15 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Be Ignoring Car Key Replacements
Car Key Replacements If it's a basic lock-and-key key or a more sophisticated fob key, losing one could cost you a lot. It's best to keep a spare key in your wallet. If you lose keys, the most affordable solution is to hire an auto locksmith. Dealerships are more expensive but a solid choice. Mechanical Keys The keys to your car are likely to be mechanical if you own an old car that doesn't have key fobs. The standard keys are made of metal like steel, brass or a mixture of nickel and brass. The keys are cut using a key duplicator that uses a blank key as a template, and an original key against the other side of the machine. The key that was originally used is cut with a specially-designed cutter to create a duplicate. Transponder Keys Transponder chips are built into most newer cars' keys. These chips are used to unlock the car and begin it. The chips are located in the ignition or the key head. The transponder transmits a signal to the computer in the car when the key is inserted into the ignition. The computer analyzes the signal and ensures it is in line with the correct serial number. This makes it nearly impossible for a stolen vehicle to start without the owner's keys. If the signal does not match the car won't start and will remain locked. This is a huge benefit to help deter car thefts, as it decreases the chance of someone else stealing your vehicle. A transponder key costs more than a standard metal key. The transponder is a microchip which is costly to produce and install into the car key. These keys are typically expensive when purchased from a dealership for cars. A locksmith can offer more reliable and less expensive 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 the dealership. Make sure to compare quotes when shopping for the replacement transponder keys. The final cost is determined by many factors, including the model and make of your vehicle, the extra features that you can find on the key (such as a remote-control key-fob) and even the location where you choose to copy it. Ultimately, you should consider the advantages of a transponder-based key against the cost and ease of use. If you value safety and security, then a transponder keys could be worth the cost in the long run. A non-transponder car key will not allow the vehicle to start. Laser-Cut Keys Although they may sound like something out of an sci-fi film laser cut keys are in fact quite common and provide an additional security measure for cars. They are created using specialized key cutting machines and are much harder to duplicate or steal from thieves than traditional cut keys. In contrast to traditional keys with grooves cut into one side laser cut car keys have slits cut on both sides. This allows keys to be inserted into the lock cylinder either direction while still operating it. They are therefore more durable and robust than standard keys. They can also be utilized as a bonus to unlock certain locks with high security. The slits are tooled to a particular depth, which is in line with the codes of different car manufacturers. Getting the right depth is crucial because a blade that is not cut correctly could damage the key cutting machine and result in the key not working shortly after being put into the lock cylinder. The thicker and more distinctive slits on keys made by lasers make them less susceptible to being copied or taken. Additionally the majority of these keys have transponder chips that are unique to your car. This means that when someone copies your car key, even if it's equipped with transponder chips they won't be able start your vehicle. Although these extra layers of security could make a laser-cut car key more expensive than other keys, the fact is that they're still cheaper than getting a new replacement from your dealership. Locksmiths are usually able to cut these keys more quickly than car dealerships. Another aspect to be aware of is that the quality of a laser cut car key could make all the difference. The wrong type of blade can easily harm the machine that cuts keys or the cylinder of your lock, leading to a large repair cost. This is why it's important to get your laser cut car key from a reputable supplier that sells them to auto locksmiths. Bibens Ace South Burlington offers a variety of replacement car key fob keys for over 250 different makes and models of vehicles, in addition to sidewinder keys laser-cut. Visit us today to see how you can save money on car fob replacements, without having to go to an auto dealer! Remote Keys Not too long ago having lost or misplaced your car keys was not a huge deal. You could contact an locksmith, receive a replacement and still leave. Today, however, cars are much more technologically advanced, and the corresponding keys can be harder to replace and even more difficult for thieves to duplicate. This means that if you lose your car keys it will be more expensive than ever to get it replaced. The cost of replacing a key will vary according to the kind. For keys that are traditional you can get an exact copy made for around $10 at a hardware store, or you can get an automotive locksmith to come to you and create a key on the spot. If you own an intelligent 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. It can be costly and you may have to wait a long time before the manufacturer can send you an alternative key. The car key may cease to function without a clear cause as with other electronic devices. This can be due to extreme cold or heat however, it can also be caused from an unsatisfactory battery or water in the keyfob from rain. If you find that your car key isn't longer responding, it's worth trying to reset it first before calling an auto locksmith. key replacement car is important to know that your key fob will only function if you're within the reach of the vehicle. It is essential to keep your key fob close to you and not take it out of your pocket unless necessary. The majority of people lose their keys to their cars by dropping them or misplacing them. In certain instances this could cause it to break or be stuck in the lock and that's why it's an ideal idea to have an extra available at all times.