Car Key Replacements

Whether it's a simple lock-and-key keys or a sophisticated fob key, losing one can cost you a lot. It's recommended to keep a spare key in your wallet.

The most affordable option is to call an auto locksmith if you lose your key. A dealership could be more expensive, but it's an option worth considering.

Mechanical Keys

If you own an older car that doesn't have key fob technology, your keys are probably mechanical. These standard keys are made of metal like brass, steel or a combination of brass and nickel. They are cut using a key duplicator machine, with the original key placed against one side of the machine, and a blank key aligned to it to function as the template. The original key is cut with a specially-designed cutter to create a duplicate.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are integrated into the majority of modern cars' keys. These chips are used to unlock the car and begin it. These chips are usually located in the key head but they can also be found in the ignition. The transponder sends an electronic car key replacement signal to the computer of the car when the key is turned into the ignition. The computer checks the signal and ensures that it matches with the correct serial number.

This makes it almost impossible for stolen vehicles to be started without the owner's keys. If the signal isn't compatible, the car will not start and will remain locked. This is a huge benefit to help deter car thefts since it lowers the risk of someone else stealing your vehicle.

Transponder keys cost more than a regular metal key. The reason for this is that the transponder is equipped with a tiny microchip that isn't cheap to manufacture and then install into a car key. Typically, these types keys can cost hundreds of dollars purchased from a dealership.

A locksmith can offer much less expensive and more trustworthy transponder key replacements. Beishir Lock and Security carries many of keys, and can reprogramme the chip to work with your car on the spot at a fraction of the cost of a dealership.

Be sure to check out quotes when shopping for a replacement transponder key. The final price is influenced by many factors, including the model and make of your vehicle, the extra features you can get on the key (such as a remote-control key-fob) and even the location where you choose to have it copied.

In the end, you need to consider the advantages of a transponder key against the cost and ease of use. If you value safety and security, then a transponder key might be worth the investment in the long term. A non-transponder car key will not allow the car to start.

Laser-Cut Keys

Although they may appear like something from an sci-fi film, laser cut keys are actually quite common and provide an additional layer of security for vehicles. These keys are created with specialized key cutting machines and are harder to duplicate or steal from thieves than traditional cut keys.

Unlike traditional keys that feature grooves cut into one side, laser cut car keys have slits cut on both sides. They can be put into the lock cylinder any way and still function. They are, therefore, more durable and thicker than conventional keys.

They can also be used as a bonus to unlock certain locks with high security. This is because the slits are placed in a particular depth that matches with the different car manufacturers' codes. It is essential to select the right depth, as an incorrectly-cut blade can damage the cutting machine, and cause the key not to work after it has been put into the lock.

The distinctive slits and greater thickness of car keys cut with lasers make them more resistant to being copied. Many of these keys also include a transponder that is specific to your car. This means that if someone copies your car key even if it contains transponder chip it will not be able start your vehicle.

Laser-cut car keys might be more expensive however they are cheaper than purchasing a replacement from a dealership. Locksmiths are often able to cut these keys faster than a car dealership.

Another aspect to be aware of is that the quality of a laser-cut car key could make all the difference. A blade that is not of the right type can easily harm the machine that cuts keys or your lock cylinder, which could result in a costly repair cost. It is essential to purchase your laser-cut car keys from an auto locksmith who sells the keys.

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

Remote Keys

In the past, misplacing or even losing your car keys was not a huge deal. You could contact a locksmith, get a replacement and still leave. Today's cars are more technologically advanced, and the keys that correspond to them can be harder to replace. They are also harder for thieves copy. It's now more expensive to replace a lost car key.

Depending on the type of key you have, the cost to replace it can vary. For keys that are traditional you can get a copy made for about $10 at a hardware store or you can get an automotive locksmith to visit you and make one right there.

If you have an intelligent key, a transponder key with a switchblade, or a transponder key with remote start, you will be required to visit your local dealer to have it replaced. This can be expensive, and you might need to wait for a long period of time before the manufacturer will send you a new key.

Sometimes, as with any other electronic device the car key can stop working without reason. This can be due to extreme heat or cold, but can be due to a bad battery or water in the keyfob from rain. It's a good idea to reset your car key before calling an auto locksmith if you find that it's not responding.

You should also know that your key fob can only work if you're within the reach of the vehicle. This is the reason it's essential to keep your key fob with your person at all times, and replacement car key fobs never let it go out of your pocket unless you are certain that you'll be able to return it quickly.

The most frequent way to lose a car key is by not locating it or dropping it. This can sometimes result in the key breaking or get stuck in the lock. It's a good idea to always have an extra.