Car Key Replacements

It doesn't matter if it's a simple lock and key keys or a sophisticated fob key, car key FOB replacement losing one can be costly. The best way to prevent this is to always have one in your wallet.

If you've lost a key, the cheapest alternative is to locate an auto locksmith. A dealership could be more costly, but it's a good choice.

Mechanical Keys

If you own an older car that doesn't have key fob technology, your car keys are likely mechanical. The standard keys are made from steel, brass or a mix of brass and nickel. They are cut using a key duplicator machine, using an original key set against one side of the machine and an unaligned blank key placed next to it to act as a template. The original key is cut with a specific cutter to create an exact copy.

Transponder Keys

Most newer cars come equipped with a transponder chip built into the key that can be used to unlock and start the car. These chips are usually placed inside the key head, but can also be located in the ignition. The transponder sends signals to the computer in the car when the key is turned into the ignition. The computer checks the signal and makes sure that 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 does not match, the car will not start and remain locked. This is a great benefit to deter car thefts, as it reduces the likelihood of someone else stealing your vehicle.

A transponder key is more expensive than a flat metal key. The transponder is a microchip that is expensive to create and install into the car key. Typically, these types of keys can cost hundreds of dollars if purchased from a car dealer.

A locksmith can offer more reliable and cheaper transponder key replacements. Beishir Lock and Security has many of these keys and will program the chip on the spot to function with your car at only a fraction of the cost of the dealership.

When shopping around for a transponder key replacement make sure you get multiple quotes. There are many variables that affect the final cost, including the model and make of your vehicle, whether you have any extra features on the key like a remote key-fob and where you decide to go to get it copied.

In the end, you need to consider the advantages of a transponder key versus the cost and ease of use. Transponder keys may be worth it in the long run, in the event that you are concerned about safety and protection. Additionally, the majority of modern cars come with an immobilizer that doesn't allow them to start if a non-transponder key is used, so this is another aspect to take into consideration.

Laser-Cut Keys

Laser cut keys might look like something from a sci-fi film however they are actually fairly common. They add an extra layer of security for cars. They require specialized key cutting equipment and are much harder for thieves to copy or pick than traditional cut keys.

Laser cut car keys are different from traditional keys with grooves on one side. They also have two slits on the sides. This allows them to be put into the lock cylinder either direction and still operate it. They are, therefore, more durable and car key FOB replacement thicker than traditional keys.

They can also be utilized as a bonus to open high-security locks. The slits are drilled to a particular depth, which is in line with the codes of different automobile manufacturers. Finding the correct depth is essential because a blade that is not cut correctly could cause damage to the machine that cuts keys and result in the key not working shortly after being placed into the lock cylinder.

The distinctive slits and the increased thickness of the car keys laser-cut make them more resistant to copying. Some keys have a transponder chip that is specific to your car. This means that when someone copies your car key, even if it contains transponder chip they won't be able start your vehicle.

Although these extra layers of security might make a laser cut car key more expensive than other types however, the reality is that they're still cheaper than getting a new replacement from your dealer. Locksmiths are able to cut these keys more quickly than dealerships for cars.

A laser-cut car key's quality can make a huge difference. A bad blade could cause damage to your key cutting machine or lock cylinder, leaving you with a huge repair bill. It is crucial to purchase your laser-cut car key from a locksmith that sells them.

Bibens Ace South Burlington offers a wide selection of car key FOB replacement keys for over 250 different makes and models of vehicles, in addition to laser-cut sidewinder key replacements. Visit us today to find out how you can save money on replacement car key cost car fobs without having to go to a dealer!

Remote Keys

It wasn't that long ago that losing your car key or losing it was not a huge issue. You could call an expert locksmith, get a replacement and still drive away. The cars of today are more advanced in technology and the keys that correspond to them may be more difficult to replace. They are also harder for thieves copy. This means that if you lose your car key it could be more expensive than before to replace it.

Depending on the type of key that you own, the cost to replace it will vary. You can purchase an old-fashioned key for $10 at your local hardware store or hire an auto locksmith who will come to you and make the key right there.

You will need to take your smart key, transponder with switchblade, or transponder with remote start to the dealer to be replaced. This can be expensive, and you may have to wait a long period of time before the manufacturer will send you an alternative key.

Sometimes, as with any other electronic device, your car key will stop working without reason. This is often due to extreme cold or heat, but can also be caused from an ineffective battery or the presence of water in the keyfob from rain. If you find that your car key is no responding, you should consider trying to reset it before contacting an auto locksmith.

You should also know that your key fob can only function if you're within the range of the vehicle. It is essential to keep your key fob close to you and not let it go out of your pocket unless absolutely required.

The most common way to lose keys to cars is not locating it or dropping it. In some cases this could cause it to break or become stuck in the lock and that's why it's an ideal idea to have an extra key on hand at all times.