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Understanding the Different Types of Car Keys

A few years ago the loss of car keys wasn't a big deal. In fact, you could find a spare at an auto parts shop or even your local locksmith.

Since cars have been upgraded to accommodate technological advances replacing keys lost in the car is becoming more difficult and costly. Learn broken car key repair near me about the factors that affect the total cost of a car key replacement.

Basic Keys

When people think about their car keys, they often imagine a basic metal key that opens doors and turns on the engine. There are many more advanced kinds of keys for cars that can offer enhanced security. Understanding the differences between car keys will allow people to know what to expect when they need to replace or repair them.





Standard keys are the most basic type of car key. They've been around for decades, and they remain the most popular option for vehicles with newer technology. These are the keys you can purchase at a hardware shop and attach to your keychain. Standard keys can be copied at the cost of a small amount however they can be costly to replace in the event of loss or damaged.

Transponder keys are an innovative option that has been available since 1995. They provide a more secure alternative to traditional keys. Microchips are embedded into the handle of the key and activated when the key is put into the ignition. They are more expensive to replace if damaged or lost, but they offer greater protection from theft than traditional keys.

Switchblade keys are a different option. car key remote repair fold down into a keyfob when not being used. They are a bit more expensive to replace than standard keys, however they can be more costly when the handle or shank of the key has been damaged.

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

Mechanical Keys

In the past when you lost a car key or it stopped working completely out of the out of the blue, all you had to do was go to your local hardware store to obtain a replacement. Today, things are a little more complicated. There are several types of vehicles on the market and each has a different key. Depending on the type, replacing it may cost more or less than $50.

Mechanical keys, also referred to as "insert and turn" keys are the simplest type. These keys were the ones could be replaced at a hardware store for a few dollars. They do not have a transponder in them and are used to lock the trunk or door locks, but not for starting the car.

The transponder key is a different type that is frequently used. The key is equipped with a tiny transponder in the head of the key that transmits a coded message to the ignition system of your car to verify the legitimacy of the key. The system was introduced to automobiles in 1995, and can stop them from starting in the event that a stolen or unauthorised key is used.

The first step to fix this type of key is to determine what's causing the issue. In most cases the issue is with the cap of the key or the switch is the reason. To fix this issue, the key cap or switch will need to be removed with the appropriate tool. Then, they will need to be cleaned and lubricated. Lubricating the switch on the key is essential as it can help eliminate issues like key chatter which refers to keys that register multiple inputs with each press.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys (also known as "chip" keys) are an important part of your car's anti-theft system. The microchip inside the plastic head of the key transmits signals to the antenna ring that surrounds the ignition cylinder. If the computer in the car doesn't receive the correct response from the transponder, it won't start. Most cars built since 1998 have this type of chip.

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

Connecting a diagnostic tool to your car's computer, and then entering the programming mode is the way to do this. It is more complicated than simply cutting a brand new blank, and because the tools aren't available in every locksmith shop, you're likely to spend more than with the replacement of a basic mechanical key.

The make and model of your vehicle is a different factor. Certain manufacturers require specialized equipment to program their cars which can increase the cost.

Some prefer having a professional do the programming of their transponder keys. This is due to complex procedures, such as cutting wires to take off the transponder's antenna as well as using a scanner device, and also the peace of mind that comes from knowing that a professional is working on your car. Depending on the make and model, you may be saving money by bringing your car directly to the dealership to arrange to install your new chip.

Keys Laser Cut Keys

Laser cut keys are a type of car key with an extremely secure blade. They were first introduced in the 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 once they are placed into it, which stops the vehicle from starting in the event that the wrong key is used.

While this technology helps deter 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, but burglars can still use it with the proper tools to gain access to your vehicle. This is because traditional key come with a standard lock, which is easy for burglars to pick. Laser keys, however, come with the sidewinder cylinder lock, which is much more difficult to pick.

The key is also more durable to conventional keys. The blade is made of hardened steel, which can withstand lots of wear and tear before fading out. If the key breaks or wears out, it is fairly inexpensive to repair it by a locksmith.

While laser cut keys are more expensive than their edge-cut counterparts, they offer more security. The combination of the blade design, the lock cylinder and transponder chip makes them more difficult to duplicate or pick. However, they're vulnerable to being lost or stolen if you don't take the necessary security measures to ensure their safety.

Key Fobs

Key fobs aren't always reliable even though they're practical. They can't keep a charge forever, and they tend to stop functioning when you aren't expecting it. A malfunctioning keypad can put you in a tense situation, especially if you're loading your car with groceries or leaving for work after a long day. It's possible to call a locksmith or a tow truck, and it can cost a lot to get your car back on the road.

The type of key and the materials used in the fob can affect the cost. Brands are also an important factor in that they can be 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 does not work or is working infrequently, a new battery may be the solution. The coin-shaped batteries usually cost less than $10 and can be purchased at hardware stores and big box retailers and online. To replace the battery, gently tear the two halves 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 preferential to leave it to a professional to avoid accidental damage that could lead to expensive repairs in the future. You can save money by purchasing an additional key and fob even if you already have. If you've lost your fob and key together, it's well worth the cost to allow the dealer to reprogram your key and cut a brand new key at the exact same at the same time.