Car Key Replacements
The loss of a key could be costly, regardless of whether it’s an ordinary lock-and-key or a high-end key fob. It’s recommended to keep one spare key in your wallet.
If you’ve lost keys, the cheapest option is to find an auto locksmith. A dealership could be more costly, but it’s an option worth considering.
Mechanical Keys
Your car keys will likely be mechanical if you have an older vehicle that doesn’t use key fobs. The standard keys are made from steel, brass or a mix of nickel and brass. They are cut with the key duplicator machine with the original key placed against one side of the machine, and a blank key aligned with it to serve as a template. The original key is cut using a special cutter to create an exact copy.
Transponder Keys
The majority of modern cars come with a transponder chips built into the key that is used to unlock and start the car. These chips are usually located in the head of the key, however they could also be placed in the ignition. The transponder sends a signal to the computer of the car when the key is turned into the ignition. The computer then analyzes the signal to ensure that it is in line with the correct serial number.
This makes it nearly impossible for a stolen car to be started without owner’s keys. If the signal doesn’t match, the car will not start and remain locked. This is a huge benefit that helps to discourage car thieves since the chances of someone else starting and driving away with your car are significantly diminished.
The drawback of transponder keys is that it’s more expensive than a conventional flat metal key. The transponder is a chip that is costly to produce and put into the car key. These keys are typically expensive when bought from a dealership.
A locksmith can provide more reliable and less expensive transponder key replacements. Beishir Lock and Security has a wide selection of these keys and will program the chip right on the spot to function with your vehicle for only a fraction of the cost of the dealership.
Make sure to compare quotes when shopping for an alternative transponder key. There are a variety of variables that affect the final cost, including the make and model of your emergency car key replacement, if you have any extra features on your key, like a remote key-fob, and even the location you choose to get it copied.
In the end, you must evaluate the advantages of a transponder key against the cost and convenience. Transponder keys may be beneficial in the long term when you value security and safety. A car key that isn’t transponder-compatible will not allow the car key replacement cost to start.
Laser-Cut Keys
Laser cut keys can look like something from a sci-fi film However, they are actually fairly common. They add an extra layer of security for automobiles. These keys are created with special key cutting machines and are much harder to duplicate or steal from thieves than traditional cut keys.
Contrary to traditional keys, which have grooves cut into one side, laser cut car keys feature slits that are tooled on both sides. This allows them to be inserted into the lock cylinder either direction while still operating it. They are, therefore, more durable and stronger than traditional keys.
They are also employed as a bonus feature to unlock certain locks with high security. The slits are tooled to a specific depth, which is in line with the codes of various car manufacturers. Getting the right depth is crucial since a wrongly cut blade could damage the key cutting machine and result in the key not working immediately after being placed into the lock cylinder.
The distinctive slits and greater thickness of the car keys laser-cut make them more resistant to copying. Some keys have a transponder chip that is unique to your car. This means that when someone copies your car key, even if it contains transponder chip, they will not be able to start your car.
Laser cut car keys may be more expensive however they are cheaper than buying a replacement car keys price from the dealership. Additionally, locksmiths are often able to cut these keys more quickly than car dealerships.
A laser-cut car key’s quality can make a huge difference. A blade that is not of the right type could easily damage the key cutting machine or your lock cylinder, which could result in a costly repair cost. This is the reason it’s essential to purchase your laser cut car key from a trusted supplier who sells them to auto locksmiths.
Bibens Ace South Burlington has an extensive range of replacement keys for car car key FOB keys that fit more than 250 different models and brands of vehicles. We also offer laser-cut sidewinder key. Visit us today to see how we can help you save money on replacement car key fobs [read here] without the hassle of having to go to a dealer!
Remote Keys
It wasn’t too long ago that a car key was lost or losing it was not a huge deal. You could call an expert locksmith, get an alternate and then drive away. Today’s cars are more technologically advanced, and keys that are compatible with them can be harder to replace. They can also be harder for thieves copy. This means that when you lose your car keys it will be more expensive than before to get it replaced.
Depending on the type of key that you have, the cost to replace it will vary. For traditional keys, you can have one made for $10 at a hardware shop, or you can get an locksmith from the automotive industry to visit you and create a key right there.
You’ll have to take your smart key, transponder that has switchblade or transponder that has remote start to the dealership to be changed. This can be expensive and you might need to wait for a long time for the manufacturer to send you a new key.
Like any other electronic device, your car key will stop working without reason. This is often due to extreme cold or heat however, it can also be due to an unsatisfactory battery or water in the keyfob from rain. If you find that your car key is no responding, you should consider trying to reset it first before contacting an auto locksmith.
You should also be aware that your key fob will only function if you’re within the reach of the vehicle. This is why it’s important to keep your key fob with your person at all times, and to not leave it in your pocket unless you are certain that you’ll be able to return it swiftly.
The most frequent way to lose keys to cars is misplacing it or dropping it. In certain instances, this can cause it to break or get stuck in the lock and that’s why it’s always recommended to keep a spare available at all times.
