Is Tech Making Car Key Replacements Better Or Worse?

Car Key Replacements The loss of a key can be costly, regardless of whether it's an ordinary lock-and-key or a sophisticated key fob. The best way to prevent this is to always have a spare in your wallet. If you do lose keys, the cheapest solution is to hire an auto locksmith. A dealership could be more costly, but it's an excellent option. Mechanical Keys The keys to your car are likely to be mechanical if you have an old car that does not use key fobs. Keys of this type are made of metal, like brass, steel or a combination of brass and nickel. They are 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 act as an example. The original key 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 car. These chips are usually located in the head of the key, but they can also be found in the ignition. The transponder sends signals to the computer of the car when the key is turned into the ignition. The computer checks the signal and ensures that it is in line with the correct serial number. This makes it virtually impossible for a stolen vehicle to be started without the owner's keys. If the signal does not match, the car will not start and remain locked. This is a great benefit to deter car thefts as it decreases the chance of someone else stealing your vehicle. Transponder keys cost more than a standard metal key. This is because the transponder has a tiny microchip that isn't cheap to manufacture and then install into the car key. Typically, these kinds of keys can cost hundreds of dollars if purchased from a dealership. A locksmith can offer less expensive and 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 car at a fraction the cost of the dealership. Make g28carkeys to compare quotes when shopping for an alternative transponder key. The final cost is determined by many factors, such as 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 select to copy it. Ultimately, you should consider the advantages of a transponder key versus the cost and convenience. Transponder keys might be worth it in the long term in the event that you are concerned about security and safety. In addition, most modern cars have an immobilizer that doesn't allow them to start if a non-transponder key is utilized and this is a further aspect to take into consideration. Laser-Cut Keys Laser cut keys may appear like something from a sci-fi movie, but they are quite common. They add an extra layer of security to cars. These keys are created with specialized key cutting machines and are harder to duplicate or pick for thieves than traditional cut keys. Contrary to traditional keys, which have grooves cut into one side, laser cut car keys feature slits that are tooled on both sides. They can be inserted into the lock cylinder in any way and still work. They are therefore more durable and stronger than traditional keys. They can also be employed as a bonus feature to open high-security locks. The slits are drilled to a particular depth, which matches the codes of the different car manufacturers. Finding the correct depth is crucial since a wrongly cut blade can damage the machine that cuts keys and cause the key to stop working shortly after being put into the lock cylinder. The greater thickness and unique slits of car keys cut with lasers make them less prone to being copied or picked. A lot of these keys have a transponder chip that is specific to your car. This means that even if someone makes a copy of your car key with transponder chips, they won't be able to start your car. Although these extra layers of security could make a laser cut car key more expensive than other types, the fact is that they're still much less than purchasing a replacement from your 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 the machine that cuts keys or lock cylinder, leaving you with a large repair cost. This is the reason it's essential to purchase your laser-cut car key from a reliable supplier who sells them to auto locksmiths. Bibens Ace South Burlington has a wide range of replacement car key FOB keys that fit more than 250 different makes and model of vehicles. We also offer laser-cut sidewinder key. Visit us today to find out how you can save money on replacements for your car fob, without having to go to a dealer! Remote Keys Not too long ago having lost or misplaced your car keys wasn't an issue. You could contact a locksmith, get an alternate and then leave. Today, however, cars are more advanced in technology, and the corresponding keys can be harder to replace and harder for thieves to copy. This means that if you lose your car keys it could be more expensive than before to get it replaced. Depending on the type of key that you have, the price to replace it can vary. You can have a traditional key made for $10 at your local hardware store or hire an auto locksmith who will visit you to make it immediately. If you have an intelligent key, transponder keys with a switchblade, or a transponder key with remote start, you'll have to visit your dealer to get it replaced. This can be expensive and you may have to wait a long time before the manufacturer can send you an alternative key. Your car key can not function for no apparent cause as with other electronic devices. Usually, this is due to extreme cold or heat however, it could be due to a bad battery or key fob from rain or simply deteriorating over time. It is recommended to reset your car keys prior to calling an auto locksmith in the event that it's not responding. It's also important to know that your key fob will only function if it's within range of your vehicle. This is why it's important to keep your key fob close to you at all times and not let it leave your pocket unless you are certain that you'll return it swiftly. The most common method of losing keys to cars is misplacing it or dropping it. This can sometimes result in the key breaking or get stuck in the lock. It's a good idea to always have an extra.