Understanding the Different Types of Car Keys

A few years ago the loss of car keys was not an issue. You could purchase an extra key at your local auto parts shop or locksmith.

As cars have evolved to keep up with technological advancements replacement of keys that have been lost is more complicated and costly. Learn more about what factors into the total cost of car key replacement.

Basic Keys

When people think of their car keys, they might imagine a basic metal key that can open doors and start the engine. There are a myriad of more advanced kinds of keys for cars that can provide greater security. Understanding the differences between car keys will help people to know what to expect when they need to replace or repair them.

One of the most basic kinds of keys for cars is a standard key, which has been around for decades and is still the most commonly used option for newer cars. These are the keys you can purchase at an establishment that sells hardware and attach to your keychain. Keys of standard size can be copied at an affordable price however they can be costly to replace if lost or damaged.

Modern alternatives include the transponder key, which has been in use since 1995 and offers security over traditional keys. They have microchips embedded in the key handle and are activated when they are inserted into the ignition. They are more costly to replace in the event of a loss or damage, but they are more secure against theft than conventional keys.

Switchblade keys are another option. They fold up into an accessory keyfob when not used. These are a little more expensive to replace than standard keys, however they can be even more costly in the event that the handle or shank of the key is damaged.

Lastly, there are also the smart keys with built-in Bluetooth trackers and remote key repairs start. These are more expensive than standard keys and may require a locksmith's specific tools to repair.

Mechanical Keys

In the old days when you lost your car key or it stopped working out of the sudden, all you needed to do was head to your local hardware store to get an alternative. The process is a bit more complicated now. There are a variety of cars in circulation and each has a different key. Based on the model that you are replacing, it could cost more or less than $50.

Mechanical keys are the simplest type. They're also known as "insert-and-turn" keys. They are the keys that you used to be able to replace at the hardware store for pocket change. They do not have an electronic transponder, and are used to secure the trunk or doors, but they are not used to start the car.

The transponder keys are the other type that is frequently used. This key has a transponder inside the key head that transmits a coded signal to your broken car key repair's ignition system to verify that the key is legitimate. This feature was added to vehicles in 1995, and can stop the ignition from starting if an unauthorized or lost key is used.

The first step to fix this kind of key is to determine the cause of the problem. In the majority of cases it is due to an issue with the key cap or the key switch. To fix the problem, the key cap or the key switch will need to be removed carefully using the appropriate tool. Then, they will need to be cleaned and lubricated. Lubricating the switch is important as it will help to eliminate issues like key chatter. This is the case with keys which allow multiple inputs to be detected when they are they are pressed.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys, also referred as "chip keys" are an integral component of the anti-theft system in your vehicle. The small microchip embedded inside the plastic head of the Car key Repair cost, posteezy.com, key transmits the signal to the antenna ring that surrounds the ignition cylinder. The car won't start if the computer does not get the correct response. The majority of cars manufactured since 1998 have this type of chip.

The issue is that they're more expensive to replace. Apart from having an entirely different design than traditional mechanical keys, they contain a unique microchip that must be programmed into the computer in your vehicle to function correctly.

Connecting a diagnostic device to the computer in your car, and then entering the programming mode is the way to accomplish this. This process is more complicated than simply cutting a blank and since these tools aren't readily available in all locksmith shops, you may pay more than if you were to replace a mechanical key.

Another aspect is the make and model of your vehicle. Certain manufacturers have their own specialized equipment that must be used to program their vehicles, which will increase the cost.

Some prefer to have professional programming of their transponder keys. This is due to complicated procedures, like cutting wires to remove the transponder's antenna as well as using a scanner device, and also the peace of mind that comes from knowing that a professional will be working on your vehicle. Based on the model and make you might be able to save money by bringing your car directly to the car dealership to install your new chip.

Laser Cut Keys

Laser cut keys are a form of car key with a high-security blade. They first came to the market in the 1990s and help to prevent vehicle theft. They are harder to duplicate and come with transponder chips embedded in their heads. The chips communicate with ignitions when inserted to stop the vehicle from starting in the event that keys that are not the correct ones are used.

This technology helps deter car thefts, but it's not enough to stop them completely. The key's unique blade shape is difficult to duplicate, however anyone with the appropriate tools and equipment could still use it to gain entry into your car. This is because traditional keys use an ordinary lock cylinder that's easy to pick. But laser keys have a sidewinder lock, which is much more resistant to picking.

The key repair car is also more durable to traditional keys. The blade is made from hardened steel, which is able to withstand a lot of wear and tear before eventually wearing out. If the key does wear out or is accidentally snapped in half, it's affordable to have it replaced by an experienced locksmith.

Laser-cut keys are more expensive however they are more secure. The combination of the blade design, the lock cylinder and the transponder chip makes them difficult to duplicate or pick. They are still at risk of being stolen or lost in the event that you fail to make the proper precautions.

Key Fobs

Although they're useful, key fobs can be tricky. They don't last forever, and they tend to cease functioning when you least expect it. A malfunctioning fob can leave you in a tense situation, especially when you're putting in your trunk full of groceries or heading to work after an extended day. You might need to call locksmith services or a tow truck and it can cost a lot to get your car back on the road.

Many factors influence the cost of a fob. These include the type of key it is made of and the materials used. Brands also play a role in that they can be more expensive. Some fobs are programmed by the user, while others need to be reprogrammed to the vehicle by a dealer.

If your key fob does not function or functions intermittently, a replacement battery could be the answer. The coin-shaped batteries are available at hardware stores, online retailers and big box retailers for $10 or less. To replace the battery, gently tear the two parts of the key fob and insert the new battery in the same way as the previous one.

It's up to your dealer change the program if your key fob has been damaged or is not functioning properly. You can do it 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. You can save money by buying new keys and fobs even if you already have. If you've lost your fob and key together, it's well worth the cost to allow the dealer to reprogram your key and cut a brand new key at the exact same time.