Car Key Replacements

The loss of a key can be expensive, whether it's a standard lock-and-key or a high-end key fob. The best way to prevent this is to always keep one in your wallet.

If you've lost keys, the cheapest alternative is to locate an auto locksmith. A dealership can be more expensive but a solid option.

Mechanical Keys

The keys to your car are likely to be mechanical if you have an older vehicle that doesn't have key fobs. These standard keys can be made of brass, steel or a mixture of brass and nickel. They are cut using the key duplicator machine with an original key positioned against one side of the machine, and an unaligned blank key placed next to it to act as the template. The original key is cut using a special cutter to create a duplicate.

Transponder Keys

Most newer cars come equipped with a transponder chip built into the key which is used to unlock and start the vehicle. The chips are located in the ignition or the key head. When the key is turned in the ignition, the transponder sends a signal that is received by the replacement car key's computer system. The computer analyzes the signal and ensures that it is in line with the correct serial number.

It's nearly impossible to start a car without the owner's key. If the signal does not match, the car will not start and will remain locked. This is a huge advantage that helps to deter car thieves as the likelihood of someone else starting and driving away with your car are greatly diminished.

The downside of a transponder key is that it's more expensive than a traditional flat metal key. The reason for this is that the transponder contains a small microchip that's expensive to manufacture and then install into the car key. Keys like these are usually expensive when purchased from a dealership for cars.

A locksmith can provide cheaper and more reliable transponder key replacements. Beishir Lock and Security carries an extensive selection of keys, and they can reprogram the chip to work with your vehicle in-the-moment for a fraction of the cost of the dealership.

When shopping around to replace a transponder key, be sure to get multiple estimates. There are a variety of factors that impact the final price, including the make and model of your vehicle, whether you have any additional features on the key such as a remote key fob and where you decide to go to copy it.

In the end, you must evaluate the advantages of a transponder-based key against the cost and convenience. Transponder keys might be worth it in the long run when you value safety and replacement car key fob protection. A non-transponder car key will not allow the vehicle to start.

Laser-Cut Keys

Laser cut keys may appear like something from a sci-fi flick, but they are very common. They provide an added security layer to cars. They are created using special key cutting machines and are much harder to duplicate or pick for thieves than traditional cut keys.

In contrast to traditional keys with grooves cut into one side the laser cut keys feature slits that are tooled on both sides. This allows them to be put into the lock cylinder in any direction, and still operate. They are, therefore, more durable and robust than conventional keys.

They can also be utilized as a bonus to open certain high-security locks. This is because the slits are fitted into a certain depth that matches with the various codes of the car manufacturers. It is essential to select the correct depth as an incorrectly-cut blade can cause damage to the cutting machine and cause the key not to work after it is put into the lock.

The thicker and more distinctive slits of replacement car key fobs keys cut with lasers make them less prone to being copied or taken. A lot of these keys contain transponder chip that is unique to your vehicle. This means that if someone copies your car key even if it contains transponder chips it will not be able to start your vehicle.

Although these extra layers of security may make a laser cut car key more expensive than other keys but the truth is that they're still cheaper than buying a new one from your dealer. Additionally, locksmiths can often cut these keys faster than car dealerships.

A laser-cut car key's quality can make a big difference. The wrong type of blade can easily harm the key cutting machine or the cylinder of your lock, leaving you with an expensive repair cost. This is the reason it's essential to purchase your laser cut car key from a reputable supplier that sells keys to auto locksmiths.

Bibens Ace South Burlington offers a variety of replacement car key FOB keys for over 250 different makes and models of vehicles, replacement car key fob in addition to laser-cut sidewinder keys. Visit us today to see how you can save money on replacements for your car fob without having to go to an auto dealer!

Remote Keys

It wasn't that long ago that misplacing your car key or losing it was not a huge problem. You could call an locksmith, receive an alternate and then leave. Today, however, cars are much more technologically advanced and keys are more difficult to replace and even more difficult for thieves to copy. It's now more expensive to replace a lost car key.

The cost of replacing a key will differ according to the type. You can purchase a traditional key made for $10 at a local hardware store or employ an automotive locksmith who will come to you to make it right there.

If you have an electronic key, transponder key with a switchblade or a transponder key with remote start, you will have to visit your dealer to have it replaced. This can be very costly, and it may take a while to obtain the new key from the manufacturer which could delay getting back on the road.

Like any other electronic device keys for cars will stop working without reason. Often, this is due to extreme cold or heat, but it can be due to an unsatisfactory battery or water in the key fob from rain, or simply wearing out over time. It's a good idea to reset your car keys prior to calling an auto locksmith if you find that it's not responding.

It's also important to remember that your key fob will only work when it's within reach of your vehicle. This is why it's important to keep your key fob on your person at all times, and not let it leave your pocket unless you're certain that you'll return it quickly.

The most frequent method of losing the car key is through not locating it or dropping it. This could result in the key breaking or get stuck in the lock. It's recommended to always have a spare.