock-and-key or a high-end key fob. It's best to keep one spare key in your wallet.
The most affordable option is to contact an auto locksmith in the event that you have lost your key. A dealership might be more costly, 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. The standard keys are made of steel, brass or a mixture of brass and nickel. They're cut using the key duplicator machine using an original key set against one side of the machine, and a blank key aligned to it to function as an example. The original key is cut using a special cutter to create a duplicate.
Transponder Keys
Most newer cars come equipped with a transponder chip integrated into the key that is used to unlock and start the car. These chips are usually located in the key head but they can also be found in the ignition. The transponder transmits an electronic signal to the computer of the car when the key is inserted into the ignition. The computer then checks the signal to make sure it matches with the correct serial number.
This makes it nearly impossible for a stolen car to be started without owner's keys. If go right here isn't compatible the car's signal, it won't start and remain locked. This is a huge benefit that helps deter car thieves as the likelihood of someone else attempting to start and then driving away with your vehicle are drastically decreased.
A transponder key is more expensive than a flat metal key. The reason for this is that the transponder has a tiny microchip that's expensive to manufacture and then install into the car key. Typically, these kinds of keys can cost hundreds of dollars purchased from a dealership.
A locksmith can offer much less expensive and reliable transponder key replacements. Beishir Lock and Security carries a large assortment of keys, and can reprogramme the chip to work with your car on-the-spot for a fraction of cost of the dealership.
Be sure to check out prices when you are looking for an alternative transponder key. There are a variety of factors that influence the final price, including the model and make of your vehicle, whether you have any extra features on the key such as a remote key fob, and even the location you choose to get it copied.
Ultimately, you should evaluate the advantages of a transponder key versus the cost and ease of use. Transponder keys could be beneficial in the long term when you value safety and protection. In addition, most modern cars come with an immobilizer that will not allow them to start if a non-transponder keys is utilized which is another aspect to take into consideration.
Laser-Cut Keys
Laser cut keys may sound like something from a sci-fi flick However, they are actually fairly common. They provide an additional security layer to automobiles. These keys are created with specially designed key cutting equipment and are harder to copy or pick for thieves than traditional cut keys.
Unlike traditional keys that feature grooves cut into one side, laser cut car keys have slits tooled on both sides. This allows keys to be inserted into the lock cylinder in either direction, and still operate. They are, therefore, more durable and robust than traditional keys.
As a bonus they can also be used to unlock some high-security locks. The slits are drilled to a specific depth, which matches the codes of various automobile manufacturers. Finding the correct depth is essential as an incorrectly cut blade could damage the machine that cuts keys and cause the key to stop working shortly after being put into the lock cylinder.
The unique slits and increased thickness of the car keys laser-cut make them more resistant to copying. In addition the majority of these keys are equipped with transponder chips which are unique to the vehicle you're using them on. This means that even if a person makes a copy of your car key using a transponder chip they will not be capable of starting your car.
Laser-cut car keys might be more expensive, but they are still less expensive than buying a new one from a dealership. Locksmiths can often cut keys faster than dealerships for cars.
Another aspect to be aware of is that the quality of a laser-cut car key can make all the difference. A bad blade could cause damage to your key cutting machine or lock cylinder, leaving you with a costly repair bill. This is why it's crucial to purchase your laser cut car key from a trusted supplier who sells them to auto locksmiths.
Bibens Ace South Burlington offers a wide selection of car key FOB replacement keys for over 250 different makes and models of vehicles, as well as laser-cut sidewinder key replacements. Visit us today to find out how you can save money on car fob replacements, without having to go to an auto dealer!
Remote Keys
It wasn't that long ago that a car key was lost or losing it was not a big problem. You could contact a locksmith, get an alternative and drive away. Nowadays, however, cars are more advanced in technology, and the corresponding keys can be harder to replace and even more difficult for thieves to duplicate. It's becoming more expensive to replace the key to a car that has been lost.
Depending on the type of key that you have, the price to replace it will vary. For traditional keys, you can have an exact copy made for around $10 at a hardware shop, or you can get an automotive locksmith to visit you and create a key on the spot.
If you have an intelligent key, transponder key with switchblade, or a transponder key that has remote start, you will be required to visit your local dealer to have it replaced. It can be costly and you may have to wait a long time for the manufacturer to send you a new key.
Your car key might not function for no apparent cause as with other electronic devices. Most often, this happens due to extreme cold or heat, but it can be due to an unsatisfactory battery or key fob from rain or simply wearing out over time. It is recommended to reset your car keys prior to calling an auto locksmith if you notice that it's not responding.
It's also important to understand that your key fob can only function when it's within reach of your vehicle. It's essential to always keep your key fob close to you and not let it go out of your pocket unless absolutely essential.
A majority of people lose their keys to their car in the event of dropping them or misplacing keys. This could result in the key breaking or become stuck in the lock. It's a good idea to always have a spare.