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Understanding the Different Types of Car Keys It wasn't that long ago that misplacing or, even worse, losing your car keys was not an issue. You could buy keys at your local auto parts shop or locksmith. However, as cars have evolved to accommodate technological advances, replacing lost keys is becoming more complicated and expensive. Learn more about the factors that affect the total cost of car key replacement. Basic Keys When people think of their car keys, they might think of a basic metal key that opens doors and start the engine. There are a myriad of more advanced kinds of keys for cars that offer greater security. Knowing the distinctions between car keys will help people to know what to expect when they need to replace or repair them. Standard keys are the simplest type of car key. They have been around for decades, and they remain the most popular option for vehicles with newer technology. These are the keys you can buy at an hardware store and then connect to your keychain. Keys that are standard are fairly inexpensive to copy, but could cost a lot to replace when they're damaged or lost. Modern alternatives include the transponder key, that has been used since 1995 and provides a more secure solution than traditional keys. These have microchips in the handle of the key, and are activated when inserted into the ignition. They can be more expensive to replace in the event that they become lost or damaged, but offer better protection against theft than conventional keys. Another alternative is the switchblade that folds down into an accessory key fob when it is not in use. They are a bit more expensive to replace than standard keys, however they can be more costly in the event that the handle or shank of the key is damaged. There are also smart keys that have built-in Bluetooth trackers, and remote starters. These are more expensive than standard keys, and may require a locksmith's specific tools to repair. Mechanical Keys In the past when you lost a car key or it stopped working completely out of the blue, all you had to do was go to your local hardware store and get an alternative. Nowadays, things are a little more complicated. There are many kinds of cars in circulation and each has a different key. Depending on the model it may cost more or less than 50 dollars. Mechanical keys are the simplest type. They're also referred to as “insert-and-turn” keys. They're the ones you used to be in a position to replace at the hardware store for pocket change. They do not contain a transponder within them and are used to lock the door or trunk locks but not for starting the car. The transponder key is the other type one, and is the most frequently used. This key has a transponder inside the key head that transmits a coded signal to your car's ignition system to verify that the key is valid. This system was installed in vehicles as early as 1995. It prevents the ignition from being started using an unauthorized key or a lost one. The first step in fixing this kind of key is to pinpoint the cause of the problem. Most of the time the issue is with the key cap or key switch is the cause. To fix this the key cap and switch need to be removed with an instrument, and then cleaned and lubricated to resolve the issue. Lubricating the switch is essential because it can help solve issues such as key chatter. This refers to keys that register multiple inputs when they are pressed. Transponder Keys Transponder keys, also referred as “chip keys” are an integral part of the anti-theft system in your vehicle. Full Document embedded in the plastic head of the key transmits a signal to the antenna ring that surrounds the cylinder that controls the ignition. The car won't start if the computer can't receive the correct response. This kind of chip can be used in all cars built since 1998. The issue is that they are more expensive to replace. Apart from having an entirely different design than traditional mechanical keys, they also have a specific microchip that must be programmed into your car's computer to function effectively. Connecting a diagnostic tool with your car's computer, and then entering the programming mode is the way to do this. This procedure can be more complex than cutting a blank, because these devices aren't widely available in all locksmith shops, you could have to pay more than if were to replace a mechanical key. Another factor is the model and make of your vehicle. Certain manufacturers require special equipment to program their cars and increase the cost. Some people prefer to have professionals handle the programming of their transponder keys. This is due to the complicated procedures, such as cutting wires to remove the transponder's antenna as well as using a scanner device, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing that a professional is working on your car. Depending on the make and model you may be in a position to save money by bringing your car directly to the dealer for the installation of the new chip. Keys Laser Cut Keys Laser cut keys come with an edge that is high degree of security. They were first introduced in the 1990s to combat vehicle theft. They are harder to duplicate, and they have transponder chips embedded within their heads. The chips communicate with the ignition when they are inserted into it, preventing the vehicle from starting in the event that the incorrect key is used. This technology can deter car thefts, but it's not enough to stop them completely. The unique blade and shape of the key are hard to duplicate, however burglars can still use it with the appropriate tools to gain entry to your car. This is because traditional keys come with a standard lock, which is easy for a burglar to pick. However, laser keys come with a sidewinder lock cylinder that is more resistant to picking. The key is also more durable in comparison to conventional keys. The blade is composed of hardened steel which can endure wear and wear for a long time before it becomes worn out. If the key is damaged or wears out, it is fairly inexpensive to repair it by a locksmith. While laser-cut keys are more expensive than their edge-cut counterparts, they provide increased security. The combination of the blade design, the lock cylinder and the transponder chip make them more difficult to duplicate or pick. They are still at risk of being lost or stolen in the event that you fail to take the appropriate precautions. Key Fobs Key fobs aren't always reliable even though they're useful. They aren't always reliable and tend to stop functioning when you most likely don't. You may find yourself in an embarrassing situation if the fob fails in the middle of taking your trunk full of groceries or heading to work after a long and exhausting day. You may have to call an emergency locksmith or tow truck, and it could cost you a considerable amount to get your vehicle back on the road. The type of key and the materials used in the fob could affect the cost. It also depends on the manufacturer that is more expensive. Some fobs are programmed by the user, while others must be reprogrammed to the vehicle by a dealer. If your key fob will not work or works infrequently, a new battery may be the solution. These coin-shaped batteries typically cost less than $10 and can be purchased at hardware stores and big box retailers and even online. To replace the battery, gently pull the two halves of the key fob and then insert the new battery in the same way as the old one. If your key fob is damaged or isn't functioning correctly, you'll need to have it reprogrammed with the help of a dealer. While key car repair can find ways to do this yourself but it's better to let a professional handle it to avoid any accidental damage that could lead to costly repairs in the future. If you have spare keys and fob, you could skip this step and buy a replacement to save money. If, however, you've lost both fob and keys it's worth the cost to have a dealer reprogram the new key and cut the new key simultaneously.