Car Key Replacements

The loss of a key could be costly, regardless of whether it's an ordinary lock-and-key or a high-end key fob. It's recommended to keep one spare key in your wallet.

If you've lost keys, the most affordable option is to find an auto locksmith. A dealership could be more expensive, replacement car key fobs but it's a good choice.

Mechanical Keys

If you have an older car that doesn't have key fob technology, your car keys are likely mechanical. These standard keys can be made of steel, brass, or a combination between nickel and brass. The keys are cut on a key duplicator, which makes use of the blank key as a template and an original key on the other side of the machine. The original key is cut with a specific cutter to create an exact duplicate.

Transponder Keys

The majority of newer cars are equipped with a transponder chip built into the key that is used to unlock and start the vehicle. The chips are located in the ignition or the key head. When the key is turned on in the ignition, the transponder sends a signal that is received by the car's computer system. The computer then examines the signal to make sure it matches with the correct serial number.

This makes it nearly impossible for a stolen car to start without the owner's keys. If the signal doesn't match, the vehicle will not start. This is an enormous benefit that helps to stop car thieves from taking your car as the odds of someone else starting and driving off with your car are greatly diminished.

The drawback of a transponder key is that it's more expensive than a conventional flat metal key. The reason for this is that the transponder is equipped with a tiny microchip that's expensive to make and put into a car key. The keys are usually expensive when purchased from a car dealership.

A locksmith can provide more reliable and affordable transponder key replacements. Beishir Lock and Security carries a large assortment of keys, and can reprogram the chip to work with your car in-the-moment for a fraction of the price of the dealership.

Be sure to check out estimates when looking for a replacement transponder key. The final cost will be influenced by many factors, including the make and model of your vehicle, the extra features that you can find on the key (such as a remote-control key-fob) and the location you decide to have it copied.

In the end, you need to weigh the advantages of a transponder against the cost and the convenience. Transponder keys could be worth it in the long term in the event that you are concerned about safety and protection. In addition, most modern cars come with an immobilizer that doesn't allow the car to start if a non-transponder keys is used and this is a further aspect to take into consideration.

Laser-Cut Keys

Although they may sound like something out of an sci-fi film Laser cut keys are in fact quite common and provide an additional layer of protection for cars. These keys require special key cutting equipment to make and are more difficult for thieves to copy or pick than traditional cut keys.

Unlike traditional keys that feature grooves cut into one side the laser cut keys have slits tooled on both sides. They can be inserted in the lock cylinder any way, and they still function. As a result, they are generally sturdy and stronger than standard keys.

They are also employed as a bonus feature to open certain high-security locks. The slits are made to a particular depth, which is in line with the codes of various automobile manufacturers. Getting the right depth is essential since a wrongly cut blade can damage the key cutting machine and result in the key not working shortly after being placed into the lock cylinder.

The distinctive slits and greater thickness of laser-cut car keys make them more resistant to being copied. Furthermore some keys have transponder chips that are unique to the vehicle you're using them on. This means that even if someone copies your car key using a transponder chip it won't be able to start your vehicle.

Keys for cars cut with lasers may be more expensive however, they are cheaper than purchasing a replacement from the dealership. Locksmiths are able to cut these keys more quickly than dealerships selling cars.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the quality of a laser cut car key could make all the difference. A bad blade could harm your key cutting machine or lock cylinder and leave you with a large repair cost. This is why it's important to purchase your laser-cut car key from a reliable supplier that sells them to auto locksmiths.

Bibens Ace South Burlington offers an extensive selection of replacement car key fob keys for more than 250 different makes and models of vehicles, in addition to laser-cut sidewinder keys. Stop by today and see how we can help you save money on replacement car key fobs without the hassle of going to a dealer!

Remote Keys

Not too long ago the possibility of losing or misplacing your car keys wasn't a huge deal. You could call an locksmith, receive a replacement and still drive away. Today, however, cars are more advanced in technology and keys are more difficult to replace and more difficult for thieves to duplicate. It's now more expensive to replace keys for cars that have been stolen.

Depending on the type of key you have, the cost of replacement car keys to replace it can vary. For traditional keys you can get a copy made for about $10 at a hardware store or you can ask an locksmith from the automotive industry to visit you and make a copy on the spot.

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

Sometimes, as with any other electronic device keys for cars will stop working for no apparent reason. This is often due to extreme heat or cold, but can also be caused from a bad battery or water in the keyfob after rain. It is recommended to reset your car keys prior to calling an auto locksmith in the event that it's not responding.

You should also know that your keyfob will only function if you're within the reach of the vehicle. It is essential to keep your key fob close to you, and never take it out of your pocket unless necessary.

Most people lose their keys to their car when they drop them or lose keys. In certain instances, this can cause it to break or become stuck in the lock and that's why it's always recommended to keep an extra key in your possession at all times.