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Keys Replacement For Cars If you have a basic mechanical key you should be able to purchase a replacement from any hardware store for relatively affordable. This key will need to be programmed either by a dealership or locksmith. Smart keys are more complicated and require a visit to the dealer to connect them to your car. These keys are expensive however, many insurance companies will pay for the cost. Mechanical Keys You can still buy car keys that are only mechanical, the kind that you place in an ignition lock cylinder and turn to start your vehicle. If content is equipped with one of these, it's affordable to replace the key and fob (if lost or stolen). A locksmith can design a new basic key for less than you would pay at a dealership. You can also have someone close to you who knows how to program aftermarket transponder keys (which are less expensive than factory keys) cut keys for you and program them. It is important to have a spare key because modern vehicles won't start in the event that the key does have the correct chip. Transponder keys are similar to mechanical keys, but have an electronic chip hidden inside the base. This chip is connected to the computer system in your vehicle. The car will accept the code on the chip, but will not start if you use another code. If your spare key has chips it must be programmed by a dealer. The dealership will need a special machine for both cutting and programming the key. These machines are only available at certain dealerships, and it's not likely that a locksmith will have the tools needed to make keys that are laser-cut with a transponder. Keys with remotes can be costly to replace, particularly when you require a spare. Try reprogramming the fob on your own if you're just missing the key shank and have a functioning replacement fob, but it could be difficult and time-consuming. If you've lost the entire key and fob however, a dealer is the best option. There are other types of car keys that require a specialized set of skills to replace, such as flip keys and smart keys. They are more complex and need to be replaced by a dealer. Some key fobs have keys that are spring-loaded and fold into the enclosure and opens doors or is operated by proximity sensors to open and start your car. Transponder Keys Transponder keys are most likely to be found in cars that were constructed in the past 10 years. These keys contain the microchip as well as the receiver is programmed to communicate to start your car. Transponder keys can be an effective method of preventing theft, as they require two elements to start a car – the transmitter inside the key and the receiver attached to the immobilizer. The car won't start without both the key and the immobilizer system. The key chips are programmed with a serial number that is unique to your vehicle. When the key is inserted into your ignition, the serial number is sent to the immobilizer in the car and then verified to make sure it is in line the number, which allows the engine to run. This security feature is only blocked by a specially designed device that reads the chip and match it with a different car. You'll need to find a locksmith that has the tools to reprogram your key. Some car dealerships also offer this service, but their overhead makes them more expensive than an independent locksmith. It isn't easy to find a new key with a chip. The key must first be cut using a particular machine to get the right tracks that can be programmed to assign the key to your car. This requires specialized software and the right key cutter in order to do it correctly. Many auto parts stores are able to clone some of the simpler keys for chips, but you will need to know the serial number from the original key in order to ensure that the correct information is encoded into the key. Many people make a mistake visiting their dealer to purchase the clone of a chip-key and end up paying overpriced prices. Laser-Cut Keys Laser-cut keys are also referred as a sidewinder keys due to the distinctive winding cut on the shank of the key. They add an additional layer of security to your vehicle. These keys are a great security measure against theft of your vehicle because they require specialized equipment to duplicate. They also have built-in chips that prevent the copying of keys by unauthorized people from starting your vehicle. They have a unique code that needs to be programmed into your car to unlock it and begin it. This extra layer of security will safeguard your investment, and deter thieves from trying to steal your vehicle for parts or to sell it. In terms of their design laser-cut keys are different from conventional mechanical cut keys, as they have less grooves carved out on the key. The key shaft is thicker, which is another indication that this isn't a standard car key. Locksmiths typically employ a machine known as milling tool to cut these kinds of keys. This machine is similar to a drill, and it's designed to cut metal in very precise angles. These are among the most secure keys you can buy for your car, as they're extremely difficult to duplicate and can only be cut by a dealer or a certified locksmith. They're not made using traditional keys. Instead, they are made of a tiny piece of steel that's shaped according to a code at the factory, and then cut using laser. This kind of key is extremely robust and can endure the rigors of wear and tear and is one of the best options for protecting your car. Depending on the key, it will fold into the fob, or pop out at the touch of the button. Keys like these are commonly used in German cars and offer an extra layer of protection against car thieves. The cylinder is tough and difficult to break into, making it extremely difficult for thieves to pick or pick-lock a vehicle. Smart Keys Keys Smart keys communicate with the vehicle by using radio-frequency identification (RFID) instead of the traditional single piece carved metal. This means they have tiny chips that contain an encrypted code that is unique to each key. The key sends a message to the onboard computer in your vehicle whenever you unlock the doors or open the trunk. The computer then prompts the correct frequency, allowing you to access your car and start it. The chip of the smart key includes a variety of security features to guard against theft. First, the key emits a low-frequency signal which isn't detected by any other receiver, not even your vehicle. If the computer onboard detects this signal, it will send an additional signal that is unique and only your car can understand. This will stop a criminal with a high-tech background from using an external generator to “fool” the system and make the key work for other vehicles. Certain smart keys come with specific features, like the ability to store preferences for drivers remote opening windows, opening the sunroof from afar and many more. This can be accomplished by activating the key's proximity sensor, pressing a button on the key, or, in some instances, by twisting a tiny metal part inside the key. Most of these key fobs have buttons that open the doors on their own However, some key fobs have another method of opening them with a slot or by placing the dead key near an area on the dashboard where it holds an inductive coil that is able to transfer energy. Some even come with an emergency (fully mechanical) key blade concealed in the key to allow this. Replace a smart key requires a trip to the dealer, who will either order the replacement or stock it. content will also have to program your new key so that it recognizes your car. You can also go to an locksmith to get your replacement key fob to be programmed and replaced. Locksmiths may cost more than the dealer, but they'll likely be able to finish the job quicker and less expensively.