Car Key Replacements
Losing a key can be expensive, whether it’s an ordinary lock-and-key or a more sophisticated key fob. The best way to prevent this is to always keep one in your wallet.
If you’ve lost a key, the cheapest alternative is to locate an auto locksmith. Dealerships are more expensive, but is a great alternative.
Mechanical Keys
Your car keys are likely to be mechanical if you own an old car that does not use key fobs. Keys that are standard can be made of brass, steel or a mixture of brass and nickel. The keys are cut using a key duplicator that utilizes an uncut key as a template, and an original key on the opposite side of the machine. The original key is cut with a special cutter to create the duplicate.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are built into the majority of modern cars’ keys. These chips are used to unlock the car and then start it. These chips are usually located in the key head but can also be located in the ignition. The transponder transmits signals to the car’s computer when the key is turned on in the ignition. The computer then checks the signal to verify that it matches the correct serial number.
It’s almost impossible to start a car without the owner’s key. If the signal does not match, the car will not start and will remain locked. This is a great advantage to prevent car thefts since it reduces the likelihood of someone else stealing your car.
The downside of a transponder key is that it is more expensive than a conventional flat metal key. This is because the transponder has a tiny microchip that isn’t cheap to produce and install in a car key. These keys are typically expensive when purchased from a car dealership.
A locksmith can provide more reliable and affordable transponder key replacements. Beishir Lock and Security has many of these keys and will program the chip right on the spot to work with your car at a fraction the cost of the dealership.
Be sure to check out quotes when shopping for a replacement transponder key. There are many variables that affect the final price, such as the make and model of your car, if you have additional features on the key such as a remote key-fob and where you’ll go to copy it.
In the end, you have to weigh the advantages of a transponder versus the cost and convenience. Transponder keys could be beneficial in the long run, replacement car key fobs in the event that you are concerned about security and safety. A car key that isn’t transponder-compatible will not allow the car to start.
Laser-Cut Keys
While they might appear like something from a sci-fi movie laser cut keys are in fact quite common and provide an extra security measure for vehicles. They require specialized key cutting equipment and are much harder for replacement car key fobs 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 cut-outs on both sides. They can be inserted into the lock cylinder in any way and still function. They are thus more durable and stronger than conventional keys.
They can also be employed as a bonus feature to unlock certain locks with high security. The slits are tooled to a particular depth that matches the codes of different automobile manufacturers. The right depth is essential since a wrongly cut blade could damage the machine that cuts keys and result in the key not working shortly after being put into the lock cylinder.
The unique slits and increased thickness of car keys cut with lasers make them more resistant to being copied. Additionally, many of these keys are equipped with transponder chips which are unique to your vehicle. This means that even if someone creates a duplicate of your mobile car key replacement key using a transponder chip, they won’t be capable of starting your car.
While these extra layers of security may make a laser cut car key more expensive than other keys however, the reality is that they’re still much less than buying a new one from your dealership. In addition, locksmiths are usually able to cut these keys faster than a car dealership.
Another important thing to remember is that the quality of a laser-cut car key can make all the difference. The wrong type of blade could easily damage the key cutting machine or your lock cylinder, leading to a large repair bill. This is why it’s crucial to get your laser cut car key from a reputable supplier that sells them to auto locksmiths.
Bibens Ace South Burlington offers a wide selection of car key FOB replacement keys for more than 250 different models and makes of vehicles, as well as laser-cut sidewinder keys. Visit us today to see how we can help save you money on replacement car key fobs without the hassle of going to a dealership!
Remote Keys
In the past having lost or misplaced your car keys wasn’t a huge deal. Call a locksmith to get a new key and then drive away. Nowadays, however, automobiles are more advanced in technology and keys can be harder to replace and harder for thieves to duplicate. This means that when you lose your car key it will be more expensive than before to get it replaced.
Depending on the type of key that you own, the cost to replace it will differ. You can get traditional keys for just $10 at a local hardware store or hire an auto locksmith who will come to you to create it immediately.
If you have an intelligent key, a transponder key with a switchblade or a transponder with remote start, you’ll be required to visit your local dealer to get it replaced. This can be expensive, and you might have to wait a long period of time before the manufacturer will send you an alternative key.
Your car key might cease to function without a clear reason, just like other electronic devices. Often, this is due to extreme heat or cold however, it could be due to an ineffective battery or water in the key fob due to rain or simply wearing out over time. If you notice that your car key isn’t responding, you should consider trying to reset it before calling an auto locksmith.
It’s also important to remember that your key fob will only function only if it’s within the range of your vehicle. This is why it’s important to keep your key fob on your person at all times, and to not leave it in your pocket unless you are certain that you’ll return it promptly.
The most frequent way to lose keys to cars is losing it or dropping it. In some instances this could cause it to break or get stuck in the lock and this is why it’s an ideal idea to have an extra available at all times.