How To Save Money On Car Key Replacements
Car Key Replacements
Whether it's a simple lock-and-key key or a more sophisticated fob key, losing one could cost you a lot. It's recommended to keep a spare key in your wallet.
The most affordable option is to contact an auto locksmith if you've lost your keys. A dealership is more expensive, but it is a good option.
Mechanical Keys
If you own an older car that doesn't utilize key fob technology, your car keys are likely mechanical. These standard keys can be made of steel, brass or a mix of brass and nickel. They're cut using a key duplicator machine, with an original key positioned against one side of the machine and a blank key aligned to it to function as an example. The key that was originally used is cut using a special cutter to create a duplicate.
Transponder Keys
The majority of modern cars come with a transponder chip built into the key that can be used to unlock and start the emergency car key replacement. The chips are typically placed in the key head but can also be located in the ignition. The transponder transmits an electronic signal to the computer in the car when the key is inserted into the ignition. The computer then examines the signal to ensure that it matches the correct serial number.
This makes it almost impossible for a stolen cheapest replacement car keys to start without the owner's keys. If the signal is not in sync the vehicle won't start. This is a huge advantage to prevent car thefts, as it lowers the risk of someone else driving off with your car.
Transponder keys cost more than a standard metal key. The transponder is a chip that is costly to produce and install into a car key. The keys are usually expensive when bought from a dealership.
A locksmith can offer more reliable and affordable transponder key replacements. Beishir Lock and Security carries a large assortment of keys, and they can reprogramme the chip to work with your vehicle on the spot for a fraction of cost of a dealership.
When you are looking for a transponder key replacement car key costs ensure you request multiple estimates. There are many factors that influence the final price, such as the make and model of your vehicle, whether you have any extra features on the key, like a remote key-fob, and even the location you choose to get it copied.
In the end, you must evaluate the advantages of a transponder-based key against the cost and ease of use. If you are concerned about security and safety, then a transponder key could be worth the cost in the long run. Additionally, the majority of modern cars come with an immobilizer that won't allow them to start if a non-transponder key is used and this is a further factor to consider.
Laser-Cut Keys
While they might seem like something from the sci-fi genre, laser cut keys are actually quite common and offer an extra security measure for cars. Keys that require specialized key cutting equipment and are much more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick than traditional cut keys.
Laser cut car keys are different from traditional keys that have grooves on one side. They also have two slits on the sides. They can be inserted in the lock cylinder in any way, and they still function. They are, therefore, more durable and thicker than standard keys.
They are also employed as a bonus feature to unlock certain locks with high security. The slits are drilled to a specific depth, which is in line with the codes of different automobile manufacturers. Getting the right depth is essential as an incorrectly cut blade could damage the key cutting machine and result in the key not functioning shortly after it is placed into the lock cylinder.
The thicker and more distinctive slits on laser cut car keys are less vulnerable to being copied or taken. In addition, many of these keys have transponder chips that are unique to your vehicle. This means that if someone copies your car key, even if it's equipped with transponder chip it will not be able start your vehicle.
Although these extra layers of security may make a laser-cut car key more expensive than other kinds, the fact is that they're still cheaper than buying a new one from your dealership. Locksmiths are able to cut these keys faster than car dealerships.
A laser-cut car key's quality can make a big difference. The wrong blade could cause damage to the machine that cuts keys or lock cylinder, leaving you with a costly repair bill. This is why it's important to get your laser cut car key from a trusted company that sells them to auto locksmiths.
Bibens Ace South Burlington offers a variety of car key FOB replacement keys for over 250 different models and makes of vehicles, as well as laser-cut sidewinder keys. Visit us today to see how we can help you save money on car key fob replacements without the hassle of having to go to a dealership!
Remote Keys
Not so long ago the possibility of losing or misplacing your car keys wasn't an issue. You could contact a locksmith, get an alternate and then drive away. Nowadays, however, cars are much more technologically advanced and keys are harder to replace and even more difficult for thieves to copy. This means that when you lose your car key, it can be more expensive than before to get it replaced.
The cost of replacing a key will vary according to the type. You can get a traditional key made for $10 at your local hardware store or employ an automotive locksmith who will visit you to make it immediately.
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 quite costly, and it may take a while to order the new key from the manufacturer, which could delay getting back on the road.
Like any other electronic device the car key can stop working without reason. Often, this is due to extreme heat or cold, but it can be due to a bad battery or water in the key fob from rain, or simply deteriorating over time. It's worth resetting your car key before calling an auto locksmith in the event that it is not responding.
It is important to know that your keyfob will only function if you are within the reach of the vehicle. This is the reason it's essential to keep your key fob with you at all times and to not leave it in your pocket unless you're sure that you can return it quickly.
The majority of people lose their keys to their car when they drop them or lose them. In certain instances this could cause it to break or become stuck in the lock, which is why it's an ideal idea to have an extra available at all times.