Keys Replacement For Cars
You can get the replacement key for a mechanical one at any hardware shop. This key will need to be programmed either by a locksmith or a dealer.
Smart keys are more complicated and require a visit to a dealer for the keys to be paired with your car. They are costly however, many insurance companies will pay for the cost.
Mechanical Keys
You can still purchase car keys that are solely mechanical, the kind that you insert into an ignition lock cylinder and turn to start your vehicle. If your vehicle is equipped with one of these, it's relatively affordable to replace the fob and key (if lost or stolen).
A locksmith can cut a basic key for you at a less cost than what you would buy from a dealership. You can also have a friend or neighbor that is proficient in programming transponder keys that are made for the aftermarket (which are less expensive than keys made by the factory) cut keys and program them. A spare key is crucial since modern cars won't be able to start when a key that isn't programmed with the proper chip is used.
replacement car keys with chips www.g28carkeys.co.uk appear like mechanical keys, however they have a hidden electronic chip in the base of their plastic design that communicates with the computer system in your vehicle. Your car will recognize the code in the chip, but it will not start if you use another code.
If your spare key is equipped with a 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 and it is unlikely that a locksmith will have the equipment necessary to create a key that has transponder.
Keys with remotes cost a lot to replace, especially in the event that you need an extra. If you have only the shank of your key missing and a functioning replacement fob you could try reprogramming your fob on your own. However, it can be time-consuming and complicated. If you've lost your entire key and fob but you're not sure it's best to contact a dealer as the best option.
There are different kinds of car keys that require a more specific set of skills to replace, for example flip keys and smart keys. They are more complex and require replacement by a dealer. Some key fobs are operated by a proximity sensor or a spring-loaded door opener.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed in the last 10 years or so you're likely to use a transponder key system. These keys are equipped with a microchip in the key itself and the car's receiver that are both programmed to communicate with each other to start the car.
Transponder keys are a great way of deterring theft, as they require two elements to start the car - the transmitter inside the key, and the receiver connected to the immobilizer. The car will not start without both the key and the immobilizer system.
Key chips have an unique serial number that is specific to your vehicle. The serial number of the key is sent to the immobilizer inside the car, and then checked to match. If it does, the engine will start. The only thing that could defeat this security feature is a device that is able to read the chip and match it with another vehicle.
You'll have to find an locksmith with the equipment needed to reprogram your key. Some car dealerships also offer this service, but their overhead makes them more expensive than an independent locksmith.
Getting a new car key with a chip inside it can be a very complicated procedure. The key must first be cut on a specific machine in order to have the right tracks that can be programmed to assign the key to your car. This requires specific software and the right key cutter in order to be done correctly.
Many auto parts stores are able to clone some of the simpler chips keys, however you'll need to know the serial number of the original key in order to ensure the correct information is incorporated into the key. Many people make the mistake of going to their dealer for an exact copy of a chip key and end up paying inflated costs.
Laser-Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys, also known as sidewinder keys due to their distinctive winding cuts in the key shank they add a layer of security to your vehicle. Because it requires specialized equipment to duplicate these keys, they're a great security measure against auto theft.
Like transponder keys, they have embedded chips that stop unauthorized key copies from starting your car. They come with a unique code that must be programmed into your car to unlock it and begin it. This extra layer of security will protect your investment and prevent thieves from trying to steal your vehicle in exchange for parts or to resell it.
Laser-cut keys differ slightly from mechanically cut keys in terms of design. They have fewer grooves that are carved on the key. They also have a more robust key shaft which is an excellent indication that it's not your typical car key. Locksmiths generally make use of a milling tool to cut these types of keys. This type of machine looks like a drill and is designed to cut metal at extremely precise, controlled angles.
These are among the most secure keys you can buy for your car, because they're very hard to replicate and only cut by a locksmith who is a certified dealer. They're not made using traditional keys. Instead, they're made of a tiny piece of steel that's shaped according to form a code in the factory before being cut with a laser. This kind of key is able to be able to withstand a great deal of wear and tear and is among the best choices for protecting your vehicle.
The key can be folded into the fob, or it can be released by pressing a button. These kinds of keys are used extensively in German automobiles and provide an additional layer of security against car thieves. They also make it extremely difficult for a thief to pick or pick-lock your car because the cylinder is extremely rugged and is difficult to break.
Smart Keys Keys
Smart keys communicate with the vehicle by using radio-frequency identification (RFID) instead of the traditional single piece carved metal. This means that they are equipped with a tiny chip that contains an encrypted code that is unique to each key. The key transmits a message to the onboard computer in your vehicle each time you unlock the doors or open the trunk. The computer will then prompt the correct frequency to allow you to start your car.
The smart key's chip comes with a variety of security features to guard against theft. First the key emits a very low-frequency signal which isn't detected by any receiver other than your vehicle. If the computer onboard detects this signal, it will display an alternative one that's an individual sequence that only your car can understand. This prevents a tech-savvy criminal from using an external generator to "fool" the system and make the key work for other vehicles.
In addition to locking and starting the car, some smart keys have special features such as storing particular driver preferences remote opening windows or the sunroof, and many more. These features can be accessed by activating the proximity sensor on the key fob by pressing a button or, in certain instances you can do this by twisting a small piece of metal inside the key.
Most of these key fobs have an unlock button that opens the doors on their own, but some have an additional way to open them with a slot or by placing the dead key close to an area on the dashboard, where it houses an inductive coil that is able to transfer energy. Some even include an emergency (fully mechanical) key blade hidden in the key to activate this.
Replacing a smart lock typically requires a visit to the dealership, where they will either have the replacement on hand or order it for you. They'll also have to program the new key to recognize your car. You can also visit a locksmith for your replacement key fob to be programmed and replaced. A locksmith may cost more than dealers, but he or she can do the job faster and cheaper.