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Understanding the Different Types of Car Keys It wasn't too long ago that losing or, even worse losing your car keys was not an issue. In fact, you could probably purchase a spare from an auto parts store or your local locksmith. However, as vehicles have advanced to meet the demands of technology and technology, replacing keys that have been lost has become more difficult and costly. Read on to learn more about the factors that influence the total cost of a 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. There are a myriad of more advanced types of car keys that offer greater security. Knowing the distinctions between different kinds of car keys can help people anticipate what to anticipate when replacing or fixing the keys. One of the most basic types of keys for cars is a standard one, that has been in use for a long time and is the most commonly used option for the latest cars. These are the keys you can buy at a hardware shop and attach to your keychain. Keys that are standard are fairly inexpensive to copy, but could cost a lot to replace when they're damaged or lost. More modern options include the transponder key, which has been in use since 1995 and is an extra secure option than traditional keys. Microchips are embedded in the handle of the key, and activated when the key is inserted into the ignition. They are more costly to replace in the event of damage or loss, but they offer greater protection against theft than conventional keys. Another option is the switchblade key that folds down into a key fob when not in use. They are a bit more expensive to replace than standard keys, but could be more expensive if the shank or handle of the key has been damaged. There are also smart keys that have built-in Bluetooth trackers, and remote starters. These keys are more expensive and could require locksmiths' specific tools to repair. Mechanical Keys In the old days when you lost your car key or it stopped working completely out of the out of the blue, all you had to do was head to the local hardware store and obtain an alternative. The process is a bit more complicated now. There are many different types of cars on the road and each comes with an individual key. Depending on the model it may cost more or less than 50 dollars. Mechanical keys are the most basic type. They're also referred to as “insert-and-turn” keys. These keys were the ones could be replaced at a hardware shop for a few pennies. They do not contain a transponder within them and are intended for locking the door locks or trunk locks, but not for starting the car. The transponder key is the other type that is frequently used. The key is equipped with a tiny transponder in the head of the key that sends a coded message to the ignition system of your vehicle to verify the authenticity of the key. This system was introduced in cars starting in 1995. It stops the ignition from being started by an unauthorised key or lost one. The first step to fix this type of key is to determine what is causing the malfunction. In the majority of cases, the cause is due to a problem with the key cap or the key switch. To resolve this issue, the key cap or the key switch will need to be removed with an instrument. They will then have to be cleaned and lubricated. Lubricating the switch on the key is essential as this can help to eliminate issues like key chatter, which refers to keys that register multiple inputs each press. Transponder Keys Transponder keys (also called “chip” keys) are an important part of the anti-theft system in your car. The tiny microchip that is embedded in the head of the plastic key transmits an electrical signal to the antenna ring around the cylinder that controls the ignition. The car won't start if the computer can't receive the correct response. Most cars produced in the year 1998 feature this kind of chip. The issue is that they're more expensive to replace. In addition to having a different design than traditional mechanical keys, they contain a special microchip that must be programmed into your vehicle's computer to work correctly. Connecting a diagnostic tool to the computer in your car, and then entering the programming mode is how you do this. This process can be more complex than cutting a blank, because these devices aren't readily available in all locksmith shops, you may pay more than if you were to replace the mechanical key. The make and model of your vehicle is an additional factor. Certain manufacturers require specialized equipment to program their vehicles which can increase the cost. Some prefer having a professional do the programming of their transponder key. This is because of the complex procedures involved, including cutting wires to disconnect the transponder antenna and utilizing scanning devices as well as the assurance that comes from knowing you are working with a professional who is experienced on your vehicle. remote key fob repair is possible to save money by going directly to the dealership to have the new chip installed. Laser Cut Keys Laser cut keys are a type of car key that comes with a high-security blade. They were introduced in the 1990s and help to stop vehicle theft. They are more difficult to duplicate than traditional key designs and have transponder chips inside their heads. The chips communicate with the ignition when they are inserted in it, which prevents the vehicle from starting when the wrong key is used. This technology helps hinder car thefts, but it's not enough to stop them completely. The unique blade and shape of the key are difficult to duplicate, however thieves can still make use of it with the right tools to gain access to your car. This is because conventional keys come with a standard lock, which is easy for burglars to pick. Laser keys, however, come with the sidewinder cylinder lock, which is more difficult to pick. The key is also more durable compared to conventional keys. The blade is constructed of hardened steel which can withstand wear and tear for a long period before it wears out. If the key does wear out or is accidentally snapped in half, it's affordable to have it replaced by an experienced locksmith. While laser-cut keys are more expensive than their edge-cut counterparts but they offer greater security. The combination of the blade, the transponder and the lock make it difficult to duplicate. However, they are still vulnerable to being lost or stolen if you do not take the necessary precautions to keep them safe. Key Fobs Key fobs are not always reliable even though they're practical. They won't last forever and are likely to cease working when you most likely don't. A malfunctioning fob can leave you in a difficult situation, especially when you're loading your trunk with groceries or leaving for work after a long day. You might need to contact a locksmith or a tow truck and it can cost you a lot of money to get your car back on the road. A variety of factors affect the price of a fob. These include the type of key it contains and the materials used. It is also dependent on the brand that is more expensive. Certain fobs are programmed by the user, while others must be reprogrammed by an authorized dealer. If your key fob will not work or is working intermittently, a replacement battery might be the solution. The coin-shaped batteries can be found at hardware stores, online retailers and big box retailers for less than $10. To replace the battery, gently pry apart the two halves of your key fob and insert the new one with the same orientation. If your key fob is damaged or isn't functioning properly, you'll need to have it reprogrammed with the help of a dealer. Although you may be able to do this on your own however, it's best to let a professional handle it to avoid any accidental damage that could result in costly repairs in the future. If you have spare keys and fob, you can bypass this step and purchase a replacement to save money. If, however, you've lost both your fob and keys, it's worth the extra cost to have a dealership reprogram the new key and cut the new key at the same time.