Why We Are In Love With Car Key Replacements (And You Should Too!)

Car Key Replacements Losing a key can be costly, whether it's an ordinary lock-and-key or a sophisticated key fob. It's best to keep a spare key in your wallet. The cheapest solution is to contact an auto locksmith in the event that you lose your key. A dealership may be more costly, but it's an option worth considering. Mechanical Keys If you have an older vehicle that doesn't utilize key fob technology, your car keys are probably mechanical. These standard keys are made of metal, such as brass, steel or a mixture of nickel and brass. The keys are cut using the key duplicator, which utilizes an uncut key as a template, and an original key against the other side of the machine. The original key is cut with a specific cutter to create a duplicate. Transponder Keys Most newer cars come equipped with a transponder chip built into the key which is used to unlock and start the car. These chips can be found in the ignition, or the key head. car key replacement transmits a signal to the computer in the car when the key is turned on in the ignition. The computer checks the signal and makes sure that it matches the correct serial number. This makes it almost impossible for a stolen vehicle to start without the owner's keys. If the signal does not match, the car will not start and will remain locked. This is a huge advantage that helps to discourage car thieves since the chances of someone else starting and driving off with your car are significantly diminished. Transponder keys cost more than a standard metal key. This is because the transponder contains a small microchip that's expensive to manufacture and then install into the car key. Typically, these kinds of keys can cost hundreds of dollars when purchased through the car dealership. A locksmith can offer much less expensive and trustworthy transponder key replacements. Beishir Lock and Security carries a large assortment of keys, and can modify the chip to work with your vehicle on the spot for a fraction of the price of the dealership. Be sure to check out quotes when shopping for the replacement transponder keys. The final cost will be influenced by many factors, including the model and make of your vehicle, the extra features you can get on the key (such as a remote-control key-fob), and even the location where you choose to have it copied. In the end, you need to weigh the advantages of a transponder versus the cost and the convenience. If you value safety and security, then a transponder key could be worth the cost in the long term. A car key that isn't transponder-compatible will not allow the vehicle to start. Laser-Cut Keys Laser cut keys might appear like something from a sci-fi flick, but they are very common. They add an extra layer of security to cars. They require specialized key cutting equipment and are much more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick than traditional cut keys. Laser cut car keys are different from traditional keys that have grooves on one side. They also have two slits on the sides. This allows keys to be inserted into the lock cylinder either direction, and still operate. They are, therefore, more durable and thicker than conventional keys. As a bonus they can also be used to open some high-security locks. The slits are made to a certain depth, which matches the codes of various car manufacturers. Finding the correct depth is crucial because a blade that is not cut correctly could damage the key cutting machine and cause the key to stop functioning shortly after it is put into the lock cylinder. The unique slits and increased thickness of laser-cut car keys make them more resistant to being copied. A lot of these keys contain transponder chip that is specific to your car. This means that even if a person creates a duplicate of your car key with transponder chips they will not be in a position to start your car. Although these extra layers of security might make a laser cut car key more expensive than other keys however, the reality is that they're still much less than getting a new replacement from your dealership. Locksmiths are often able to cut these keys faster than car dealerships. The quality of a laser-cut car key can make a huge difference. The wrong blade can easily damage your key cutting machine or lock cylinder and leave you with a costly repair cost. It's vital to purchase your laser-cut car keys from a locksmith that sells the keys. Bibens Ace South Burlington offers an extensive selection of replacement car key FOB keys for more than 250 different makes and models of automobiles, as well as laser-cut sidewinder key replacements. Stop by today and see how we can help save you money on replacement car key fobs without the hassle of having to go to a dealer! Remote Keys Not too long ago the possibility of losing or misplacing your car keys wasn't an issue. You could contact an locksmith, receive a replacement and still leave. Today's cars are more technologically advanced and keys that are compatible with them can be harder to replace. They can also be more difficult for thieves to copy. This means that when you lose your car key, it can be more expensive than before to get it replaced. Depending on the type of key you have, the cost to replace it can vary. You can have an old-fashioned key for $10 at your local hardware store or hire an auto locksmith who will visit you to create it immediately. If you own an intelligent key, transponder key with a switchblade, or a transponder key that has remote start, you will need to visit your dealership to get it replaced. It can be costly and you might have to wait for a long time for the manufacturer to send you the new key. Sometimes, as with any other electronic device, your car key will stop working for no apparent reason. Usually, this is due to extreme heat or cold however, it could also be due to an unsatisfactory battery or key fob from rain, or simply wearing out over time. It's worth resetting your car key before calling an auto locksmith if you find that it's not responding. It's also important to know that your key fob will only work only if it's within the range of the car. It's important to always keep your key fob with you and not take it out of your pocket unless essential. A majority of people lose their car keys by dropping them or misplacing them. In some cases, this can cause it to break or get stuck in the lock and that's why it's always recommended to keep a spare on hand at all times.