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Understanding the Different Types of Car Keys

It wasn't long ago that misplacing or, even worse, losing your car keys was not a big issue. You could buy keys at your local auto parts shop or locksmith.

However, as vehicles have advanced to meet the demands of technology and technology, replacing keys that have been lost has become more difficult and expensive. Learn more about the variables that affect the cost of a replacement car key.

Basic Keys

When people think of their car keys, they might think of a simple metal key that opens doors and start the engine. While those are the most commonly used types of Car Key Repair Cost keys, there are many other kinds that are more sophisticated and have enhanced security features. Knowing the distinctions between car keys will allow people know what to expect when they have to replace or repair key them.

Keys that are standard are the most basic type of car keys. They have been around for decades, and they remain the most popular option for newer vehicles. These are keys that you can purchase at a hardware shop and connect to your keychain. Keys that are standard can be copied for the cost of a small amount however they can be costly to replace if lost or damaged.

The most modern alternatives include the transponder key, which has been used since 1995 and is a more secure solution than traditional keys. Microchips are embedded into the handle of the key and activated when the key is inserted into the ignition. They are more expensive to replace in the event of a damage or loss, but they provide greater protection against theft than conventional keys.

Switchblade keys are an alternative. They fold down into the form of a keyfob when they are not being used. They are more expensive than regular keys to replace, but they can be more expensive in the event that the shank of the key or the handle are damaged.

There are also smart keys with built-in Bluetooth trackers and remote key fob repair near me starters. 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 was damaged or was not working, you had to go to the local hardware store to purchase an alternative. Today things are more complicated. There are several types of cars in circulation and each comes with a distinct key. Based on the type of car, it could cost more or less than 50 dollars.

Mechanical keys are the simplest type. They're also known as "insert-and-turn" keys. They were the keys you could buy from the hardware store for a few pennies. They do not come with a transponder and are used to lock the trunk or the doors, but not to start the car.

The other type of key, that is the most popular in use is the transponder keys. The key is equipped with a tiny transponder in the key's head that transmits a coded message to the ignition system of your vehicle to verify the legitimacy of the key. This system was added to automobiles in 1995 and can prevent them from being started when a lost or stolen key is used.

The first step to fix this kind of key is to determine the cause of the problem. Most of the time the reason is due to a problem with the key cap or the key switch. To correct this, the key cap and switch need to be removed with an instrument, and then cleaned and lubricated in order to resolve the issue. Lubricating the switch is essential because it can help solve issues such as key chatter. This is a reference to keys which can register multiple inputs when they are pressed.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys (also known as "chip" keys) are an important part of the anti-theft system in your car. The tiny microchip that is embedded in the plastic head of the car key sends the signal to the antenna ring that surrounds the ignition key cylinder. The car will not start if the computer doesn't get the correct response. Most cars produced in the year 1998 feature this kind of chip.

Problem is, they are more expensive to replace. Apart from having an entirely different design than traditional mechanical keys, they also contain a unique microchip that must be programmed into the computer in your vehicle to function effectively.

Connecting a diagnostic tool to the computer in your car, and then entering the programming mode is the way to accomplish this. It can be more difficult than simply cutting a new blank, and because these tools aren't readily available in every locksmith shop, you're likely to be charged more than when replacing a standard mechanical key.

The model and make of your vehicle is an additional factor. Certain manufacturers have their own specialized equipment that must be used in order to program their vehicles, which will increase the cost.

Some people prefer to have a professional do the programming of their transponder key. It is due to the complicated procedures, such as cutting wires to take off the transponder's antenna and using a scanner device, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing that a professional is working on your car. You may be able save money by going directly to the dealership to have the new chip installed.

Laser Cut Keys

Laser cut keys have a blade with a high degree of security. They first came to the market in the 1990s, and are used to combat vehicle theft. They are more difficult to duplicate than traditional keys and include transponder chips in their heads. The chips communicate with ignitions when inserted and prevent the vehicle from starting when the wrong keys are used.

This technology does hinder car thefts, but it's not enough to stop them completely. The unique blade and design of the key is difficult to duplicate, but thieves can still make use of it with the proper tools to gain access to your car. This is because traditional keys use a standard lock cylinder that's easy to pick. However, laser keys have a sidewinder lock that is more resistant to picking.

The key's design is more durable than conventional keys. The blade is made of hardened steel, which is able to withstand a lot of wear and tear before fading out. If the key is damaged or wears out, it is fairly inexpensive to repair it by locksmiths.

While laser-cut keys are more expensive than edge-cut counterparts but they offer greater security. The combination of the blade design, the lock cylinder and the transponder chip make them more difficult to duplicate or pick. They are still vulnerable to being lost or stolen if you don't make the proper precautions.

Key Fobs

Key fobs are not always reliable even though they're useful. They won't last forever and tend to stop functioning when you least expect them. You may find yourself in a compromising situation if your fob malfunctions in the middle of taking your trunk full of groceries or heading to work after a long and tiring day. It's possible to call for locksmith services or a tow truck, and it can cost a lot to get your car key fob repair near me back on the road.

A variety of factors affect the price of a fob, including the type of key it contains and its materials. It also depends on the brand which is usually more expensive. Some fobs can be programmed by the owner, while others require a dealer to reprogram them to the vehicle.

If your key fob will not work or works infrequently, a new battery may be the solution. The coin-shaped batteries usually cost $10 or less and are available at hardware stores and big box retailers and on the internet. To replace the battery, gently pull the two parts of the key fob apart and then insert the new battery in the same way as the previous one.

If your key fob is damaged or isn't functioning properly, you'll need to have it reprogrammed with the help of a dealer. While there are ways to do this yourself however, it's best to let professionals handle the task to avoid any accidental damage that could result in 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 worth the cost to have the dealer reprogram the key and cut a new key at the same time.