Keys Replacement For Cars
You can get a replacement key for a mechanical key in any hardware store. The key needs to be programmed either by a locksmith or dealer.
Smart keys are more complicated and require a visit to the dealer to pair them with your vehicle. how to get a car key replaced are expensive however, many insurance companies will cover the cost.
Mechanical Keys
You can still purchase mechanical keys for cars which you put into an ignition lock cylinder to start your vehicle. If your car is equipped with one of these, replacing the fob and key is relatively cheap (if they're lost or stolen).
A locksmith can create an original key for less than what you purchase from a dealership. You could also ask someone close to you who knows how to program aftermarket transponder keys (which are less expensive than keys from factory) cut keys and then program them. It is important to have a spare key because modern vehicles won't start when the key does not have the correct chip.
Transponder keys resemble mechanical keys but contain an electronic chip inside the base. The chip communicates with the computer system of your vehicle. Your car will accept the code that is on the chip, but it will not start if you use another code.
If your spare key is equipped with chip, you'll need to take it to a dealership to have it programmed. The dealership will require a special machine for both cutting and programming the key. These machines are only available at certain dealerships. It is unlikely that a locksmith will have the tools needed to make a key using transponder.
It is expensive to replace keys with remotes, particularly if you require an extra. You could try reprogramming your fob by yourself if you're missing the shank on the key and you have a working replacement fob, however it can be time-consuming and laborious. You're better off contacting a dealer when you've lost the fob and the key.
Other types of car keys require more specialized skills to replace. This includes flip keys and smart keys. They are more complicated and usually have to be replaced at the dealership. Certain key fobs come with an electronic key that folds into the enclosure and opens doors or is operated by proximity sensors to open and start your car.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are likely to be found in cars that were built in the past 10 years. The keys have the microchip as well as an electronic receiver that is programmed to communicate with start your vehicle.
Transponder keys can be an effective method of preventing theft, as they require two elements to start the car: the transmitter contained in the key and the receiver that is connected to the immobilizer. The car will not start without both the key and immobilizer system.
The key chips are programmed with a unique serial number that is unique to the vehicle you own. The serial number of the key is transmitted to the immobilizer inside the car and checked to be in line. If it does the engine starts, it will. This security feature is only defeated by a special device which can read the chip and match it with another car.
You'll have to find a locksmith who has the tools to reprogram your key. Some car dealerships also offer this service, however their overheads make them more expensive than a locksmith who is independent.
Finding a new car key that has a chip in it can be a complex procedure. The key has to be cut on a specific machine to ensure that it has the right tracks which can later be programmed to assign the key to your car. It requires specialized software, as well as the right key cutter to cut it properly.
Certain of the more basic chip keys can be cloned at most auto part stores but you must be aware of the serial number of the original key to ensure that the proper information is being transferred to the new key. Many people make a mistake going to their dealer in search of the clone of a chip-key and end up paying overpriced costs.
Laser-Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys, referred to as sidewinder keys due to their distinctive winding cuts in the key shank they add a layer of security to your vehicle. Because it takes specialized machinery to duplicate these keys, they're a great deterrent against auto-theft.
Like transponder keys. They have built-in chips that prevent unauthorized key copies from opening your vehicle. They have a unique number that must be programmed into your vehicle to unlock it and start it. This additional level of security will safeguard your investment and prevent thieves from trying to steal your vehicle for parts or to sell it.
In terms of design, laser-cut keys are slightly different from standard mechanical cut keys in that they have smaller grooves that have been carved out of the key. The key shaft is thicker, which is another sign that this is not a regular car key. Locksmiths generally make use of milling tool to cut these kinds of keys. This kind of tool looks similar to a drill bit and is designed to remove metal with extremely precise, controlled angles.
These are some of the most secure keys you can get for your vehicle, since they are extremely difficult to duplicate and can only be cut by a locksmith who is a certified dealer. They're not created using traditional keys. Instead, they are made from a small piece steel that is cut to form a code in the factory, and then cut with the laser. This type of key is very robust and can endure the rigors of wear and tear, making it one of the best options to protect your car.
Depending on the key, it could fold into the fob or be released at the touch of a button. These kinds of keys are used extensively in German cars and offer an additional layer of security against car thieves. They also make it extremely difficult for thieves to pick or pick-lock your vehicle, as the cylinder is extremely tough and hard to break into.
Smart Keys
Smart keys communicate with the vehicle via radio-frequency identification (RFID) instead of the traditional single piece of carved metal. This means they have a tiny chip that contains an encrypted code that is unique to each key. When you open your car's doors or open the trunk key, it sends a signal to your vehicle's onboard computer. The computer then will prompt the appropriate frequency to allow you to start your vehicle.
The chip in the smart key is equipped with several security features to guard it from theft. The key emits a low-frequency signal, which can only be detected by your vehicle. If the onboard computer detects this signal, it will prompt an alternative one that's an individual sequence that only your vehicle will comprehend. This prevents a tech savvy criminal from using a pulse generator in order to "fool the system" and perform the work on other vehicles.
Some smart keys have special features, such as storing driver preferences, opening windows remotely or the sunroof via remote, and many more. These features can be accessed by activating the proximity sensor on the key fob by pressing a button or, in some cases it is as simple as twisting a tiny piece of metal inside the key.
Most of these key fobs have buttons that open the doors on their own, but some have an additional method to open them: a slot or holding the dead key in a spot on the dashboard where it holds an inductive coil that can transfer energy. Some key fobs feature mechanical (fully emergency) key blade in the key.
Replace a smart key requires a trip to the dealer, who will either request the replacement or have it in stock. The dealer will also have to program the new key to identify your vehicle. You can visit a locksmith to have your new key fob programmed and replaced. Locksmiths may cost more than the dealer, but they'll be able to do the job quicker and at a lower cost.