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Understanding the Different Types of Car Keys It wasn't long ago that misplacing or worse, losing your car keys was not an issue. You could purchase keys at your local auto parts store or locksmith. Since cars have been upgraded to keep up with technological advancements replacement of keys that have been lost is more complicated and costly. Learn more about the variables that influence the cost of replacing a car key. Basic Keys When people think about their car keys, many 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 provide greater security. Understanding the differences between car keys will allow people know what to expect when they need to replace or repair them. Standard keys are the most basic kind of car key. They've been around for many years, and remain the most sought-after option for newer vehicles. These are keys that you can purchase from a hardware store and hook to your keychain. Keys of standard size can be copied for an affordable price however they can be costly to replace if lost or damaged. The most modern alternatives include the transponder key, which has been in use since 1995 and offers security over traditional keys. These have microchips in the key handle and are activated when inserted into the ignition. These can be more expensive to replace if they are damaged or lost, but they offer greater protection from theft than traditional keys. Another alternative is the switchblade, which folds into the form of a key fob when in use. These are a little more expensive to replace than standard keys, however they can be more costly in the event that the handle or shank of the key has been damaged. There are also smart keys that have built-in Bluetooth trackers and remote starters. These are more expensive than standard keys and may require a locksmith's specific tools to repair. Mechanical Keys In the past, if you lost a car key or it stopped working out of the sudden, all you needed to do was go to your local hardware store to get a replacement. Things are a bit more complicated today. There are numerous kinds of vehicles on the road, and each one has a unique key. Depending on the type, replacing it may cost you more or less than $50. Mechanical keys, also known as “insert and turn” keys are the simplest kind. These keys were the ones you could buy from the hardware shop for a few dollars. They do not come with a transponder and are used to lock the trunk or doors, but they are not used to start the car. The transponder key is a different type that is commonly used. The key is equipped with a tiny transponder located in the head of the key which transmits a coded signal to the ignition system in your car to verify the legitimacy of the key. This system was introduced in cars starting in 1995. It protects the ignition from being started using an unauthorised key or a lost one. The first step to fix this kind of key is to determine what is causing the malfunction. In most cases, a problem with either the key cap or key switch is the culprit. To fix the issue, the key cap or the key switch will need to be removed with a tool. They will then need to be cleaned and lubricated. Lubricating the switch is essential because it can help solve issues such as key chatter. This refers to keys which allow multiple inputs to be detected when they are they are pressed. Transponder Keys Transponder keys (also called “chip” keys) are an important part of your car's anti-theft system. The tiny microchip that is embedded in the plastic head of the key transmits signals to the antenna ring around the cylinder that controls the ignition. If the computer in the car doesn't receive the correct response from the transponder, it won't be able to start. This type of chip is present in the majority of cars made since 1998. The issue is, the same feature that makes these kinds of keys more secure makes them more expensive to replace. They're not just different from conventional mechanical keys in terms of design and appearance, but they also include microchips that need to be programmed into the car's computer for them to function. This process is done by connecting a diagnostic tool to the car's computer and then entering the programming mode. This procedure can be more complex than cutting a blank because these tools aren't readily available in all locksmith shops, you may be charged more than if you were to replace the mechanical key. The make and model of your vehicle is another important factor. Certain manufacturers have their own specialized equipment that needs to be used in order to program their vehicles, which will add cost. Some prefer to have professional programming of their transponder keys. This is due to the complex procedures, such as cutting wires to take off the transponder's antenna as well as using a scanner device, and also the security you gain from knowing that a professional is working on your vehicle. Depending on the model and make you may be in a position to save money by visiting the car dealership for the installation of your new chip. Laser Cut Keys Keys Laser cut keys come with blades that have a high degree of security. They first came to the market in the 1990s and work to prevent vehicle theft. They are more difficult to duplicate and have transponder chips embedded in their heads. The chips communicate with ignitions once they are inserted, preventing the vehicle from being started in the event that keys that are not the correct ones are used. This technology can prevent car thefts, however it's not enough to stop them completely. The unique blade and design of the key are hard to duplicate, however thieves can still make use of it with the proper tools to gain access to your car. This is because traditional keys have a standard lock that's easy for a burglar to pick. car key repair near me , however, come with a sidewinder lock cylinder that is more difficult to pick. The design of the key is more durable than conventional keys. The blade is made from hardened steel that is able to withstand a lot of wear and tear before eventually wearing out. If the key breaks or wears out, it is relatively inexpensive to repair it by locksmiths. While laser cut keys are more expensive than their edge-cut counterparts but they offer greater security. The combination of the blade design, lock cylinder and transponder chip makes them difficult to duplicate or pick. However, they're susceptible to being stolen or lost stolen if you don't take the necessary precautions to keep them safe. Key Fobs While they're handy keys can be finicky. They don't last forever and tend to stop functioning when you most likely don't. You could end up in an embarrassing situation if the fob fails particularly when you are taking your trunk full of groceries or heading to work after a tiring day. It's possible to call a locksmith or a tow truck, and it may cost you a lot of money to get your car back on the road. Many factors influence the cost of a fob, including the type of key it is made of and the materials used. Brands are also a factor, as they tend to 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 will not work or is working infrequently, a new battery might be the solution. These batteries are typically less than $10 and can be purchased at hardware stores or big box retailers and even online. To replace the battery, gently pull off the two halves of the key fob and then insert the new battery with the same orientation. You'll need your dealer to change the program if your key fob is damaged or is no longer functioning properly. You can do this yourself, but it's best to leave it to an expert to avoid accidental damage that could lead to expensive repairs in the future. You can save money by purchasing a new key and fob in the event that you already have one. However, if you've lost both keys and fob it's worth the cost to have a dealership reprogram the new key and cut the new key at the same time.