Car Key Replacements The loss of a key could be costly, regardless of whether it's a simple lock-and-key, or a sophisticated key fob. It's ideal to keep a spare key in your wallet. The cheapest solution is to contact an auto locksmith in the event that you lose your key. A dealership might be more costly, but it's an excellent option. Mechanical Keys Your car keys will likely be mechanical if you own an old vehicle that does not use key fobs. These standard keys are made of metal like steel, brass or a combination of brass and nickel. They are cut with 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 a template. The original key is cut using an specialized cutter to make an exact duplicate. Transponder Keys Transponder chips are incorporated into most newer cars keys. These chips are used to unlock the car and begin it. The chips are located in the ignition or on the key head. The transponder transmits signals to the computer of the car when the key is turned on in the ignition. The computer checks the signal and ensures it matches the correct serial number. It's nearly impossible to start a car without the owner's keys. If the signal does not match the car won't start and will remain locked. This is a great benefit to deter car thefts as it reduces the likelihood of someone else driving off with your vehicle. A transponder key costs more than a 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. Typically, these kinds of keys can cost hundreds of dollars when purchased from a car dealer. A locksmith can offer less expensive and more secure transponder key replacements. Beishir Lock and Security has many of these keys. They can re-program the chip on the spot, allowing it to work with your vehicle at less than the dealership. Be sure to compare quotes when shopping for a replacement transponder key. The final price is influenced by many factors, such as the make and model of your vehicle, the additional 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 have consider the advantages of a transponder versus the cost and convenience. If you value safety and security, then a transponder key might be worth the investment in the long in the long run. Additionally, many modern cars have an immobilizer that will not allow them to start if a key that is not transponder is utilized, so this is another reason to think about. Laser-Cut Keys While they might seem like something from the sci-fi genre, laser cut keys are actually quite common and provide an extra layer of security for vehicles. They are created using specialized key cutting machines and are harder to copy 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. This allows keys to be inserted into the lock cylinder either direction and still operate it. They are therefore more durable and robust than standard keys. They can also be employed as a bonus feature to open high-security locks. This is due to the slits being tooled into a specific depth that is compatible with different car manufacturers' codes. It is important to get the correct depth as a blade that is cut incorrectly could cause damage to the cutting machine and make the key unable to function once it has been inserted into the lock. The distinctive slits and the increased thickness of car keys cut with lasers make them more resistant to being copied. Additionally some keys have transponder chips that are unique to your car. This means that even if someone makes a copy of your car key using a transponder chip it won't be capable of starting your vehicle. Although these additional layers of security may make a laser cut car key more expensive than other keys but the truth is that they're still much less than getting a new replacement from your dealer. Locksmiths often cut these keys faster than car dealerships. https://holmbergweinste.livejournal.com/profile of a laser-cut car key can make a big difference. The wrong type of blade could easily damage the key cutting machine or your lock cylinder which could result in a costly repair bill. This is why it's important to purchase your laser cut car key from a trusted company that sells them to auto locksmiths. Bibens Ace South Burlington offers a variety of replacement car key FOB keys for over 250 different models and makes of vehicles, in addition to laser-cut sidewinder key replacements. Visit us today to see how we can save you money on car key fob replacements without the hassle of going to a dealership! Remote Keys Not too long ago the possibility of losing or misplacing your car keys was not a huge deal. Get a locksmith on the phone to get a new key and leave. Today, however, cars are more advanced in technology and keys are more difficult to replace and more difficult for thieves to copy. It's now more expensive to replace a lost car key. Depending on the type of key that you have, the price to replace it will differ. For keys that are traditional you can get one made for $10 at a hardware store or you can get an automotive locksmith to come to you and create a key on the spot. You'll have to take your smart key, transponder with switchblade or transponder that has remote start to the dealership to be repaired. It can be very expensive and could take some time to get the new key from the manufacturer which could delay getting back on the road. Your car key can stop working for no apparent cause as with other electronic devices. This is often due to extreme cold or heat, but can also be due to an ineffective battery or the presence of water in the keyfob following rain. If you notice that your car key isn't responding, it's worth trying to reset it first before calling an auto locksmith. It is important to know that your keyfob will only work if you're within the reach of the vehicle. This is why it's crucial to keep your key fob on you at all times, and not let it leave your pocket unless you are certain that you'll return it promptly. The most frequent way to lose a car key is by not locating it or dropping it. This can result in the key breaking or get stuck in the lock. It's an ideal idea to have a spare.