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Understanding the Different Types of Car Keys It wasn't long ago that losing or worse, losing your car keys wasn't a big problem. In fact, you could probably find a spare at an auto parts store or at your local locksmith. As cars have evolved to keep up with technological advancements replacing keys lost in the car is becoming more difficult and costly. Learn more about the factors that affect the cost of a replacement car key. Basic Keys When people think about their car keys, they often think of a simple metal key that opens doors and starts the engine. While these are the most commonly used types of car keys however, there are other kinds that are more sophisticated and offer enhanced security features. Knowing the distinctions between car keys can help people to know what to expect when they need to replace or repair them. Standard keys are the simplest type of car keys. They've been in use for many years, and are still the most popular option for newer vehicles. These are the keys you can purchase at a hardware shop and attach to your keychain. Keys that are standard are fairly affordable to duplicate, but could cost a lot to replace when they're damaged or lost. Modern alternatives include the transponder key which has been used since 1995 and provides an extra secure option than traditional keys. key car repair have microchips embedded in the handle of the key, and activate when they are inserted into the ignition. They are more costly to replace in the event of damage or loss, but they provide greater protection against theft than traditional keys. Switchblade keys are a different option. They fold up into a keyfob when not being used. They are more expensive than normal keys to replace, but they can be more expensive in the event that the shank of the key or the handle are damaged. Lastly, there are also the smart keys that have built-in Bluetooth trackers as well as remote starts. These are more expensive than standard keys and may require a locksmith's special tools to repair. Mechanical Keys In the past when you lost your car key or it stopped working completely out of the blue, all you had to do was visit the local hardware store and find a replacement. Today things are a bit more complicated. There are many kinds of cars in circulation and each one has its own key. Based on the type of car it may cost more or less than 50 dollars. Mechanical keys, also known as “insert and turn” keys are the most basic type. They were the keys could be replaced at a hardware store for a few cents. They do not contain a transponder within them and are intended for locking the door or trunk locks, but not to start the car. The transponder key is the other type, and is the most commonly used. This key has a small transponder in the head of the key which transmits a coded signal to the ignition system of your vehicle to verify the authenticity of the key. This feature was added to vehicles in 1995, and can stop them from starting in the event that a stolen or unauthorised key is used. The first step in fixing this kind of key is to identify the cause of the problem. In the majority of cases, a problem with either the cap of the key or the switch is the culprit. To fix the issue, the key cap or switch must be removed with care using a tool. They will then need to be cleaned and lubricated. Lubricating the switch is important because it can help solve issues such as key chatter. This is a reference to keys that allow multiple inputs to be detected when they are pressed. Transponder Keys Transponder keys (also called “chip” keys) are an essential part of your car's anti-theft security system. The tiny microchip that is embedded in the plastic head of the car key sends the signal to the antenna ring surrounding the ignition piston. If the computer in the car doesn't receive the correct response from the transponder it won't start. Most cars built from 1998 include this type of chip. The issue is that the same feature that makes these kinds of keys more secure makes them more expensive to replace. They are not only different from conventional mechanical keys in terms of design, but they also contain a microchip that needs to be programmed into the car's computer for them to function. This process is done by connecting an instrument for diagnostics to your car's computer and then entering a programming mode. It is more complicated than simply cutting a blank from scratch, and since these tools aren't readily accessible in every locksmith shop you'll pay more for this service than when replacing a basic mechanical key. Another aspect is the model and make of the car you are driving. Some manufacturers require specialized equipment to program their cars and increase the cost. Some prefer having professional programming of their transponder keys. This is due to the complicated procedures, such as cutting wires to take off the transponder's antenna and using a scanner device, as well as the security you gain from knowing that a professional will be working on your vehicle. Based on the make and model you might be in a position to save money by visiting the dealership to arrange to install your new chip. Laser Cut Keys Laser cut keys are a type of car key that comes with high-security blade. They first came to the market in the 1990s, and are used to stop vehicle theft. They are more difficult to duplicate than traditional keys and feature transponder chips in their heads. The chips communicate with ignitions when they are inserted and prevent the vehicle from starting when keys that are not the correct ones are used. While this technology helps deter car thieves however, it isn't able to stop them entirely. The unique blade shape is difficult to duplicate, but anyone with the right tools and equipment can still make use of it to gain access into your car. This is because traditional keys have a standard lock cylinder that's easy to pick. But laser keys have a sidewinder lock which is more difficult to pick. The key is also more durable in comparison to conventional keys. The blade is made from hardened steel and can withstand lots of wear and tear before fading out. However, if the key wears out or is accidentally snapped in half, it's affordable to have it replaced by a professional locksmith. Laser-cut keys are more expensive, however they are more secure. The combination of the blade design, the lock cylinder and transponder chip makes them difficult to duplicate or pick. They are still at risk of being lost or stolen if you do not take the appropriate precautions. Key Fobs Key fobs aren't always reliable, even though they are practical. They won't last forever and are likely to cease functioning when you least expect them. You could end up in a embarrassing situation if your fob malfunctions particularly when you are carrying around a large amount of groceries or heading to work after a long and tiring day. It's possible to need a locksmith or a tow truck, and it could cost a lot of money to get your car back on the road. The type of key and the materials used in the fob can affect the price. It is also dependent on the brand which is usually more expensive. Certain fobs can be programmed by the owner, while others require a dealer to reprogram them to the vehicle. If your key fob does not work or is working intermittently, a simple replacement battery may be the solution. The coin-shaped batteries usually cost less than $10 and are available at hardware stores or big box retailers and on the internet. To replace the battery, gently pull the two halves of the key fob apart and insert the new battery in the same way as the previous one. It is necessary for your dealer to reprogramme it if your key fob is damaged or isn't working properly. While there are ways to do this yourself but it's better to have professionals handle the task to prevent any accidental damage that could cause costly repairs in the future. You can save money by purchasing a new key and fob even if you already have. If you've lost your fob and key together, it's worth it to have the dealer reprogram the key and cut a brand new key at the same at the same time.