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Understanding the Different Types of Car Keys

A few years ago, misplacing-or worse, losing-your car keys was not an issue. In fact, you could purchase a spare from an auto parts store or at your local locksmith.

However, as automobiles have adapted to technological advancement, replacing lost keys has become more difficult and expensive. Find out more about what factors into the total cost of car key replacement.

Basic Keys

When people think of their car key repair cost (Google post to a company blog) keys, they could imagine a basic metal key that can open doors and start the engine. There are a myriad of more advanced kinds of keys for cars that can provide greater security. Understanding the differences between car keys will help people to know what to expect when they need to replace or repair them.

Keys that are standard are the most basic type of car keys. They have been around for many years, and remain the most popular option for newer vehicles. These are the keys you can buy at an hardware store and then connect to your keychain. Standard keys are relatively cheap to copy, however they can be expensive to replace in the event that they are lost or damaged.

Transponder keys are a modern option that has been available since 1995. They offer an extra-secure alternative to traditional keys. They are equipped with microchips inside the key handle and are activated when they are inserted into the ignition. They are more expensive to replace in the event of a loss or damage, but they provide greater protection against theft than conventional keys.

Another alternative is the switchblade that folds down into an accessory key fob when it is not in use. They are a bit more expensive to replace than standard keys, however they could be more expensive in the event that the handle or shank of the key has been damaged.

Additionally, there are the smart keys with built-in Bluetooth trackers and remote key repair starts. These keys are more expensive and require locksmiths' specific tools to repair.

Mechanical Keys

In the past, if your car key broke or stopped working, you only had to visit the local hardware store to purchase an alternative. Today, things are a little more complicated. There are a variety of vehicles on the road and each comes with a unique key. Based on the type of car it may cost more or less than 50 dollars.

Mechanical keys are the most basic type. They're also called "insert-and-turn" keys. These keys were the ones you could buy from the hardware shop for a few dollars. They do not contain a transponder within them and are used to lock the trunk or door locks, but not for starting the car.

The other type of key, which is the most common in use, is the transponder key. It has an internal transponder within the head that sends a coded signal to the ignition system in your car to verify that the key is legitimate. This feature was added to cars in 1995 and can prevent the ignition from starting when a lost or stolen key is used.

The first step to fix this type of key is to determine what's causing the issue. Most of the time it is due to either an issue with the key cap or the key switch. To resolve this problem, the key cap or switch will need to be removed carefully using the appropriate tool. Then, they will need to be cleaned and lubricated. Lubricating the switch is important because it can help eliminate issues like key chatter. This is a reference to keys which register multiple inputs when pressed.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys, also referred as "chip keys", are an integral element of the anti-theft device in your vehicle key repairs. The microchip inside the head of the plastic key transmits signals to the antenna ring around the ignition cylinder. If the computer of the car keys repair isn't receiving the correct response from the transponder it won't start. This type of chip is present in the majority of cars made since 1998.

The issue is that the same factor that makes these kinds of keys more secure also makes them more expensive to replace. They're not just different from conventional mechanical keys in terms of design, but they also contain microchips that need to be programmed into the vehicle's computer for them to function.

Connecting a diagnostic device to your car's computer, and then entering the programming mode is how you do this. This procedure can be more complicated than cutting a blank, because these devices aren't readily available in all locksmith shops, you might have to pay more than if were to replace the mechanical key.

Another consideration is the model and make of your vehicle. Some manufacturers have their own equipment that has to be used in order to program their vehicles, which can increase the cost.

Some prefer having a professional program their transponder keys. This is because of the intricate procedures involved, which include cutting wires to remove the transponder antenna and utilizing a scanning device, and the extra security that comes with knowing you have a skilled professional working on your vehicle. Depending on the model and make, you may be saving money by visiting the car dealership to install your new chip.

Laser Cut Keys

Laser cut keys come with an edge that is high level of security. They were introduced in 1990s to combat vehicle theft. They are more difficult to duplicate than traditional keys and have transponder chips inside their heads. The chips communicate with the ignition when inserted into it, which stops the vehicle from starting in the event that the incorrect key is used.

While this technology can protect against car thieves but it's not able to stop them from doing so completely. The unique blade and shape of the key are hard to duplicate, however a burglar can still use it with the proper tools to gain access to your car. This is because conventional keys have a standard lock that's easy for a burglar to pick. But laser keys have a sidewinder lock that is more resistant to picking.

The key is also more durable compared to conventional keys. The blade is made from hardened steel that can withstand a lot of wear and tear before fading out. If the key does wear out or is accidentally snagged in half, it's relatively cheap to have it replaced by a professional locksmith.

Laser-cut keys are more expensive however, they provide greater security. The combination of the blade, transponder and the lock make it difficult to duplicate. They are still at risk of being lost or stolen if you don't make the proper precautions.

Key Fobs

Key fobs are not always reliable even though they're practical. They don't last forever, and they tend to shut down at the moment you aren't expecting it. A malfunctioning device can put you in an embarrassing situation, especially when you're packing your trunk full of groceries or heading to work after a long day. It's possible to call for an locksmith or a tow truck and it could cost a lot to get your car key repair service back on the road.

The type of key used and the materials used in the fob may affect the cost. Brands also play a role, as they tend to be more expensive. Certain fobs can be programmed by the owner while others require a dealer to reprogram them to the vehicle.

If your key fob does not work or is working intermittently, a simple replacement battery may be the solution. These coin-shaped batteries typically cost less than $10 and are available at hardware stores and big box retailers and on the internet. To replace the battery, gently pry off the two halves of the key fob and insert the new battery with the same orientation.

If your key fob is damaged or doesn't function correctly, you'll need to have it reprogrammed by the dealer. While you can find ways to do this on your own but it's better to let professionals handle the task to prevent any accidental damage that could cause costly repairs in the future. You can save money by purchasing an additional 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.