Car Key Replacements The loss of a key can be costly, regardless of whether it's an ordinary lock-and-key or a more sophisticated key fob. It's ideal to keep one spare key in your wallet. If you do lose keys, the cheapest option is to find an auto locksmith. A dealership is more expensive, but it is a good alternative. Mechanical Keys If you have an older car that doesn't use key fob technology, your keys are probably mechanical. These standard keys can be made from steel, brass or a mixture of nickel and brass. They're cut using the key duplicator machine with an original key positioned against one side of the machine and an unaligned blank key placed next to it to serve as the template. The original key is then cut using a special cutter to create a duplicate. Transponder Keys Transponder chips are integrated in the majority of newer automobiles keys. These chips are used to unlock the car and then start it. These chips can be found in the ignition or on the key head. The transponder sends a signal to the car's computer when the key is turned into the ignition. The computer then analyzes the signal to ensure that it is in line with the correct serial number. This makes it almost impossible for a stolen car to start without the owner's keys. If the signal doesn't match, the car will not start and will remain locked. This is a great advantage to prevent car thefts since it lowers the risk of someone else driving off with your car. The downside of transponder keys is that it is more expensive than a standard flat metal key. This is because the transponder is equipped with a tiny microchip that isn't cheap to produce and install in the car key. Typically, these kinds of keys can cost hundreds of dollars if purchased from a car dealer. A locksmith can provide cheaper and more secure transponder key replacements. Beishir Lock and Security has many of these keys. They can re-program the chip right on the spot to function with your vehicle at a fraction the cost of the dealership. Be sure to check out estimates when looking for an alternative transponder key. The final cost will be influenced by a variety of factors, including the make and model of your vehicle, the extra features that you can find on the key (such as a remote control key-fob) and the location you decide to have it copied. In the end, it is important to weigh the advantages of a transponder versus the cost and the convenience. If you value security and safety, then a transponder keys may be worth the investment in the long run. Additionally, the majority of modern cars have an immobilizer that doesn't allow them to start if a non-transponder key is utilized and this is a further factor to consider. Laser-Cut Keys Laser cut keys may appear like something from a sci-fi movie however they are actually very common. They add an extra layer of security to automobiles. They are created using specialized key cutting machines and are harder to duplicate or steal from thieves than traditional cut keys. Laser cut car keys are different from traditional keys that have grooves on one side. They also have cut-outs on both sides. They can be put into the lock cylinder in any way, and they still function. In the end, they tend to be more sturdier and thicker than traditional keys. They are also used as a bonus to open certain high-security locks. The slits are drilled to a certain depth, which is in line with the codes of the different car manufacturers. Finding the correct depth is essential because a blade that is not cut correctly could damage the machine that cuts keys and cause the key to stop functioning shortly after it is placed into the lock cylinder. The greater thickness and unique slits of laser cut car keys make them less prone to being copied or picked. A lot of these keys include a transponder that is unique to your car. This means that even if a person makes a copy of your car's key with a transponder chip it won't be in a position to start your vehicle. Keys for cars cut with lasers may be more expensive, but they are still less expensive than buying a new one from the dealership. Locksmiths are able to cut these keys more quickly than car dealerships. Another important thing to remember is that the quality of a laser cut car key can make a huge difference. The wrong blade can easily cause damage to the machine that cuts keys or lock cylinder and leave you with a huge repair bill. It's vital to purchase your laser-cut car key from a locksmith for autos who sells keys. Bibens Ace South Burlington offers a variety of replacement car key FOB keys for over 250 different models and makes of automobiles, as well as sidewinder keys laser-cut. Stop by today and see how we can help you save money on replacement car key fobs without the hassle of having to go to a dealership! Remote Keys It wasn't that long ago that a car key was lost or losing it was not a huge issue. Get a locksmith on the phone to get a new key and drive away. Today, however, cars are more advanced in technology and keys are harder to replace and even more difficult for thieves to copy. It's becoming more expensive to replace a lost car key. Depending on the type of key that you have, the price to replace it can vary. For keys that are traditional you can have a copy made for about $10 at a hardware store, or you can get an automotive locksmith to visit you and make a copy right there. If you have an electronic key, a transponder key with a switchblade or a transponder key with remote start, you'll have to visit your dealer to get it replaced. This can be quite costly, and it may take a while to order the new key from the manufacturer which will delay your getting back on the road. Your car key might not function for no apparent cause as do other electronic devices. This is often due to extreme cold or heat however it could also be due to an ineffective battery or the presence of water in the keyfob following rain. If you find that your car key isn't responding, you should consider trying to reset it first before calling an auto locksmith. It's also important to remember that your key fob can only function when it's within reach of the car. This is why it's important to keep your key fob on you at all times and not let it leave your pocket unless you're sure that you'll be able to return it swiftly. The most common way to lose a car key is by losing it or dropping it. In some instances this could cause it to break or be stuck in the lock and this is why it's an ideal idea to have a spare available at all times.