Understanding the Different Types of Car Keys
It wasn't too long ago that misplacing or worse losing keys to your car was not an issue. In fact, you could find a spare at an
auto key repair near me parts shop or even your
local locksmith.
However, as vehicles have evolved to accommodate technological advances, replacing lost keys is becoming more complicated and costly. Read on to learn more about the factors that influence the total cost of car key replacement.
Basic Keys
When people think of their car keys, they could think of a basic metal key that can open doors and start the engine. While those are the most commonly used types of car keys however, there are other kinds that are more advanced and can provide enhanced security features. Knowing the distinctions between car keys can help people to know what to expect when they need to replace or
repair car keys near me them.
One of the most basic types of keys for cars is a standard key that has been in use for decades and is still the most commonly used option for the latest cars. These are the keys that you can purchase from an hardware store and then connect to your keychain. Standard keys are relatively cheap to copy, however they could cost a lot to replace when they're damaged or lost.
Transponder keys are a modern option that has been available since 1995. They offer security and are more secure than traditional keys. These have microchips in the key handle and are activated when they are inserted into the ignition. They are more expensive to replace in the event of loss or damage, however they are more secure against theft than conventional keys.
Switchblade keys are another option. They fold down into an accessory keyfob when not used. They cost more than normal keys to replace, but they can be more expensive in the event that the shank of the key or the handle is damaged.
Lastly, there are also smart keys that come with built-in Bluetooth trackers and remote start. They are more expensive than standard keys, and may require a locksmith's specific tools to repair.
Mechanical Keys
In the old days when you lost a car key or it stopped working completely out of the sudden, all you needed to do was go to your local hardware store and get a replacement. Nowadays things are a bit more complicated. There are numerous kinds of cars available, and each one has an individual key. Based on the type of car it may cost more or less than 50 dollars.
Mechanical keys, also known as "insert and turn" keys are the most basic kind. These were the keys that you could replace at the hardware store for a few cents. They do not come with an electronic transponder, and are used to lock the trunk or the doors, but not to start the car.
The transponder key is a different type, and is the most commonly used. It has a tiny transponder located in the head of the key that transmits a coded message to the ignition system of your vehicle to verify the legitimacy of the key. This system was introduced in vehicles from 1995 onwards. It stops the ignition from being started by an unauthorised key or lost one.
The first step to fix this kind of key is to determine what is causing the malfunction. Most of the time it is due to either a problem with the cap of the
broken key repair or the key switch. To fix this the key cap and the key switch should be removed carefully using an instrument, and then cleaned and lubricated to fix the issue. Lubricating the switch is essential because it can help solve issues such as key chatter. This is the case with keys that can register multiple inputs when they are they are pressed.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys (also known as "chip" keys) are an essential part of your car's anti-theft system. The tiny microchip that is embedded in the head of the car key sends the signal to the antenna ring surrounding the ignition key cylinder. The car will not start if the computer can't get the right response. This kind of chip can be present in the majority of cars made since 1998.
The issue is, the same factor that makes these kinds of keys more secure also makes them more expensive to replace. Apart from having distinct design from traditional mechanical keys, they also contain a unique microchip that must be programmed into the computer in your vehicle to function effectively.
This process is done by connecting an instrument for diagnostics to the car's computer and then entering a programming mode. It is more complicated than just cutting a new blank, and due to the fact that these devices are not readily accessible in every locksmith shop you're likely to be charged more than with the replacement of the basic mechanical key.

The make and model of your vehicle is another factor. Certain manufacturers require specialized equipment to program their cars and increase the cost.
Some people prefer having an expert do the programming of their transponder key. It is due to the complex procedures, such as cutting wires to remove the transponder's antenna as well as using a scanner device, and the peace of mind you get from knowing that a professional will be working on your car. Depending on the model and make you might be in a position to save money by going directly to the car dealership to install your new chip.
Laser Cut Keys
Laser cut keys are a kind of car key that has an extremely secure blade. They came on the scene in the 1990s and work to combat vehicle theft. They are much harder to duplicate than traditional key designs and include transponder chips in their heads. The chips communicate with ignitions when inserted to stop the vehicle from being started when keys that are not the correct ones are used.
This technology helps deter car thefts, but it doesn't stop them completely. The unique blade and design of the key are hard to copy, but thieves can still make use of it with the appropriate tools to gain entry to your vehicle. This is because traditional keys have the standard lock cylinder, which is easy to pick. However, laser keys have a sidewinder lock cylinder which 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 stand up to wear and tear for a long time before it wears out. If the key is damaged 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 more security. The combination of the blade, the transponder and the lock make it more difficult to duplicate. However, they're vulnerable to being lost or stolen if you do not take the proper security measures to ensure their safety.
Key Fobs
Key fobs aren't always reliable even though they're convenient. They don't hold a charge for long, and they're likely to shut down at the moment you most likely won't notice to notice. A malfunctioning fob can leave you in a difficult situation, particularly if you're packing your trunk full of groceries or leaving for work after an exhausting day. It's possible to call for a locksmith or a tow truck and it may cost you a lot of money to get your vehicle back on the road.
The type of key used and the materials used in the fob could affect the price. It also depends on the manufacturer, which typically costs more. Some fobs are programmed by the user while others require to be programmed by a dealer.
If your key fob doesn't respond or is not working, a simple battery replacement could fix the issue. These coin-shaped battery are available at hardware stores, online retailers and big box retailers for $10 or less. To replace the battery, gently pry off the two halves of the key fob, then insert the new one with the same orientation.
It's up to your dealer reset it if the key fob has been damaged or isn't functioning as it should. While there are ways to do this yourself, it's best to have professionals handle the task to avoid any damage that could lead to costly repairs in the future. If you have spare keys and fob, you could bypass this step and buy 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.