Car Key Replacements

The loss of a key can be costly, whether it's a simple lock-and-key, or a high-end key fob. The best way to avoid this is to always keep a spare in your wallet.

The cheapest solution is to contact an auto locksmith in the event that you have lost your key. Dealerships are more expensive, but is a great alternative.

Mechanical Keys

If you have an older vehicle that doesn't have key fob technology, your car keys are probably mechanical. Keys that are standard can be made of steel, brass or a mixture of brass and nickel. They are cut using a key duplicator, using an original key set against one side of the machine and a blank key aligned with it to serve as a template. The original key is cut using an specialized cutter to make the duplicate.

Transponder Keys

The majority of newer cars are equipped with a transponder chip built into the key which is used to unlock and start the vehicle. These chips are usually located in the head of the key, but they can also be found in the ignition. When the key is inserted into the ignition, the transponder transmits a signal that is received by the computer system in the car. The computer then checks the signal to ensure that it matches with the correct serial number.

This makes it almost impossible for stolen vehicles to start without the owner's keys. If the signal is not in sync, the vehicle will not start. This is an enormous benefit that helps to stop car thieves from taking your car as the odds of someone else starting and driving away with your vehicle are drastically diminished.

A transponder key costs more than a standard metal key. This is because the transponder contains a small microchip that isn't cheap to make and put into the car key. The keys are usually expensive when purchased from a car dealership.

A locksmith can provide less expensive and secure transponder key replacements. Beishir Lock and Security carries many of these keys and can even reprogram the chip to work with your vehicle in-the-moment at a fraction of the price of the dealership.

When shopping around to replace a transponder key, be sure to get multiple estimates. There are a variety of factors that influence the final price, including the make and model of your vehicle, whether you have additional features on your key, such as a remote key-fob, and even the location you choose to copy it.

In the end, you need to consider the advantages of a transponder-based key against the cost and ease of use. Transponder keys might be beneficial in the long run when you value safety and protection. In addition, most modern vehicles have an immobilizer that will not allow the car to start if a non-transponder keys is used, so this is another aspect to take into consideration.

Laser-Cut Keys

Although they may sound like something out of a sci-fi movie Laser cut keys are actually quite common and provide an extra security measure for vehicles. They are created using special key cutting machines and are much harder to copy or pick for thieves than traditional cut keys.

Contrary to traditional keys, which have grooves cut into one side laser cut car keys have slits tooled on both sides. This allows them to be put into the lock cylinder either direction while still operating it. They are, therefore, more durable and thicker than conventional keys.

In addition they can be used to open some locks with high security. The slits are made to a certain depth, which matches the codes of various automobile manufacturers. It is crucial to choose the right depth, as an incorrectly-cut blade can damage the cutting machine, and cause the key not to function once it has been put into the lock.

The unique slits and increased thickness of laser-cut car keys make them more resistant to copying. Furthermore the majority of these keys have transponder chips that are unique to your vehicle. This means that even if someone copies your car key using a transponder chip it won't be able to start your vehicle.

Although these extra layers of security could make a laser-cut car key more expensive than other keys however, the reality is that they're still less expensive than purchasing a replacement from your dealer. Locksmiths often cut these keys faster than dealerships selling cars.

A car key that is laser cut's quality can make a huge difference. A bad blade could cause damage to the machine that cuts keys or your lock cylinder leading to a large repair cost. This is the reason it's essential to purchase your laser-cut car key from a reliable supplier who sells them to auto locksmiths.

Bibens Ace South Burlington offers a wide selection of replacement car key FOB keys for over 250 different models and makes of vehicles, as well as laser-cut sidewinder key replacements. 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 dealer!

Remote Keys

Not so long ago the possibility of losing or misplacing your car keys was not an issue. Get a locksmith on the phone to get a new key and drive away. Nowadays, however, automobiles are more advanced in technology, and the corresponding keys are harder to replace and more difficult for thieves to copy. It's becoming more expensive to replace a lost car key.

Depending on the type of key you own, the cost to replace it will vary. You can have traditional keys for $10 at a local hardware store or hire an automotive locksmith who will visit you to create it on the spot.

You'll need to take your smart key, transponder with switchblade or transponder that has remote start to the dealership to be replaced. This can be quite costly and may take a while to obtain the new key from the manufacturer, which can delay your getting back on the road.

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

It's also important to understand that your key fob will only function if it's within range of your vehicle. It's important to always keep your key fob with you, and never let it go out of your pocket unless absolutely essential.

The most frequent method of losing the car key is through misplacing it or dropping it. In some instances, this can cause it to break or be stuck in the lock and this is why it's always a good idea to have an extra available at all times.