Understanding the Different Types of Car Keys

It wasn't that long ago that misplacing or worse losing your car key repair cost keys was not an issue. In fact, you could probably purchase a spare from an auto parts store or your local locksmith.

As cars have evolved to adapt to technological advances replacing keys lost in the car is becoming more difficult and costly. Find out more about the elements that impact the cost of replacing a car key.

Basic Keys

When people think about their car keys, many imagine a basic metal key that opens doors and then starts the engine. While those are the most common kinds of keys for cars but there are a variety of kinds that are more advanced and offer enhanced security features. Knowing the differences between different types of keys for cars can help people know what to anticipate when replacing or fixing the keys.

Keys that are standard are the most basic type of car keys. They've been around for decades, and they are still the most popular option for vehicles with newer technology. These are the keys you can purchase at an hardware store and then attach to your keychain. Standard keys can be copied for a relatively low cost however they can be costly to replace when lost or damaged.

Modern alternatives include the transponder key, that has been used since 1995 and offers security over traditional keys. Microchips are embedded into the handle of the key, and activated when the key is put into the ignition. They are more costly to replace in the event of loss or damage, however they provide greater protection against theft than traditional keys.

Another option is the switchblade key that folds down into the form of a key fob when in use. They're more expensive than regular keys, however they may cost more when the shank of the key or the handle are damaged.

There are also smart keys that have built-in Bluetooth trackers, and remote key fob repair near me starters. These are more expensive than standard keys, and may require a locksmith's special tools to repair.

Mechanical Keys

In the old days when you lost a car key fob repair service or it stopped working out of the out of the blue, all you had to do was visit your local hardware store to find an alternative. Nowadays, things are a little more complicated. There are numerous kinds of vehicles on the road and each comes with distinct keys. Depending on the model it may cost more or less than 50 dollars.

Mechanical keys, also known as "insert and turn" keys are the most basic kind. These were the keys that could be replaced at a hardware store for a few dollars. They do not contain a transponder within them and are used for locking the door locks or trunk locks, but not to start the car.

The transponder key is the other type, and is the most commonly used. This key has a transponder in the key head that transmits a coded signal your car's ignition system to verify that the key is legitimate. This system was installed in vehicles as early as 1995. It protects the ignition from being started using an unauthorized key or a lost one.

The first step to fix this kind of key is to identify the cause of the problem. Most of the time the reason is due to an issue with the key cap or the key switch. To resolve this issue, the cap or the key switch will need to be removed with care using the appropriate tool. They will then have to be cleaned and lubricated. Lubricating the switch is crucial because it can help eliminate issues like key chatter. This is the case with keys that can register multiple inputs when they are pressed.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys (also called "chip" keys) are an essential part of your car's anti-theft system. The tiny microchip that is embedded in the head of the plastic key transmits signals to the antenna ring around the ignition cylinder. If the car's computer does not receive the correct response from the transponder, it won't start. This type of chip is found in most cars manufactured since 1998.

The issue is, the same factor that makes these kinds of keys more secure makes them more expensive to replace. They are not only different from conventional mechanical keys in terms of design and appearance, but they also include a microchip that needs to be programmed into the vehicle's computer for them to work.

This is accomplished by connecting an instrument for diagnostics to the mobile key repair car key repair (Recommended Resource site)'s computer and entering the programming mode. This process is more complicated than cutting a blank, because these devices aren't widely available in all locksmith shops, you could have to pay more than if were to replace the mechanical key.

The model and make of your vehicle is another aspect. Some manufacturers have their own equipment that must be used in order to program their vehicles, which can increase the cost.

Some prefer having professionals handle the programming of their transponder key. This is due to complicated procedures, such as cutting wires to take off the transponder's antenna and using a scanner device and the security you gain from knowing that a professional will be working on your vehicle. It is possible to save money by going directly to the dealership to get your new chip installed.

Laser Cut Keys

Laser cut keys are a kind of car key with an extremely secure blade. They were first introduced in the 1990s to prevent theft of vehicles. They are harder to duplicate and have transponder chips in their heads. The chips communicate with the ignition once they are placed in it, which prevents the vehicle from starting when the wrong key is used.

While this technology can stop car thieves from entering your home however, it isn't able to stop them completely. The unique blade and design of the key are difficult to duplicate, however burglars can still use it with the proper tools to gain access to your car. This is because traditional keys come with a standard lock, which is easy for a burglar to pick. Laser keys, however, have a sidewinder lock which is more difficult to pick.

The key is also more durable to conventional keys. The blade is made from hardened steel and is able to withstand a lot of wear and tear before wearing out. If the key breaks or wears out, it is affordable to have it repaired by locksmiths.

While laser-cut keys are more expensive than edge-cut counterparts, they offer greater security. The combination of the blade design, lock cylinder, and the transponder chip make them more difficult to duplicate or pick. However, they're vulnerable to being lost or stolen if you don't take the proper precautions to keep them safe.

Key Fobs

Key fobs may not be reliable, even though they are convenient. They don't hold a charge forever, and they tend to cease functioning at the moment you least expect it. A malfunctioning keypad can put you in a tense situation, especially when you're loading your trunk with groceries or heading to work after an extended day. It's possible to need a locksmith or a tow truck, and it could cost a lot of money to get your vehicle back on the road.

The type of key and the materials used in the fob could affect the cost. Brands are also a factor as they can be more expensive. Certain fobs can be programmed by the owner, while others require a dealer reprogram them to the vehicle.

If your key fob is unresponsive or is not working, a simple battery replacement could fix the issue. These coin-shaped batteries typically cost $10 or less and are available at hardware stores and big box retailers and online. To replace the battery, gently tear the two halves of the key fob and then insert the new one with the same orientation as the previous one.

It's up to your dealer reprogramme it if your key fob is damaged or isn't functioning as it should. You can do this yourself, but it's better to let it be done by a professional to avoid any accidental damage which could lead to expensive repairs in the future. If you have spare keys and fob, you could skip this step and purchase a new one to save money. If, however, you've lost both keys and fob, it's worth the extra cost to have a dealership reprogram the new key and cut the new key simultaneously.