Car Key Replacements
Whether it's a simple lock-and-key key or a sophisticated fob key, losing one could be costly. It's recommended to keep an extra key in your wallet.
If you do lose keys, the most affordable solution is to hire an auto locksmith. A dealership could be more expensive, but it's an option worth considering.
Mechanical Keys
Your car keys will likely be mechanical if you own an older vehicle that does not use key fobs. These standard keys are made of metal, like steel, brass or a combination of nickel and brass. They're cut using a key duplicator, using an original key set against one side of the machine and an unaligned blank key placed next to it to act as the template. The original key is cut using a special cutter to create a duplicate.
Transponder Keys
The majority of modern cars come with a transponder chip integrated into the key which is used to unlock and start the car. These chips are usually located inside the key head, but can also be located in the ignition. When the key is turned on in the ignition, the transponder transmits an electronic signal that is picked up by the computer system of the car. The computer then analyzes the signal to ensure that it matches with the correct serial number.
This makes it virtually impossible for a stolen vehicle to be started without owner's keys. If the signal isn't compatible the car's signal, it won't start and will remain locked. This is a great benefit to deter car thefts since it decreases the chance of someone else driving off with your car.
The drawback of transponder keys is that it costs more than a traditional flat metal key. The transponder is a microchip that is expensive to manufacture and put into the car key. Typically, car key replacement of keys can cost hundreds of dollars purchased from a dealership.
A locksmith can offer less expensive and more reliable transponder key replacements. Beishir Lock and Security carries a large assortment of keys, and can reprogram the chip to work with your car on-the-spot for a fraction of the cost of a dealership.
Be sure to compare estimates when looking for an alternative transponder key. There are a variety of factors that influence the final cost, including the model and make of your vehicle, whether you have any extra features on your key, such as 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 in comparison to the expense and convenience. If you are concerned about security and safety, then a transponder key could be worth the cost in the long term. In addition, most modern cars have an immobilizer that won't allow them to start if a key that is not transponder is used, so this 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 actually quite common and offer an extra layer of protection for vehicles. They require special key cutting equipment to make and are much harder for thieves to duplicate or pick than traditional cut keys.
Laser cut car keys differ from traditional keys with grooves on one side. They also have two slits on the sides. They can be inserted into the lock cylinder any way, and they still function. They are therefore more durable and stronger than standard keys.
Additionally, they can also be used to unlock certain high-security locks. This is because the slits are tooled into a specific depth that matches with the different car manufacturers' codes. Finding the correct depth is crucial because a blade that is not cut correctly could damage the machine that cuts keys and result in the key not working immediately after being placed into the lock cylinder.
The greater thickness and unique slits in keys made by lasers make them less prone to being copied or taken. Furthermore, many of these keys contain transponder chips that are unique to the vehicle you're using them on. 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 keys but the truth is that they're still cheaper than purchasing a replacement from your dealer. In addition, locksmiths can often cut these keys more quickly than car dealerships.
A car key that is laser cut's quality can make a significant difference. The wrong blade could damage your key cutting machine or lock cylinder, leaving you with a huge repair bill. This is the reason it's essential to purchase your laser-cut car key from a trusted supplier who sells keys to auto locksmiths.
Bibens Ace South Burlington offers a wide selection of replacement car key FOB keys for over 250 different makes and models of vehicles, in addition to laser-cut sidewinder key replacements. Visit us today to discover how you can save money on car fob replacements without having to go to a dealer!
Remote Keys
Not too long ago, misplacing or even losing your car keys was not a huge deal. Contact a locksmith for a new key and leave. Today, however, cars are more advanced in technology, and the corresponding keys are harder to replace and more difficult for thieves to duplicate. This means that when you lose your car key it could be more expensive than ever to get it replaced.
Depending on the type of key that you own, the cost to replace it can vary. You can have traditional keys for just $10 at a local hardware store or employ an automotive locksmith who will visit you and make the key immediately.
If you own an electronic key, a transponder key with a switchblade, or a transponder key that has remote start, you will be required to visit your local dealer to have it replaced. This can be expensive and you might have to wait a long period of time before the manufacturer will send you the new key.
Sometimes, as with any other electronic device the car key can stop working for no apparent reason. Usually, this is due to extreme heat or cold but it could also be due to an ineffective battery or water in the key fob due to rain or simply deteriorating over time. If you find that your car key is no longer responding, it's worth trying to reset it before calling an auto locksmith.
It's also important to remember that your key fob will only function if it's within range of your vehicle. It's essential to always keep your key fob close to you and not take it out of your pocket unless absolutely necessary.
The most frequent method of losing keys to cars is misplacing it or dropping it. In similar web page could cause it to break or get stuck in the lock, which is why it's an ideal idea to have a spare on hand at all times.