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Understanding the Different Types of Car Keys Not so long ago the loss of car keys wasn't an issue. You could buy a spare key at your local auto parts store or locksmith. However, as cars have adapted to technological advancement, replacing lost keys has become more complicated and costly. Learn more about what factors into the total cost of car key replacement. Basic Keys When people think of their car keys, they may imagine a basic metal key that can open doors and start the engine. While those are the most commonly used types of car keys however, there are other types that are more advanced and have enhanced security features. Understanding the differences between various kinds of car keys will help people determine what to anticipate when replacing or fixing keys. One of the most basic types of car keys is a standard key, that has been used for a long time and is the most common option for newer cars. These are the keys you can purchase from a hardware shop and attach to your keychain. Keys of standard size can be copied at an affordable price however, they can be expensive to replace in the event of loss or damaged. Transponder keys are a new option that has been available since 1995. They are a more secure alternative to traditional keys. These have microchips in the handle of the key, and are activated when they are inserted into the ignition. They can be more expensive to replace if they are damaged or lost, but they offer better protection against theft than traditional keys. Switchblade keys are another option. They fold up into a keyfob when not being used. They cost more than standard keys, however they are more expensive in the event that the shank of the key or the handle are damaged. There are also smart keys that have built-in Bluetooth trackers, and remote starters. These keys are more expensive and require locksmiths' specific tools to repair. Mechanical Keys In the past the past, if your car's key was damaged or stopped working, you only had to visit the local hardware store to get a new one. Today, things are a little more complicated. There are many different types of cars available and each has an individual key. Depending on the model, it could cost more or less than 50 dollars. Mechanical keys, also referred to as “insert and turn” keys, are the most basic kind. These are the ones that you were in a position to replace at the hardware store for pocket change. They do not come with an electronic transponder, and are used to lock the trunk or doors, but not to start the car. The transponder keys are the other type one, and is the most commonly used. It has a tiny transponder in the key's head which transmits a coded signal to the ignition system of your car to verify the legitimacy of the key. This system was introduced in cars starting in 1995. It stops them from being started with an unauthorised key or a lost one. To fix this type of key the first step is to identify what's causing the malfunction. In the majority of cases the reason is due to a problem with the cap of the key or the key switch. To fix the issue, the key cap or the key switch will need to be removed carefully using the appropriate tool. They will then have to be cleaned and lubricated. Lubricating the switch on the key is essential as this can help to eliminate issues such as key chatter that refers to keys that register multiple inputs with each press. Transponder Keys Transponder keys (also called “chip” keys) are an important part of your car's anti-theft security system. The microchip inside the plastic head of the car key transmits the signal to the antenna ring surrounding the ignition piston. If the computer in the car isn't receiving the correct response from the transponder it won't begin to turn on. This kind of chip can be present in the majority of cars made since 1998. The problem is that they are more expensive to replace. They're not only different from traditional mechanical keys in terms of design, but they also contain microchips that need to be programmed into the car's computer for them to work. Connecting lowest price with your car's computer, and then entering the programming mode is the way to accomplish this. It's more complicated than simply cutting a brand new blank, and because these tools aren't readily available in every locksmith shop, you're likely to pay more for this service than if you replace the basic mechanical key. The model and make of your vehicle is another aspect. Certain manufacturers require specialized equipment to program their cars which can increase the cost. Some people prefer to have a professional do the programming of their transponder key. car key repair service is due to complicated procedures, such as cutting wires to take off the transponder's antenna and using a scanner device and the peace of mind you get from knowing that a professional will be working on your vehicle. Depending on your make and model you may be saving money by bringing your car directly to the dealer to install the new chip. Keys Laser Cut Keys Laser cut keys are a kind of car key with a high-security blade. They first came to the market in the 1990s and help to combat vehicle theft. They are difficult to duplicate and have transponder chips in their heads. The chips communicate with ignitions once they are inserted, preventing the vehicle from being started in the event that keys that aren't the right ones are used. This technology does deter car thefts, but it doesn't stop them completely. The unique blade and design of the key is difficult to duplicate, however burglars can still use it with the proper tools to gain access to your vehicle. This is because traditional keys have an ordinary lock cylinder that's easy to pick. Laser keys, however, come with an asymmetrical cylinder lock that is more difficult to pick. The key is also more durable compared to conventional keys. The blade is made from hardened steel, which can withstand a lot of wear and tear before fading out. If the key is damaged or wears out, it's fairly inexpensive to repair it by locksmiths. While laser cut keys are more expensive than edge-cut counterparts but they offer more security. The combination of the blade, the lock cylinder and the transponder make it more difficult to duplicate. They are still at risk of being lost or stolen if you don't take the necessary precautions. Key Fobs Although they're useful keys can be tricky. They don't hold a charge for long, and they're likely to shut down when you aren't expecting it. You could find yourself in an embarrassing situation if the fob fails in the middle of taking your trunk full of groceries or going to work after a tiring day. You may need to call for locksmith services or a tow truck, and it can cost you a lot of money to get your car back on the road. The type of key and the materials used in the fob could affect the cost. Brands also play a role in that they can be more expensive. Some fobs are programmed by the user, while others require to be programmed by an authorized dealer. If your key fob isn't responding or doesn't work at all A simple battery replacement might fix the issue. The coin-shaped batteries can be found at hardware stores, online retailers and big box retailers for as little as $10. To replace the battery, gently break apart the two halves of the key fob, then insert the new one with the same orientation. It is necessary for your dealer to change the program if your key fob is damaged or is not working properly. While you can find ways to do this yourself however, it's best to let professionals handle the task to avoid any accidental damage that could result in costly repairs in the future. If you have spare keys and fob, you can skip this step and buy a replacement to save money. However, if you've lost both your fob and keys it's worth the cost to have a dealership reprogram the new key and cut the new key simultaneously.