7 Things About Car Key Replacements You'll Kick Yourself For Not Knowing

Car Key Replacements The loss of a key can be costly, whether it's a simple lock-and-key, or a sophisticated key fob. It's best to keep one spare key in your wallet. The most affordable option is to contact an auto locksmith if you lose your key. A dealership could be more expensive, but it is a good choice. Mechanical Keys If you own an older car that doesn't have key fob technology, your car keys are probably mechanical. Keys that are standard can be made from steel, brass or a mixture of nickel and brass. The keys are cut on a key duplicator that utilizes the blank key as a template and an original key on the opposite side of the machine. The key that was originally used is cut with a specialized cutter to create a duplicate. Transponder Keys Most newer cars come equipped with a transponder chips built into the key which is used to unlock and start the vehicle. The chips are located 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 in the car. The computer checks the signal and makes sure that it is in line with the correct serial number. This makes it virtually impossible for a stolen vehicle to be started without owner's keys. If the signal isn't compatible the car's signal, it won't start and remain locked. This is a huge advantage that helps to deter car thieves as the odds of someone else starting and driving away with your car are greatly diminished. The downside of a transponder key is that it costs more than a conventional flat metal key. The transponder is a chip that is expensive to manufacture and put into the car key. Typically, these types of keys can cost hundreds of dollars if purchased from a dealership. A locksmith can offer less expensive and more reliable transponder key replacements. Beishir Lock and Security has many of these keys. They can re-program the chip on the spot, allowing it to work with your vehicle for less than the dealership. When shopping around to replace a transponder key ensure you request multiple quotes. There are a variety of factors that impact the final price, including the make and model of your vehicle, whether you have additional features on your key, such as a remote key fob, and even the location you choose to copy it. In the end, you must evaluate the advantages of a transponder key versus the cost and convenience. Transponder keys may be beneficial in the long term if you prioritize safety and protection. A car key without a transponder will not allow the vehicle to start. Laser-Cut Keys While they might appear like something from the sci-fi genre, laser cut keys are in fact quite common and provide an extra layer of security for cars. They require special key cutting equipment to make and are more difficult for thieves to copy or pick than traditional cut keys. In contrast to traditional keys with 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 any direction, and still operate. This means that they tend to be sturdy and stronger than standard keys. Additionally they can also be used to open certain high-security locks. The slits are tooled to a certain depth, which is in line with the codes of the different automobile manufacturers. Finding the correct depth is essential since a wrongly cut blade could damage the key cutting machine and result in the key not working shortly after being put into the lock cylinder. The unique slits and increased thickness of laser-cut car keys make them more resistant to copying. Many of these keys also contain transponder chip that is unique to your car. This means that when someone copies your car key even if it has a transponder chip, they will not be able start your vehicle. Although these extra layers of security could make a laser-cut car key more expensive than other types but the truth is that they're still less expensive than buying a new one from your dealer. Additionally, locksmiths can often cut these keys faster than the car dealership. A laser-cut car key's quality can make a huge difference. The wrong blade can easily cause damage to the key cutting machine or lock cylinder, leaving you with a huge repair cost. This is the reason it's essential to get your laser cut car key from a reputable company that sells them to auto locksmiths. Bibens Ace South Burlington has a wide choice of car key replacement FOB keys for over 250 different makes and model of vehicles. We also have laser-cut sidewinder keys. 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 long ago that a car key was lost or losing it was not a big issue. You could contact a locksmith, get an alternative and drive away. Nowadays, however, cars are much more technologically advanced and keys are harder to replace and more difficult for thieves to copy. This means that if you lose your car key, it can be more expensive than ever to get it replaced. The cost of replacing a key can vary according to the type. For traditional keys you can get an exact copy made for around $10 at a hardware store or you can hire an automotive locksmith to visit you and make a copy on the spot. You will need to take your smart key, transponder that has switchblade or transponder that has remote start to the dealership to be repaired. This can be expensive, and you might have to wait for a long time for the manufacturer to send you the new key. Your car key might stop working for no apparent cause, just like other electronic devices. This is often due to extreme heat or cold however, it can be due to an unsatisfactory battery or water in the keyfob from rain. If you find that your car key isn't longer responding, it's worth trying to reset it first before calling an auto locksmith. It's also important to understand that your key fob can only function only if it's within the range of the car. It's essential to always keep your key fob with you, and never take it out of your pocket unless essential. The most common way to lose keys to cars is not locating it or dropping it. In some instances this could cause it to break or be stuck in the lock and that's why it's a good idea to have an extra on hand at all times.