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Understanding the Different Types of Car Keys It wasn't that long ago that losing or, even worse losing your car keys was not an problem. You could buy a spare key at your local auto parts shop or locksmith. However, as automobiles have adapted to technological advancement the process of replacing keys is becoming more complicated and costly. Learn more about what factors into the total cost of a car key replacement. Basic Keys When we think of our car keys, they often imagine a basic metal key that opens doors and then starts the engine. There are a variety of more sophisticated kinds of keys for cars that can provide greater security. Knowing the distinctions between car keys can help people know what to expect when they need to replace or repair them. Standard keys are the most basic kind of car key. They have been around for many years, and remain the most sought-after choice for cars with newer models. These are the keys you can purchase from a hardware shop and connect to your keychain. Standard keys can be copied at a relatively low cost however, they can be expensive to replace if lost or damaged. Modern alternatives include the transponder keys, which has been in use since 1995 and offers a more secure solution than traditional keys. Microchips are embedded in the handle of the key and activated when the key is put 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 traditional keys. Another option is the switchblade key that folds down into a key fob when not in use. These are a little more expensive to replace than standard keys, however they can be even more costly if the shank or handle of the key has been damaged. There are also smart keys that have built-in Bluetooth trackers, and remote starters. These keys are more expensive and could require locksmiths' specific tools to repair. Mechanical Keys In the past when you lost your car key or it stopped working out of the sudden, all you needed to do was go to your local hardware store to get an alternative. Nowadays things are a bit more complicated. There are many different types of cars on the road, and each one has distinct keys. Based on the model, replacing it may cost you more or less than $50. Mechanical keys are the simplest type. They're also known as “insert-and-turn” keys. They are the keys that you were capable of replacing at the hardware store for pocket change. They do not contain a transponder within them and are used to lock the door locks or trunk locks, but not to start the car. The transponder keys are the other type that is frequently used. The key is equipped with a tiny transponder inside the key's head that sends a coded message to the ignition system in your car to verify the authenticity of the key. The system was introduced to vehicles in 1995 and prevents them from starting when a lost or stolen key is used. The first step in fixing this kind of key is to pinpoint the cause of the problem. In most cases, the cause is due to a problem with the key cap or the key switch. To fix this issue, the key cap or switch will need to be removed with care using the appropriate tool. They will then have to be cleaned and lubricated. Lubricating the switch is essential as it will help to solve issues such as key chatter. This is a reference to keys which allow multiple inputs to be detected when they are they are pressed. Transponder Keys Transponder keys (also called “chip” keys) are a vital component of the anti-theft system in your car. The microchip inside the head of the car key transmits the signal to the antenna ring surrounding the ignition cylinder. The car will not start if the computer does not get the right response. This kind of chip can be present in the majority of cars made since 1998. The problem is, the same factor that makes these kinds of keys more secure makes them 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 computer of the vehicle for them to function. This process is done by connecting an instrument for diagnostics to the car's computer and then entering a programming mode. key repair service can be more complex than cutting a blank because these tools aren't widely available in all locksmith shops, you may have to pay more than if were to replace a mechanical key. The model and make of your vehicle is a different important factor. Certain manufacturers require specialized equipment to program their cars and increase the cost. Some people prefer to have a professional do the programming of their transponder keys. It is due to the complex procedures, such as cutting wires to remove the transponder's antenna, and using a scanner device, as well as the security you gain from knowing that a professional will be working on your car. It is possible to save money by going directly to the dealer to have the new chip installed. Keys Laser Cut Keys Laser cut keys are a kind of car key that comes with high-security blade. They were introduced in the 1990s to prevent theft of vehicles. They are more difficult to duplicate than traditional key designs and have transponder chips inside their heads. The chips communicate with ignitions when inserted and prevent the vehicle from starting when keys that are not the correct ones are used. This technology does deter car thefts, but it's not able to stop them entirely. The unique blade and design of the key are hard to duplicate, however burglars can still use it with the appropriate tools to gain entry to your car. This is because traditional keys use an ordinary lock cylinder that's easy to pick. However, laser keys have a sidewinder lock cylinder which is more difficult to pick. The key is also more durable to conventional keys. The blade is composed of hardened steel which can stand up to wear and wear for a long time before it becomes worn out. If keys repair or wears out, it's relatively inexpensive to have it repaired by locksmiths. While laser-cut keys are more expensive than edge-cut counterparts but they offer increased security. The combination of the blade, the lock cylinder and the transponder make it difficult to duplicate. However, they're vulnerable to being lost or stolen if you don't take the proper security measures to ensure their safety. Key Fobs Even though they're convenient but key fobs can be tricky. They don't hold a charge for long, and they're likely to shut down when you most likely won't notice it. A malfunctioning keypad can put you in an embarrassing situation, especially if you're loading your trunk with food items or heading off to work after an exhausting day. It's possible to need an emergency locksmith or tow truck, and it could cost you a considerable amount to get your car back on the road. There are many factors that affect the price of a fob. These include the type of key it is made of and the materials it is made of. Brands also play a role as they can be more expensive. Certain fobs can be programmed by the owner, while others require a dealer reprogram them to the vehicle. If your key fob does not function or functions infrequently, a new battery may be the solution. These batteries are typically less than $10 and are available at hardware stores or big box retailers and online. To replace the battery, gently pry off the two halves of your key fob, then insert the new one in the same orientation. If your key fob is damaged or isn't functioning properly, you'll have to get it reprogrammed by 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 costly repairs in the future. If you have a spare key and fob, you can skip this step and simply buy a replacement to save money. If you've lost both your fob and keys, it's worth the extra cost to have a dealership reprogram the new key and cut the new key at the same time.