Car Key Replacements

Whether it's a simple lock-and-key key or a more sophisticated fob key, losing one could be costly. The best way to avoid this is to keep a spare in your wallet.

The most affordable option is to contact an auto locksmith if you've lost your keys. A dealership can be more expensive, but it is a good alternative.

Mechanical Keys

If you own an older car that doesn't use key fob technology, your car keys are likely mechanical. These standard keys are made of metal, like brass, steel or a combination of nickel and brass. The keys are cut on a key duplicator that uses an uncut key as a template and an original key placed on the other side of the machine. The original key is cut with a special cutter to create the copy.

Transponder Keys

Most newer cars come equipped with a transponder chips built into the key which is used to unlock and start the car. These chips are usually located inside the key head, but they can also be found in the ignition. The transponder transmits a signal to the car's computer when the key is inserted into the ignition. The computer then examines the signal to verify that it matches the correct serial number.

This makes it virtually impossible for a stolen vehicle to be started without owner's keys. If the signal is not in sync, the vehicle will not start. This is a huge advantage that helps deter car thieves as the odds of someone else starting and driving away with your vehicle are drastically reduced.

A transponder key is more expensive than a regular metal key. This is because the transponder has a tiny microchip that is expensive to produce and install in a car key. The keys are usually expensive when purchased from a dealership for cars.

A locksmith can provide cheaper and more trustworthy transponder key replacements. Beishir Lock and Security carries a large assortment of these keys and can even reprogramme the chip to work with your vehicle in-the-moment for a fraction of the cost of the dealership.

Be sure to compare prices when you are looking for a replacement transponder key. There are a variety of factors that influence the final price, including the model and make of your car, whether you have additional features on the key like a remote key-fob, and even where you decide to go to copy it.

In the end, you must consider the advantages of a transponder key against the cost and convenience. Transponder keys could be worth it in the long run when you value security and safety. In addition, most modern vehicles have an immobilizer that will not allow the car to start if a non-transponder keys is utilized, so this is another factor to consider.

Laser-Cut Keys

While they might appear like something from the sci-fi genre Laser cut keys are in fact quite common and provide an additional security measure for vehicles. These keys are made with special key cutting machines and are harder to duplicate or steal from thieves than traditional cut keys.

Contrary to traditional keys, which have grooves cut into one side, laser cut car keys feature slits that are tooled on both sides. This allows them to be inserted into the lock cylinder in any direction, and still operate. They are, therefore, more durable and robust than standard keys.

As a bonus they can also be used to unlock certain high-security locks. The slits are tooled to a specific depth, which is in line with the codes of different car manufacturers. It is essential to select the correct depth since cutting the blade incorrectly can cause damage to the cutting machine and make the key unable to function after it is put into the lock.

The greater thickness and unique slits of car keys cut with lasers make them less prone to being copied or taken. A lot of these keys have a transponder chip that is unique to your car. This means that anyone who copies your car key even if it contains transponder chip, they will not be able to start your vehicle.

While these extra layers of security could make a laser-cut car key more expensive than other keys but the truth is that they're still cheaper than purchasing a replacement from your dealership. Locksmiths are usually able to cut these keys more quickly than the car dealership.

Another aspect to be aware of is that the quality of a laser-cut car key can make a huge difference. A bad blade could harm the machine that cuts keys or lock cylinder, leaving you with a huge repair bill. This is the reason it's essential to get your laser cut car key from a reliable company that sells keys to auto locksmiths.

Bibens Ace South Burlington offers a variety of replacement car key fob keys for over 250 different makes and models of vehicles, as well as laser-cut sidewinder keys. Visit us today to see how you can save money on car key replacement price fob replacements without having to go to an auto dealer!

Remote Keys

In the past, misplacing or even losing keys to your car wasn't an issue. You could call an expert locksmith, get an alternate and then drive away. Today's cars are more technologically advanced and keys that go with them are more difficult to replace. They can also be more difficult for thieves to copy. It's now more expensive to replace keys for cars that have been stolen.

The cost of replacing a key can vary depending on the kind. You can have traditional keys for $10 at your local hardware store or hire an auto locksmith who will come to you to make it on the spot.

If you own a smart key, Replacement car key fob a transponder key with a switchblade, or a transponder key that has remote start, you'll have to visit your dealer to get it replaced. It can be costly and you may have to wait for a long time for the manufacturer to send you the new key.

Sometimes, as with any other electronic device, your car key will cease to function for no apparent reason. Often, this is due to extreme heat or cold but it could be due to an ineffective battery or key fob from rain or simply wearing out over time. If you find that your car key isn't longer responding, it's worth trying to reset it first before calling an auto locksmith.

It's also important to know that your key fob can only function when it's within reach of the vehicle. This is why it's important to keep your key fob on your person at all times, and to not leave it in your pocket unless you are certain that you'll return it quickly.

The most frequent way to lose a car key is by misplacing it or dropping it. This can cause the key to break or get stuck in the lock. It's recommended to always have a spare.