Car Key Replacements
The loss of a key could be costly, regardless of whether it's a simple lock-and-key, or a high-end key fob. The best way to avoid this is to keep an extra key in your wallet.
If you've lost keys, the most affordable option is to find an auto locksmith. A dealership may 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. The standard keys are made of metal, like steel, brass or a mixture of nickel and brass. They are cut using the key duplicator machine with an original key positioned against one side of the machine and a blank key aligned with it to serve as a template. The original key is cut using an specialized cutter to make a copy.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are built into the majority of modern cars' keys. These chips are used to unlock the car and begin it. These chips can be found in the ignition or the key head. The transponder transmits a signal to the computer in the car when the key is turned into the ignition. The computer then analyzes the signal to verify that it matches with the correct serial number.
It is almost impossible to start a car without the owner's keys. If the signal is not in sync, the vehicle will not start. This is a huge benefit to help deter car thefts since it reduces the likelihood of someone else driving off with your car.
A transponder key costs more than a standard metal key. The transponder is a chip that is expensive to manufacture and put into the car key. The keys are usually expensive when bought from a dealership.
A locksmith can offer much less expensive and more secure transponder key replacements. Beishir Lock and Security has an extensive selection of these keys. They can re-program the chip on the spot to function with your vehicle at only a fraction of the cost of the dealership.
Be sure to check out quotes when shopping for the replacement transponder keys. The final cost is determined 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 the location you decide to copy it.
In the end, you must consider the advantages of a transponder key against the cost and convenience. Transponder keys may be worth it in the long run, in the event that you are concerned about safety and protection. Additionally, the majority of modern cars have an immobilizer that will not allow the car to start if a key that is not transponder is utilized which is another factor to consider.
Laser-Cut Keys
While they might sound like something out of a sci-fi movie, laser cut keys are actually quite common and provide an extra layer of protection for vehicles. These keys are created with specialized key cutting machines and are more difficult to copy or pick for thieves than traditional cut keys.
In contrast to traditional keys with grooves cut into one side the laser cut keys have slits tooled on both sides. This allows them to be put into the lock cylinder either direction while still operating it. As a result, they are generally sturdy and stronger than standard keys.
Additionally they can also be used to unlock certain high-security locks. The slits are drilled to a specific depth, which is in line with the codes of different automobile manufacturers. auto car key replacement is essential to select the right depth, as a blade that is cut incorrectly could cause damage to the cutting machine and cause the key not to work after it has been put into the lock.
The distinctive slits and the increased thickness of the car keys laser-cut make them more resistant to copying. Many of these keys also have a transponder chip that is unique to your car. This means that anyone who copies your car key, even if it has a transponder chip it will not be able start your vehicle.
Although these additional layers of security may make a laser-cut car key more expensive than other keys, the fact is that they're still much less than purchasing a replacement from your dealer. Locksmiths can often cut keys faster than dealerships for cars.
A laser-cut car key's quality can make a huge difference. A blade that is not of the right type can easily harm the key cutting machine or your lock cylinder leading to a large repair bill. This is why it's crucial to purchase your laser cut car key from a reliable supplier that sells them to auto locksmiths.
Bibens Ace South Burlington has an extensive choice of car key replacement FOB keys for over 250 different models and makes of vehicles. We also have laser-cut sidewinder keys. Visit us today and discover how we can save you money on replacement car key fobs without the hassle of having to go to a dealership!
Remote Keys
In the past, misplacing or even losing keys to your car wasn't a huge deal. You could call an expert locksmith, get an alternate and then drive away. The cars of today are more technologically advanced and the keys that correspond to them are more difficult to replace. They are also more difficult for thieves to copy. This means that when you lose your car key it could be more expensive than ever to replace it.
Depending on the type of key you have, the price to replace it will differ. For traditional keys you can have one made for $10 at a hardware shop, or you can hire an automotive locksmith to come to you and make one on the spot.
If you own an intelligent key, transponder key with a switchblade, or a transponder with remote start, you'll have to visit your dealer to have it replaced. This can be quite costly and could take some time to get the new key from the manufacturer which will delay your getting back on the road.
Sometimes, just like any other electronic device the car key can stop working without reason. Often, this is due to extreme cold or heat but it could be due to an unsatisfactory battery, water in the key fob from rain or simply deteriorating 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 the car. This is the reason it's essential to keep your key fob with your person at all times, and never let it go out of your pocket unless you are certain that you'll return it swiftly.
A majority of people lose their keys to their cars by dropping them or misplacing keys. In some instances, this can cause it to break or get stuck in the lock and that's why it's always an ideal idea to have a spare available at all times.