Car Key Replacements

If it's a basic lock-and-key keys or a sophisticated fob key, losing one can cost you big time. It's ideal to keep one spare key in your wallet.

If you've lost a key, the cheapest alternative is to locate an auto locksmith. A dealership may be more expensive, but it's an excellent option.

Mechanical Keys

If you have an older car that doesn't have key fob technology, your keys are probably mechanical. Keys of this type are made of metal like steel, brass or a combination of brass and nickel. They're cut using a key duplicator, with the original key placed against one side of the machine and an unaligned blank key placed next to it to function as an example. The original key is then cut using a special cutter to create a duplicate.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are built in the majority of newer automobiles keys. These chips are used to unlock the car and then start it. The chips are located in the ignition, or the key head. When the key is turned in the ignition, the transponder emits a signal that is received by the computer system of the car. The computer then analyzes the signal to make sure it is in line with the correct serial number.

It is almost impossible to start cars without the owner's keys. If the signal is not in sync, the vehicle will not start. This is a huge benefit that helps stop car thieves from taking your car as the odds of someone else starting and driving away with your car are significantly diminished.

The downside of a transponder key is that it is more expensive than a standard flat metal key. The reason for this is that the transponder has a tiny microchip that's expensive to produce and install in the car key. Typically, these kinds of keys can cost hundreds of dollars purchased from a dealership.

A locksmith can offer cheaper and more reliable transponder key replacements. Beishir Lock and Security has an extensive selection of these keys. They can program the chip right on the spot to work with your vehicle at a fraction the cost of the dealership.

Be sure to compare estimates when looking for a replacement transponder key. There are a variety of variables that affect the final price, including the model and make of your vehicle, whether you have any additional features on the key such as a remote key-fob, and even where you'll go to copy it.

In the end, you have consider the advantages of a transponder versus the cost and convenience. Transponder keys might be beneficial in the long run if you prioritize security and safety. Additionally, many modern cars have an immobilizer that doesn't allow them to start if a key that is not transponder is utilized, so this is another aspect to take into consideration.

Laser-Cut Keys

Laser cut keys may appear like something from a sci-fi flick however they are actually fairly common. They provide an added layer of security to automobiles. These keys are created with specially designed key cutting equipment and are more difficult to duplicate or pick for thieves than traditional cut keys.

Contrary to traditional keys, which have grooves cut into one side laser cut car keys have slits tooled on both sides. They can be inserted into the lock cylinder either way and still work. They are, therefore, more durable and stronger than conventional keys.

They can also be utilized as a bonus to open certain high-security locks. The slits are tooled to a certain depth that matches the codes of various car manufacturers. Finding the correct depth is essential because a blade that is not cut correctly could cause damage to the key cutting machine and result in the key not working immediately after being placed into the lock cylinder.

The increased thickness and unique slits in laser cut car keys are less vulnerable to being copied or picked. In addition, many of these keys are equipped with transponder chips which are unique to the vehicle you're using them on. This means that even if someone makes a copy of your car's key with a transponder chip they will not be in a position to start your car.

Although these extra layers of security may make a laser cut car key more expensive than other keys, the fact is that they're still much less than purchasing a replacement from your dealer. Additionally, locksmiths are usually able to cut these keys more quickly than a car dealership.

Another aspect to be aware of is that the quality of a laser-cut car key can make a huge difference. The wrong blade could cause damage to your key cutting machine or lock cylinder, leaving you with a large repair cost. This is why it's important to purchase your laser-cut car key from a reliable company that sells keys to auto locksmiths.

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

Remote Keys

It wasn't that long ago that a car key was lost or losing it was not a huge problem. Contact a locksmith for a new key and then drive away. Nowadays, however, replacement car key fob cars are much more technologically advanced, and the corresponding keys are harder to replace and harder for thieves to duplicate. It's becoming more expensive to replace the key to a car that has been lost.

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

You'll have to take your smart key, transponder with switchblade or transponder that has remote start to the dealer to be replaced. This can be expensive, and you might need to wait for a long time before the manufacturer can send you an alternative key.

The car key may not function for no apparent cause as with other electronic car key replacement devices. Often, this is due to extreme cold or heat but it could also be due to an ineffective battery or water in the key fob from rain or just wearing out over time. It's a good idea to reset your car keys prior to calling an auto locksmith in the event that it's not responding.

It's also important to understand that your key fob can only function only if it's within the range of the vehicle. This is why it's important to keep your key fob with you at all times and never let it go out of your pocket unless you're certain that you'll be able to return it promptly.

The most frequent method of losing the car key is through misplacing it or dropping it. In some cases this could cause it to break or replacement car key fob get stuck in the lock, which is why it's an ideal idea to have a spare on hand at all times.