Keys Replacement For Cars If you have a standard mechanical key you should be able to purchase a replacement from any hardware store for cheap. The key needs to be programmed by a locksmith or dealer. Smart keys are more complex and require a visit to the dealer to connect them to your car. These types of keys are usually expensive, but some car insurance companies will cover the cost. Mechanical Keys You can still purchase mechanical car keys, the ones that you put into an ignition lock cylinder to start your vehicle. If your car is equipped with one of these, it's affordable to replace the fob and key (if lost or stolen). A locksmith can make you an original key for less than you would pay at a dealership. You can also have someone close to you who knows how to program transponder keys that are made for the aftermarket (which are cheaper than keys made by the factory) cut you a spare key and then program them. It is essential to have a spare key because modern cars won't start when the key does not have the right chip. Transponder keys resemble mechanical keys, but contain an electronic chip inside the base. The chip communicates with the computer system in your vehicle. Your car will be able to recognize the code inside the chip and accept it, however it will refuse to start if any other code is used. If your spare key contains chips that is programmed, it will have to be programmed at a dealership. They'll require a specific machine to cut the key and then program it. The machines are available at certain dealerships. It is unlikely that a locksmith would have the tools needed to create a key that has a transponder. Keys with remotes cost a lot to replace, especially if you need an extra. You could try reprogramming your fob yourself if you're only missing the key shank and have a functioning replacement fob, but it could be difficult and time-consuming. You're better off going to an authorized dealer when you've lost the fob and the key. There are other types of car keys that require a more specialized set of skills to replace, such as flip keys and smart keys. They are more complex and need to be replaced by the dealer. Certain key fobs come with an electronic key that folds into the enclosure and opens a door, or they're operated with proximity sensors to open and start your vehicle. Transponder Keys If your car was built in the last 10 years or so you're likely to use transponder keys. https://yamcode.com/why-we-love-key-replacement-for-car-and-you-should-too are equipped with an embedded microchip inside the key and the car's receiver that both have been programmed to communicate with each other in order to start the car. Transponder keys are a fantastic method to deter theft since they require two components for the car to be started which is the transmitter (transponder) in the key and the receiver connected to your immobilizer system. Without both the key and the immobilizer system being in place, the car won't start and is impossible to hotwire. Key chips have an unique serial number that is specific to your vehicle. When the key is inserted into your ignition, the serial number is transmitted to the immobilizer in the car and then verified to make sure it matches up, it will then allow the engine to run. The only thing that can defeat this security feature is a device that can detect the chip and match it with another car. You'll need to find an locksmith with the equipment needed to reprogram your key. Some car dealerships also offer this service, but their overhead makes them more expensive than a locksmith who is independent. It isn't easy to obtain an entirely new key that has a chip. The key has to be cut using a particular machine to get the right tracks that can then be programmed to assign the key to your car. It requires specialized software as well as the right key cutter to cut it properly. Some of the simpler chip keys can be cloned at most auto part stores but you must know the serial number of the original key to ensure the correct information is programmed into the new key. Many people make the mistake of visiting a dealer to have their chip key copied and end in paying more than they should. Laser-Cut Keys Laser-cut keys, also referred to as sidewinder keys due to their distinctive winding cuts in the key shank provide an additional layer of security to your vehicle. Because it takes specialized machinery to duplicate these keys, they're an excellent protection against auto theft. Like transponder keys, they feature built-in chips that block unauthorised copies of keys from starting your car. They also contain a unique code the key, which needs to be programmed for your specific vehicle in order to unlock it and start it. This extra level of security will protect your investment and prevent thieves from attempting to steal your vehicle for parts or to resell it. In terms of their design laser-cut keys are different from conventional mechanical cut keys due to having less grooves carved out on the key. The shaft of the key is thicker, which is another sign that this is not a regular car key. Locksmiths generally employ a machine known as milling tool to cut these types of keys. This kind of machine appears much like a drill bit and is designed to remove metal with extremely precise controlled angles. They are the most secure keys you can purchase for your vehicle. They are extremely difficult to duplicate and can only be done be cut by a certified locksmith or dealer. Unlike traditional keys, they're made from a small piece of steel that's shaped into a code and then cut with a laser at the factory. This kind of key is very robust and can endure the rigors of wear and tear, making it one of the best options to protect your vehicle. The key can be folded into the fob, or pop out by pressing a button. These kinds of keys are used extensively in German automobiles and provide an additional layer of security against car thieves. They also make it very difficult for thieves to pick or pick-lock your vehicle since the cylinder is extremely durable and hard to break into. Smart Keys Contrary to the conventional single piece of carved metal smart keys make use of RFID, also known as radio-frequency identification, to communicate with the car. They have a chip with an unique code that is encoded on every key. The key transmits a message to the computer onboard of your vehicle whenever you unlock the doors or open the trunk. The computer will then signal the appropriate frequency to allow you to start your vehicle. The chip in the smart key comes with a variety of security features to protect it from theft. First, the key emits a very low-frequency signal that can't be detected by any receiver but your car. If the computer onboard detects this signal, it will display another one that is an individual sequence that only your vehicle will comprehend. This prevents a tech savvy criminal from using a pulse generator in order to "fool the system" and perform the work on other vehicles. In addition to locking and starting the car, certain smart keys have special features such as storing specific preferences for drivers, remotely opening windows or the sunroof, and many more. These can be done by activating the key fob's proximity sensor, pressing a button on the key itself or, in some instances, twisting a small metal piece inside the key. Certain key fobs are opened by holding the dead key in a slot or by placing it next to an inductive coil on the dashboard. Some even include an emergency (fully mechanical) key blade that is hidden inside the key to allow this. Replacing a smart key typically requires a visit to the dealer, who will either have the replacement on hand or make it available for you to purchase. The dealer will also have to program the new key to recognize your vehicle. You can also visit a locksmith for the replacement key fob to be programmed and replaced. Locksmiths will cost more than dealers, but he or she can complete the task faster and for less.