Understanding the Different Types of Car Keys

In the past the loss of car keys weren't an issue. In fact, you could find a spare at an auto parts shop or even your local locksmith.

However, as vehicles have advanced to meet the demands of technology, replacing lost keys has become more complicated and expensive. Learn more about the factors that affect the overall cost of a broken car key repair key replacement.

Basic Keys

When people think of their car keys, many imagine a basic metal key that opens doors and then starts the engine. While these are the most commonly used types of car keys, there are many other kinds that are more sophisticated and can provide enhanced security features. Understanding the differences between Car Key Repair Cost keys can help people know what to expect when they need to replace or repair car keys them.

One of the most basic types of car keys is a standard key which has been around for decades and remains the most popular choice for newer cars. These are the keys you can buy at an establishment that sells hardware and connect to your keychain. Keys of standard size can be copied for the cost of a small amount however they can be costly to replace if lost or damaged.

Transponder keys are an innovative option that has been available since 1995. They offer a more secure alternative to traditional keys. They are equipped with microchips inside the handle of the key and are activated when they are inserted into the ignition. These can be more expensive to replace in the event that they become lost or damaged, but offer better protection against theft than traditional keys.

Switchblade keys are another option. They fold down into the form of a keyfob when they are not being used. These are a little more expensive to replace than standard keys, but can be even more costly if the shank or handle of the key has been damaged.

There are also smart keys that come with built-in Bluetooth trackers and remote car key repair starts. They are more expensive than standard keys and may require a locksmith's special tools to repair.

Mechanical Keys

In the past when your car key was damaged or stopped working, you only had to visit the local hardware store to get new keys. The process is a bit more complicated now. There are many different types of cars available and each comes with an individual key. Depending on the type the key is replaced, it could cost more or less than $50.

Mechanical keys are the simplest type. They're also referred to as "insert-and-turn" keys. These are the ones that you used to be in a position to replace at the hardware store to change your pocket. They do not have a transponder in them and are intended for locking the door or trunk locks but not for starting the car.

The other type of key, that is the most common in use, is the transponder key. The key is equipped with a tiny transponder located in the key's head that transmits a coded message to the ignition system of your vehicle to verify the legitimacy of the key. The system was put in vehicles from 1995 onwards. It stops the ignition from being started using an unauthorised key or a lost one.

The first step to fix this kind of key is to pinpoint what's causing the issue. Most of the time it is due to either an issue with the key cap or the key switch. To fix this, the key cap and the key switch should be carefully removed using a tool and then cleaned and lubricated to resolve the problem. Lubricating the switch is important because it can help remove issues such as key chatter. This is the case with keys that register multiple inputs when they are pressed.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys (also known as "chip" keys) are an important part of your car's anti-theft system. The microchip inside the head of the key transmits an electrical signal to the antenna ring around the cylinder of ignition. The car will not start if the computer doesn't receive the correct response. Most cars produced from 1998 include this type of chip.

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

Connecting a diagnostic tool with your car's computer and then entering the programming mode is the way to do this. This process is more complicated than cutting a blank since these tools aren't available in all locksmith shops, you may be charged more than if you were to replace a mechanical key.

Another aspect is the make and model of the car you are driving. Certain manufacturers have their own specialized equipment that has to be used to program their vehicles, which will increase the cost.

Some prefer having an expert program their transponder keys. This is due to the complicated procedures involved, including cutting wires to disconnect the transponder antenna and using a scanning device, and the extra security that comes with knowing that you have a skilled professional working on your vehicle. Based on the make and model, you may be saving money by visiting the dealer for the installation of the new chip.

Laser Cut Keys Keys

Laser cut keys feature an edge that is high level of security. They were first introduced in the 1990s to combat vehicle theft. They are harder to duplicate and have transponder chips embedded in their heads. The chips communicate with the ignition when they are inserted in it, which prevents the vehicle from starting in the event that the incorrect key is used.

While this technology works to protect against emergency car key repair thieves but it's not able to stop them from doing so completely. The unique blade and shape of the key is difficult to duplicate, but thieves can still make use of it with the proper tools to gain access to your car. This is because traditional keys have the standard lock cylinder, which is easy to pick. Laser keys, however, have a sidewinder cylinder lock that is more difficult to pick.

The key is also more durable compared to conventional keys. The blade is composed of hardened steel and is able to withstand wear and tear for a long period before it begins to wear out. If the key breaks or wears out, it is relatively inexpensive to repair it by locksmiths.

Laser-cut keys are more expensive, however they are more secure. The combination of the blade, the lock cylinder and the transponder make it more difficult to duplicate. However, they're susceptible to being stolen or lost stolen if you do not take the proper security measures to ensure their safety.

Key Fobs

Although they're useful keys can be finicky. They aren't always reliable and tend to stop working when you least expect them. A malfunctioning device can put you in a tense situation, especially if you're packing your trunk full of groceries or heading to work after an exhausting day. It's possible to contact locksmith services or a tow truck, and it could 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 price. Brands are also an important factor as they can be more expensive. Some fobs are programmed by the user, while others need to be reprogrammed to the vehicle by an authorized dealer.

If your key fob isn't responding or doesn't work at all If your key fob is not responding or working intermittently, a simple replacement of the battery might fix the issue. The coin-shaped battery are available at hardware stores, online retailers and big box retailers for as little as $10. To replace the battery, gently tear the two halves of the key fob and then insert the new battery with the same orientation as the previous one.

If your key fob is damaged or doesn't function correctly, you'll need 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 any accidental damage which could lead to costly repairs in the future. You can save money by buying a new key and fob even if you already have. If you've lost your key and fob together, it's well worth the cost to have the dealer reprogram the key and cut a new key at the same time.