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Understanding the Different Types of Car Keys In the past misplacing or even losing your car keys wasn't an issue. You could buy keys at the local auto parts store or locksmith. As cars have evolved to accommodate technological advances, replacing lost keys is becoming more difficult and costly. Learn more about the factors that influence the cost of replacing a car key. Basic Keys When people think of their car keys, they may think of a basic metal key that can open doors and start the engine. While these are the most common kinds of keys for cars but there are a variety of types that are more advanced and offer enhanced security features. Understanding the differences between various kinds of car keys can help people know what to expect when replacing or repair the keys. Standard keys are the simplest type of car keys. They have been around for decades, and they are still the most popular option for newer vehicles. These are the keys you can purchase at an hardware store and then connect to your keychain. Keys of the standard type are cheap to copy, however they could be costly to replace when they're damaged or lost. The most modern alternatives include the transponder keys, that has been used since 1995 and offers an extra secure option than traditional keys. Microchips are incorporated into the handle of the key and activated when the key is inserted into the ignition. They are more costly to replace in the event of a loss or damage, however they offer greater protection against theft than standard keys. remote key fob repair is the switchblade key that folds down into a key fob when not in use. They're a bit more expensive to replace than standard keys, however they could be more expensive when the handle or shank of the key is damaged. There are also the smart keys that have built-in Bluetooth trackers as well as remote starts. They cost more than standard keys and may require a locksmith's special tools to repair. Mechanical Keys In the past when you lost a car key or it stopped working completely out of the sudden, all you needed to do was visit the local hardware store and obtain an alternative. Today things are more complicated. There are numerous kinds of cars available, and each one has distinct keys. Based on the type of car it may cost more or less than 50 dollars. Mechanical keys are the most basic type. They're also known as “insert-and-turn” keys. These keys were the ones could be replaced at a hardware store for a few pennies. They do not contain a transponder within them and are used to lock the door or trunk locks but not for starting the car. The transponder keys are the other type, and is the most frequently used. This key has a small transponder located in the head of the key that sends a coded message to the ignition system in your car to verify the authenticity of the key. This system was introduced in vehicles as early as 1995. It prevents them from being started with an unauthorised key or lost one. To fix this kind of key the first step is to determine what is causing it to malfunction. In most cases, the cause is due to an issue with the cap on the key or the key switch. To fix this problem, the key cap or key switch will need to be removed with the appropriate tool. They will then need to be cleaned and lubricated. Lubricating the key switch is an important step because it will help in removing issues like key chatter that refers to keys that register multiple inputs each press. Transponder Keys Transponder keys (also known as “chip” keys) are a vital component of your car's anti-theft security system. The microchip inside the head of the plastic key transmits a signal to the antenna ring that surrounds the ignition cylinder. The car will not start if the computer can't receive the correct response. This type of chip is present in the majority of cars made since 1998. The issue is, the same feature that makes these kinds of keys more secure also makes them more expensive to replace. They also have an entirely different design than traditional mechanical keys, they have a specific microchip that has to be programmed into the computer in your vehicle to function correctly. This is accomplished by connecting the diagnostic tool to the computer in your car and then entering the programming mode. It's more complicated than just cutting a new blank, and due to the fact that these tools aren't readily available in every locksmith shop, you'll pay more for this service than with the replacement of a standard mechanical key. The model and make of your vehicle is a different important factor. Some manufacturers have their own equipment that must be used to program their vehicles, which will increase the cost. Some people prefer having a professional do the programming of their transponder keys. This is due to the complex procedures, such as cutting wires to take off the transponder's antenna as well as using a scanner device, and also the peace of mind you get from knowing that a professional is working on your car. Depending on the make and model you might be in a position to save money by bringing your car directly to the dealer for the installation of your new chip. Keys Laser Cut Keys Laser cut keys are a form of car key that comes with high-security blade. They first came to the market in the 1990s and help to combat vehicle theft. They are more difficult to duplicate than traditional key designs and include transponder chips in their heads. The chips communicate with the ignition when they are inserted into it, which stops the vehicle from starting when the incorrect key is used. While this technology can protect against car thieves but it's not able to stop them entirely. The unique blade and shape of the key is difficult to copy, but thieves can still make use of it with the appropriate tools to gain entry to your vehicle. This is because traditional keys use the standard lock cylinder, which is easy to pick. Laser keys, however, come with the sidewinder cylinder lock, which is much more difficult to pick. The key is also more durable to traditional keys. The blade is made of hardened steel and can withstand lots of wear and tear before eventually wearing out. But, if the key wears out or is accidentally cut in half, it's affordable to have it replaced by a professional locksmith. While laser-cut keys are more expensive than their edge-cut counterparts, they offer increased security. The combination of the blade design, lock cylinder, and the transponder chip makes them more difficult to duplicate or pick. They are still at risk of being stolen or lost if you do not take the appropriate precautions. Key Fobs Even though they're convenient but key fobs can be tricky. They don't last forever and are likely to cease working when you least expect them. You could end up in a compromising situation if your fob malfunctions, especially if you are taking your trunk full of groceries or heading to work after a exhausting day. You might need to call a locksmith or tow truck and it could cost you a significant amount to get your vehicle back on the road. The type of key used and the materials used in the fob can affect the cost. Brands are also a factor as they can be more expensive. Certain fobs are programmed by the person using them, while others need to be programmed by a dealer. If your key fob will not work or works intermittently, a replacement battery might be the solution. These batteries are typically less than $10 and can be purchased at hardware stores, big box retailers, and even online. To replace the battery, gently pry off the two halves of the key fob and then insert the new one with the same orientation. If your key fob is damaged or isn't functioning properly, you'll need to have it reprogrammed with the help of a dealer. You can do this yourself, but it's best to let it be done by an expert to avoid accidental damage that could lead to costly repairs in the future. If you have spare keys and fob, you can skip this step and purchase a replacement to save money. If you've lost both your fob and keys it's worth the expense to have a dealership reprogram the new key and cut the new key at the same time.