Understanding the Different Types of Car Keys

It wasn't that long ago that misplacing or worse, losing keys to your car was not a big issue. In fact, you could probably find a spare at an auto parts store or at your local locksmith.

As cars have evolved to keep up with technological advancements replacement of keys that have been lost is becoming more difficult and costly. Find out more about what factors into the overall cost of a car key remote repair near me key replacement.

Basic Keys

When people think of their car keys, they might think of a basic metal key that can open doors and start the engine. There are a variety of more sophisticated kinds of keys for cars that can provide greater security. Knowing the differences between different kinds of car key remote repair near me keys will help people determine what to expect when replacing or repairing the keys.

Standard keys are the simplest type of car key. They've been around for a long time, and remain the most popular option for vehicles with newer technology. These are keys that you can purchase at an hardware store and then attach to your keychain. Standard keys are relatively affordable to duplicate, but could cost a lot to replace in the event that they are lost or damaged.

More modern options include the transponder broken key repair, which has been in use since 1995 and provides a more secure solution than traditional keys. Microchips are embedded into the handle of the key and activated when the key is put into the ignition. These can be more expensive to replace if damaged or lost, but offer greater protection from theft than conventional keys.

Switchblade keys are an alternative. They fold down into an accessory keyfob when not used. They cost more than regular keys, however they may cost more if the shank of the key or the handle is damaged.

Lastly, there are also the smart keys with built-in Bluetooth trackers as well as remote key fob repair near me starts. They are more expensive than standard keys, and may require a locksmith's specific tools to repair.

Mechanical Keys

In the past when your car key broke or stopped working, you had to go to the local hardware store and purchase an alternative. Today, things are a little more complicated. There are numerous kinds of vehicles on the road, and each one has a unique key. Depending on the model it can cost more or less than 50 dollars.

Mechanical keys are the most basic type. They're also called "insert-and-turn" keys. These were the keys that you could replace at the hardware store for a few dollars. They do not have an electronic transponder, and are used to secure the trunk or doors but not to start the car.

The transponder key is a different type, and is the most commonly used. It has a tiny transponder in the key's head which transmits a coded signal to the ignition system of your vehicle to verify the authenticity of the key. The system was put in vehicles as early as 1995. It prevents the ignition from being started using an unauthorised key or lost one.

The first step in fixing this type of key is to pinpoint what is causing the malfunction. Most of the time the issue is with the cap of the key or the switch is the cause. To fix this problem, the key cap or the key switch will need to be removed carefully using a tool. Then, they will need to be cleaned and lubricated. Lubricating the switch is essential since it can remove issues such as key chatter. This refers to keys that register multiple inputs when pressed.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys, also referred to as "chip keys" are an integral component of the anti-theft system in your vehicle. The tiny microchip that is embedded in the head of the car key transmits the signal to the antenna ring that surrounds the ignition piston. If the computer in the car key Repair cost isn't receiving the correct response from the transponder, it won't start. Most cars produced in the year 1998 feature this kind of chip.

The issue is that the same factor that makes these kinds of keys more secure makes them more expensive to replace. In addition to having a different design than traditional mechanical keys, they have a specific microchip that has to be programmed into your vehicle's computer to function properly.

Connecting a diagnostic device to your car's computer, and then entering the programming mode is the way to accomplish this. It can be more difficult than simply cutting a blank from scratch, and since the tools aren't available in every locksmith shop, you're likely to spend more than if you replace the basic mechanical key.

Another factor is the model and make of the car you are driving. Certain manufacturers have their own specialized equipment that has to be used in order to program their vehicles, which can increase the cost.

Some people prefer to have professionals handle the programming of their transponder key. This is because of the complex procedures involved, including cutting wires to remove the transponder antenna, and using a scanning device and the assurance that comes from knowing you have a skilled professional working on your vehicle. You may be able save money by going directly to the dealership to have your new chip installed.

Laser Cut Keys

Laser cut keys have an edge that is high level of security. They were first introduced in the 1990s to stop vehicle theft. They are more difficult to duplicate and come with transponder chips in their heads. The chips communicate with the ignition once they are placed into it, which stops the vehicle from starting if the wrong key is used.

This technology can hinder car thefts, but it's not enough to stop them completely. The unique blade and shape of the key are hard to duplicate, however thieves can still make use of it with the appropriate tools to gain entry to your vehicle. This is because traditional keys have an ordinary lock cylinder that's easy to pick. But laser keys have a sidewinder lock cylinder, which is much more difficult to pick.

The design of the key is more durable than traditional keys. The blade is made from hardened steel, which can withstand a lot of wear and tear before eventually wearing out. If the key is damaged or wears out, it's affordable to repair it by locksmiths.

Laser-cut keys are more expensive however, they provide greater security. The combination of the blade, the transponder and the lock make it difficult to duplicate. However, they're vulnerable to being lost or stolen if you do not take the necessary precautions to keep them safe.

Key Fobs

Key fobs aren't always reliable even though they're useful. They aren't always reliable and often stop working when you most likely don't. A malfunctioning fob can leave you in a difficult situation, especially when you're packing your trunk full of food items or heading off to work after an extended day. It's possible to need an emergency locksmith or tow truck and it could cost you a significant amount to get your car back on the road.

The type of key as well as the materials used in the fob could affect the cost. It also depends on the manufacturer, which typically costs more. Some fobs are programmed by the user, while others need to be reprogrammed to the vehicle by an authorized dealer.

If your key fob is unresponsive or doesn't work at all, a simple battery replacement could fix the issue. These batteries are typically $10 or less and are available at hardware stores or big box retailers and on the internet. To replace the battery, gently pry the two parts of the key fob apart and then insert the new one in the same way as the previous one.

If your key fob is damaged or no longer works properly, you'll have to have it reprogrammed with the help of a dealer. You can do this yourself, but it's best to let it be done by a professional to avoid any accidental damage which could lead to costly repairs in the future. You can save money by purchasing a new key and fob in the event that you already have one. If you've lost your fob and key together, it's well worth it to allow the dealer to reprogram your key and cut a brand new key at the same at the same time.