20 Tools That Will Make You More Efficient With Car Key Replacements

Car Key Replacements

Whether it's a simple lock-and-key key or a more sophisticated fob key, losing one can cost you a lot. It's ideal to keep a spare key in your wallet.

The most affordable option is to call an auto locksmith in the event that you have lost car key replacement your key. A dealership may be more expensive, but it's an option worth considering.

Mechanical Keys

If you have an older vehicle that doesn't utilize key fob technology, your car keys are likely mechanical. These standard keys can be made of brass, steel, or a combination between nickel and brass. They are cut using a key duplicator machine, using an original key set against one side of the machine, and an unaligned blank key placed next to it to function as the template. The original key is cut with a specific cutter to create the copy.

Transponder Keys

Most newer cars come equipped with a transponder chip integrated into the key which is used to unlock and start the car. These chips are usually placed in the head of the key, however they could also be placed in the ignition. The transponder sends signals to the car's computer when the key is turned into the ignition. The computer analyzes the signal and makes sure that it is in line with the correct serial number.

It's almost impossible to start cars without the owner's keys. If the signal does not match, the car will not start and will remain locked. This is an excellent advantage to prevent car thefts as it lowers the risk of someone else stealing your car.

The disadvantage of transponder keys is that it's more expensive than a conventional flat metal key. This is because the transponder has a tiny microchip that's expensive to manufacture and then install into the car key. Typically, these types of keys can cost hundreds of dollars purchased from a dealership.

A locksmith can offer much cheaper and more reliable transponder key replacements. Beishir Lock and Security has an extensive selection of these keys. They can reprogram the chip right on the spot, allowing it to work with your car at a fraction the cost of the dealership.

When shopping around to replace a transponder key make sure you get multiple estimates. There are many factors that influence the final cost, including the model and make of your car, whether you have any extra features on the key like a remote key-fob, and even where you'll go to copy it.

In the end, it is important to weigh the benefits of a transponder versus the expense and convenience. Transponder keys might be worth it in the long run when you value security and safety. Additionally, the majority of modern cars come with an immobilizer that doesn't allow the car to start if a non-transponder keys is used which is another aspect to take into consideration.

Laser-Cut Keys

Although they may appear like something from the sci-fi genre laser cut keys are in fact quite common and provide an extra security measure for vehicles. These keys are created with specially designed key cutting equipment and are much harder to duplicate or pick for thieves than traditional cut keys.

Laser cut car keys are different from traditional keys with grooves on one side. They also have cut-outs on both sides. This allows them to be inserted into the lock cylinder in any direction, and still operate. This means that they are generally sturdier and thicker than traditional keys.

In addition, they can also be used to unlock certain high-security locks. This is due to the slits being fitted into a certain depth that is compatible with different car manufacturers' codes. Finding the correct depth is crucial since a wrongly cut blade could damage the machine that cuts keys and cause the key to stop functioning shortly after it is inserted into the lock cylinder.

The distinctive slits and greater thickness of car keys cut with lasers make them more resistant to being copied. Some keys contain transponder chip that is unique to your vehicle. This means that even if someone makes a copy of your car key with a transponder chip they will not be in a position to start your vehicle.

While these extra layers of security may make a laser-cut car key more expensive than other types however, the reality is that they're still less expensive than getting a new replacement from your dealer. Locksmiths can often cut keys faster than dealerships for cars.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the quality of a laser-cut car key can make all the difference. The wrong blade could cause damage to the machine that cuts keys or lock cylinder, leaving you with a costly repair bill. It's vital to purchase your laser-cut car keys from an auto locksmith who sells the keys.

Bibens Ace South Burlington offers an extensive selection of car key FOB replacement keys for more than 250 different models and makes of automobiles, as well as laser-cut sidewinder keys. Visit us today to discover how you can save money on replacement car fobs without going to a dealer!

Remote Keys

Not so long ago, misplacing or even losing your car keys was not an issue. Call a locksmith to get a new key and then drive away. Today, however, cars are a lot more technologically advanced and keys can be harder to replace and even more difficult for thieves to duplicate. It's now more expensive to replace the key to a car that has been lost.

Depending on the type of key you own, the cost to replace it will differ. For keys that are traditional, you can have one made for $10 at a hardware store or you can hire an automotive locksmith to come to you and car key fob replacement create a key on the spot.

If you have an intelligent key, transponder key with a switchblade, or a transponder key with remote start, you will have to visit your dealer to get it replaced. This can be expensive, and you may have to wait for a long period of time before the manufacturer will send you a new key.

Sometimes, just like any other electronic device, your car key will cease to function for no apparent reason. Usually, this is due to extreme heat or cold but it could be due to an unsatisfactory battery, water in the key fob due to rain or just wearing out over time. If you notice that your car key is no responding, it's worth trying to reset it first before contacting an auto locksmith.

It is important to know that your key fob can only work if you're within the range of the vehicle. This is why it's important to keep your key fob with you at all times, and not let it leave your pocket unless you're sure that you can return it quickly.

A majority of people lose their keys to their cars in the event of dropping them or misplacing keys. In certain instances, this can cause it to break or get stuck in the lock and that's why it's always recommended to keep an extra on hand at all times.