Why We Enjoy Car Key Replacements (And You Should, Too!)
Car Key Replacements Whether it's a simple lock-and-key key or a more sophisticated fob key, losing it could cost you a lot. It's best to keep an extra key in your wallet. If you've lost keys, the cheapest solution is to hire an auto locksmith. A dealership could be more expensive, but it's an option worth considering. Mechanical Keys The keys to your car are likely to be mechanical if you own an old car that doesn't have key fobs. The standard keys are made of metal, like steel, brass or a mixture of nickel and brass. The keys are cut using a key duplicator that uses an uncut key as a template and an original key placed on the opposite side of the machine. The original key is cut with a specially-designed cutter to create a duplicate. Transponder Keys Transponder chips are incorporated into most newer cars keys. These chips are used to unlock the car and start it. The chips are located in the ignition or on the key head. The transponder transmits a signal to the computer in the car when the key is turned into the ignition. The computer analyzes the signal and makes sure that it is in line with the correct serial number. It is almost impossible to start an automobile without the owner's key. If the signal does not match, the vehicle will not start. This is a huge advantage that can deter car thieves as the odds of someone else starting and driving away with your car are greatly diminished. The drawback of transponder keys is that it is more expensive than a conventional flat metal key. The transponder is a chip that is expensive to manufacture and install into the car key. Typically, these types keys can cost hundreds of dollars if purchased from a car dealer. A locksmith can offer much less expensive and more trustworthy transponder key replacements. Beishir Lock and Security carries many of these keys and can even modify the chip to work with your vehicle on-the-spot for a fraction of price of the dealership. If you're looking for a transponder key replacement make sure you get multiple estimates. There are a variety of variables that affect the final cost, including the model and make of your car, if you have any additional features on the key, such as a remote key-fob, and even the location you choose to copy it. In the end, it is important to weigh the benefits of a transponder versus the cost and convenience. If you value safety and security, then a transponder keys could be worth the cost in the long term. A non-transponder car key will not allow the vehicle to start. Laser-Cut Keys Laser cut keys can sound like something from a sci-fi film however they are actually fairly common. They add an extra layer of security to cars. Keys that require specialized key cutting equipment to make and are more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick than traditional cut keys. Laser cut car keys differ from traditional keys, which have grooves on one side. They also have two slits on the sides. This allows them to be put into the lock cylinder in either direction and still operate it. They are, therefore, more durable and stronger than standard keys. As a bonus they can also be used to open some high-security locks. car key replacements are tooled to a certain depth, which matches the codes of various automobile manufacturers. It is important to get the correct depth as cutting the blade incorrectly can damage the cutting machine, and cause the key to not to function once it is put into the lock. The thicker and more distinctive slits in car keys cut with lasers make them less prone to being copied or picked. Many of these keys also contain transponder chip that is unique to your car. This means that if someone copies your car keys, even if it contains transponder chips, they will not be able to start your vehicle. Laser-cut car keys might be more expensive however they are cheaper than buying a replacement from a dealership. Locksmiths are able to cut these keys faster than dealerships for cars. Another thing to keep in mind is that the quality of a laser-cut car key can make all the difference. A blade that is not of the right type could cause damage to the key cutting machine or your lock cylinder, which could result in a costly repair cost. This is the reason it's essential to purchase your laser-cut car key from a trusted supplier who sells them to auto locksmiths. Bibens Ace South Burlington offers a wide selection of car key FOB replacement keys for over 250 different makes and models of automobiles, as well as sidewinder keys laser-cut. Visit us today to see how you can save money on replacement car fobs, without having to go to a dealer! Remote Keys It wasn't long ago that a car key was lost or losing it was not a big deal. Call a locksmith to get a new key and leave. Today, however, cars are more advanced in technology and keys are more difficult to replace and even more difficult for thieves to duplicate. It's becoming more expensive to replace keys for cars that have been stolen. Depending on the type of key you have, the cost to replace it will differ. For keys that are traditional you can have an exact copy made for around $10 at a hardware store, or you can get an locksmith from the automotive industry to visit you and make a copy right there. If you own an electronic key, transponder keys with switchblade, or a transponder key with remote start, you'll have to visit your dealer to get it replaced. It can be costly and you might need to wait a long time for the manufacturer to send you an alternative key. Like any other electronic device keys for cars will stop working without reason. This is often due to extreme cold or heat however, it can also be due to an unsatisfactory battery or water in the keyfob after rain. If you notice that your car key is no longer responding, it's worth trying to reset it first before contacting an auto locksmith. You should also be aware that your keyfob will only work if you're within the reach of the vehicle. This is the reason it's essential to keep your key fob close to you at all times, and to not leave it in your pocket unless you're sure that you can return it promptly. The most frequent way to lose the car key is through misplacing it or dropping it. This can sometimes result in the key breaking or become stuck in the lock. It's recommended to always have a spare.