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Understanding the Different Types of Car Keys It wasn't that long ago that misplacing or, even worse losing keys to your car was not an problem. In fact, you could find a spare at an auto parts shop or even your local locksmith. However, as cars have evolved to accommodate technological advances the process of replacing keys has become more complicated and expensive. Learn more about what factors into the total cost of a car key replacement. Basic Keys When we think of our car keys, many think of a simple metal key that opens doors and starts the engine. There are a myriad of more advanced kinds of keys for cars that can offer enhanced security. Understanding the differences between car keys can help people to know what to expect when they need to replace or repair them. One of the most basic types of keys for cars is a standard key, which has been around for decades and remains the most commonly used option for cars with modern technology. These are keys that you can purchase from an hardware store and then connect to your keychain. Keys that are standard are fairly 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 around since 1995. key repair service offer a more secure alternative to traditional keys. Microchips are incorporated into the handle of the key and activated when the key is put into the ignition. They can be more expensive to replace if they are damaged or lost, but they offer greater protection from theft than conventional keys. Another alternative is the switchblade which folds up into an accessory key fob when it is not in use. They are a bit more expensive to replace than standard keys, however they can be even more costly in the event that the handle or shank of the key has been damaged. There are also smart keys with built-in Bluetooth trackers and remote starters. These keys are more expensive and require locksmiths' tools to repair. Mechanical Keys In the past when you lost your car key or it stopped working completely out of the blue, all you had to do was go to your local hardware store to find an alternative. It's a little more complicated in the present. There are many different types of vehicles on the road, and each one has a unique key. Depending on the type the key is replaced, it could cost more or less than $50. Mechanical keys are the most basic type. They're also referred to as “insert-and-turn” keys. They were the keys could be replaced at a hardware store for a few cents. They do not come with transponders and are used to lock the trunk or doors, but they are not used to start the car. The transponder key is the other type that is frequently used. The key is equipped with a transponder inside the key head that transmits a coded signal to your car's ignition system to verify that the key is in fact valid. The system was introduced to cars in 1995 and prevents them from starting if an unauthorized or lost key is used. The first step to fix this type of key is to determine the cause of the problem. In most cases the reason is due to either an issue with the cap of the key or the key switch. To fix this issue, the key cap or key switch will need to be removed with care using a tool. They will then need to be cleaned and lubricated. Lubricating the switch on the key is an important step because this can help to 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 integral component of the anti-theft system in your car. The tiny microchip that is embedded in the head of the key transmits a signal to the antenna ring that surrounds the cylinder of ignition. If the computer in the car doesn't receive the correct response from the transponder, it won't start. Most cars produced from 1998 include this type of chip. The issue is that they are more expensive to replace. They're not only different from conventional mechanical keys in terms of design and appearance, but they also include an electronic chip that must be programmed into the car's computer in order to function. Connecting a diagnostic tool with the computer in your car, and then entering the programming mode is how you do this. It is more complicated than simply cutting a new blank, and because these tools aren't readily accessible in every locksmith shop you're likely to spend more than with the replacement of a basic mechanical key. Another factor is the make and model of your car. Certain manufacturers require specialized equipment to program their vehicles and increase the cost. Some people prefer to have professionals handle the programming of their transponder keys. This is due to complicated procedures, such as cutting wires to remove the transponder's antenna as well as using a scanner device, as well as the security you gain from knowing that a professional is working on your car. Based on the make and model, you may be in a position to save money by visiting the dealership to arrange to install your new chip. Laser Cut Keys Keys Laser cut keys are a type of car key that has an extremely secure blade. They came on the scene in the 1990s and help to stop vehicle theft. They are more difficult to duplicate than traditional keys and include transponder chips in their heads. The chips communicate with ignitions once they are inserted to stop the vehicle from starting if keys that aren't the right ones are used. While this technology works to deter car thieves, it doesn't prevent them from doing so completely. The key's unique blade and shape are difficult to duplicate, but a burglar with the appropriate tools and equipment could still use it to gain entry into your vehicle. This is because traditional key have a standard lock that's easy for burglars to pick. However, laser keys have a sidewinder lock that is more difficult to pick. The design of the key is more durable than conventional keys. The blade is composed of hardened steel and can stand up to wear and tear for a long time before it becomes worn out. If the key wears out or is accidentally snagged in half, it's inexpensive to replace it by a professional locksmith. While laser cut keys are more expensive than their edge-cut counterparts, they provide greater security. The combination of the blade design, lock cylinder and transponder chip makes them more difficult to duplicate or pick. However, they are still vulnerable to being lost or stolen if you don't take the proper security measures to ensure their safety. Key Fobs Although they're useful, key fobs can be finicky. They won't last forever and tend to stop working at the moment you most likely don't. You may find yourself in a embarrassing situation if your device fails in the middle of taking your trunk full of groceries or heading to work after a exhausting day. You may have to call an emergency locksmith or tow truck, and it could cost you a considerable amount to get your vehicle back on the road. There are many factors that affect the price of a fob, including the kind of key it comes with and the materials it is made of. It is also dependent on the brand, which typically costs more. Some fobs are programmed by the user while others require to be programmed by a dealer. If your key fob is unresponsive or doesn't work at all A simple battery replacement might fix the issue. The coin-shaped batteries can be found at hardware stores, online retailers and big box retailers for less than $10. To replace the battery, gently pull off the two halves of the key fob and insert the new one with the same orientation. If your key fob is damaged or isn't functioning correctly, you'll need to have it reprogrammed by the dealer. While there are ways to do this on your own but it's better to let professionals handle the task to avoid any accidental damage that could lead to costly repairs in the future. If you have a spare key and fob, you could skip this step and purchase a replacement to save money. If you've lost both keys and fob it's worth the expense to have a dealership reprogram the new key and cut the new key simultaneously.