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Understanding the Different Types of Car Keys It wasn't long ago that misplacing or, even worse, losing keys to your car was not a big issue. You could buy a spare key at your local auto parts store or locksmith. As cars have adapted to keep up with technological advancements replacing keys lost in the car is becoming more difficult and costly. Find out more about the factors that influence the overall cost of a car key replacement. Basic Keys When people think about their car keys, they usually imagine a basic metal key that opens doors and starts the engine. There are key repairs of more sophisticated types of car keys that can offer enhanced security. Knowing the distinctions between car keys will help people understand what to expect when they need to replace or repair them. One of the most basic kinds of keys for cars is a standard one, that has been used for decades and remains the most commonly used option for cars with modern technology. These are keys that you can purchase at a hardware shop and connect to your keychain. Standard keys can be copied for the cost of a small amount however they can be costly to replace when lost or damaged. Transponder keys are a modern option that has been available since 1995. They offer a more secure alternative to traditional keys. These have microchips in the key handle and are activated when they are inserted into the ignition. They are more costly to replace in the event of a loss or damage, but they provide greater protection against theft than traditional keys. Switchblade keys are an alternative. They fold into the form of a keyfob when they are not being used. They are a bit more expensive to replace than standard keys, but can be more costly when the handle or shank of the key is damaged. There are also smart keys that have built-in Bluetooth trackers, as well as remote starters. These are more expensive than standard keys, and may require a locksmith's special tools to repair. Mechanical Keys In the past, if your car key broke or was not working, you needed to visit the local hardware store and purchase a new one. The process is a bit more complicated in the present. There are a variety of vehicles on the road and each comes with distinct keys. Depending on the model it can cost more or less than 50 dollars. Mechanical keys are the simplest type. They're also known as “insert-and-turn” keys. They are the keys that you were 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 locks or trunk locks but not for starting the car. The other type of key, that is the most popular one is the transponder keys. The key is equipped with a tiny transponder in the head of the key which transmits a coded signal to the ignition system in your car to verify the validity of the key. This system was installed in vehicles as early as 1995. It prevents them from being started with an unauthorised key or lost one. To fix this kind of key the first step is to determine what is causing it to malfunction. Most of the time it is a problem with the key cap or key switch is the reason. To resolve this issue, the cap or key switch will need to be removed with a tool. They will then have to be cleaned and lubricated. Lubricating the switch on the key is essential as this can help to eliminate problems like key chatter which refers to keys that register multiple inputs each press. Transponder Keys Transponder keys (also known as “chip” keys) are an important part of your car's anti-theft security system. The microchip inside the head of the key transmits a signal to the antenna ring around the cylinder that controls the ignition. If the computer of the car isn't receiving the correct response from the transponder, it won't begin to turn on. This type of chip is used in all cars built from 1998 onwards. The issue is that they're more expensive to replace. They are not only different from traditional mechanical keys in terms of design and appearance, but they also include a microchip that needs to be programmed into the car's computer for them to function. This process is done by connecting the diagnostic tool to your car's computer and entering a programming mode. This process is more complex than simply cutting a blank and because these tools aren't available in all locksmith shops, you may pay more than if you were to replace a mechanical key. The model and make of your vehicle is another factor. Some manufacturers have their own equipment that has to be used in order to program their vehicles, which can add cost. Some people prefer that 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 assurance that comes with knowing you have a skilled professional working on your vehicle. It is possible to save money by going directly to the dealership to have the new chip installed. Laser Cut Keys Laser cut keys have a blade with a high level of security. They were first introduced in the 1990s to prevent theft of vehicles. They are much harder to duplicate than traditional keys and feature transponder chips in their heads. The chips communicate with ignitions when inserted and prevent the vehicle from starting when the wrong keys are used. While this technology can stop car thieves from entering your home but it's not able to stop them entirely. The unique blade shape is difficult to duplicate, however anyone with the right tools and equipment can still use it to get into your vehicle. This is because traditional keys use an ordinary lock cylinder that's easy to pick. Laser keys, however, come with 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 stand up to wear and wear for a long time before it begins to wear out. If the key breaks or wears out, it is affordable to have it repaired by locksmiths. Laser-cut keys are more expensive but they offer greater security. The combination of the blade, transponder and the lock cylinder make it more difficult to duplicate. However, they are still vulnerable to being lost or stolen if you do not take the proper precautions to keep them safe. Key Fobs Although they're useful but key fobs can be finicky. They don't last forever, and they tend to stop functioning when you most likely won't notice to notice. You could find yourself in a embarrassing situation if your device fails, especially if you are taking your trunk full of groceries or going to work after a exhausting day. You might need to call an locksmith or a tow truck and it could 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. Brands are also an important factor in that they can be more expensive. Some fobs can be programmed by the owner while others require a dealer reprogram them to the vehicle. If your key fob will not work or works infrequently, a new battery could be the answer. The coin-shaped batteries are available at hardware stores, online retailers, and big box retailers for $10 or less. To replace the battery, gently pull off the two halves of the key fob, then insert the new battery with the same orientation. If your key fob is damaged or isn't functioning correctly, you'll need to have it reprogrammed by the dealer. You can do this yourself, but it's better to leave it to a professional to avoid accidental damage that could result in costly repairs in the future. You can save money by purchasing new keys and fobs in the event that you already have one. However, if you've lost both fob and keys it's worth the cost to have a dealership reprogram the new key and cut the new key at the same time.