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Understanding the Different Types of Car Keys It wasn't long ago that losing or, even worse losing your car keys wasn't a big problem. In fact, you could find a spare at an auto parts shop or even your local locksmith. However, as automobiles have evolved to accommodate technological advances, replacing lost keys has become more complicated and costly. Learn more about the factors that influence the cost of replacing a car key. Basic Keys When people think of their car keys, many think of a simple metal key that opens doors and starts the engine. There are a myriad of more advanced kinds of keys for cars that offer greater security. Knowing the distinctions between different types of keys for cars will help people determine what to expect when replacing or repair keys. One of the most basic kinds of keys for cars is a standard one, which has been around for a long time and is the most popular choice for newer cars. These are keys that you can buy at an hardware store and then attach to your keychain. Keys that are standard can be copied for an affordable price however, they can be expensive to replace in the event of loss or damaged. More modern options include the transponder key, which has been in use since 1995 and provides a more secure solution than traditional keys. Microchips are embedded into the handle of the key and activated when the key is inserted into the ignition. They can be more expensive to replace if they are damaged or lost, but offer greater protection from theft than traditional keys. Another option is the switchblade key, which folds into a key fob when not in use. They're a bit more expensive to replace than standard keys, however they could be more expensive in the event that the handle or shank of the key has been damaged. Additionally, there are the smart keys with built-in Bluetooth trackers and remote starts. They are more expensive than standard keys and could require a locksmith's special tools to repair. Mechanical Keys In the past, if your car key was damaged or stopped working, you needed to visit the local hardware store to get an alternative. Today, things are a little more complicated. There are a variety of cars in circulation and each has a different key. Depending on the model, it could cost more or less than 50 dollars. Mechanical keys are the most basic type. They're also referred to as “insert-and-turn” keys. These keys were the ones could be replaced at a hardware store for a few pennies. They do not contain a transponder within them and are used for locking the door or trunk locks, but not for starting the car. The other kind of key, which is the most popular utilized is the transponder keys. This key has a small transponder located in the head of the key that transmits a coded message to the ignition system in your car to verify the legitimacy of the key. The system was put in vehicles as early as 1995. It prevents them from being started with an unauthorized key or a lost one. The first step to fix this type of key is to determine the cause of the problem. Most of the time the issue is with the key cap or key switch is the culprit. To fix this problem, the cap of the key and the key switch should be removed carefully using an instrument, and then cleaned and lubricated to fix the problem. Lubricating key fob repairs is important since it can solve issues such as key chatter. This is the case with keys that can register multiple inputs when they are they are pressed. Transponder Keys Transponder keys, also known as “chip keys”, are an integral element of the anti-theft device in your car. The tiny microchip that is embedded in the head of the plastic key transmits signals to the antenna ring surrounding the cylinder that controls the ignition. The car won't start if the computer can't receive the correct response. This type of chip is present in the majority of cars made since 1998. The problem is, the same feature that makes these kinds of keys more secure also makes them more expensive to replace. They're not just different from traditional mechanical keys in terms of design and appearance, but they also include microchips that need to be programmed into the computer of the vehicle in order to function. Connecting a diagnostic tool to your car's computer and then entering the programming mode is how you do this. It can be more difficult than simply cutting a blank from scratch, and since these tools aren't readily available in every locksmith shop you're likely to spend more than when replacing a basic mechanical key. The make and model of your vehicle is another aspect. Certain manufacturers require special equipment to program their vehicles and increase the cost. Some people prefer having an expert do the programming of their transponder key. It is due to the complicated procedures, like cutting wires to take off the transponder's antenna and using a scanner device and also the security you gain from knowing that a professional will be working on your vehicle. Depending on the make and model you might be able to save money by visiting the dealer for the installation of your new chip. Keys Laser Cut Keys Laser cut keys are a type of car key that comes with a high-security blade. They first came to the market in the 1990s and help to prevent vehicle theft. They are much harder to duplicate than traditional keys and feature transponder chips in their heads. The chips communicate with ignitions once they are inserted and prevent the vehicle from being started when keys that are not the correct ones are used. This technology can prevent car thefts, however it's not able to stop them entirely. The unique blade and shape of the key is difficult to copy, but thieves can still make use of it with the appropriate tools to gain entry to your vehicle. This is because traditional keys have a standard lock that's easy for burglars to pick. Laser keys, however, have a sidewinder cylinder lock that is more difficult to pick. The key's design is more durable than traditional keys. The blade is made from hardened steel, which can withstand lots of wear and tear before fading out. If the key breaks or wears out, it is fairly inexpensive to repair it by locksmiths. While laser-cut keys are more expensive than edge-cut counterparts but they offer greater security. The combination of the blade, the transponder and the lock cylinder make it more difficult to duplicate. They are still susceptible to being lost or stolen if you don't make the proper precautions. Key Fobs Even though they're convenient but key fobs can be tricky. They don't hold a charge for long, and they're likely to cease functioning at the moment you most likely won't notice it. You could end up in a compromising situation if the fob fails, especially if you are taking your trunk full of groceries or going to work after a long and exhausting day. It's possible to call a locksmith or a tow truck, and it could cost a lot to get your vehicle back on the road. A variety of factors affect the price of a fob, such as the kind of key it comes with and the materials used. It is also dependent on the brand that is more expensive. Some fobs can be programmed by the owner while others require a dealer to reprogram them to the vehicle. If your key fob does not function or functions intermittently, a replacement battery could be the answer. These batteries are typically less than $10 and can be purchased at hardware stores or big box retailers and online. To replace the battery, gently pry off the two halves of your key fob and then insert the new one with the same orientation. You'll need your dealer to reprogramme it if your key fob is damaged or is no longer working properly. You can do this yourself, but it's better to leave it to a professional to avoid any accidental damage that could lead to costly repairs in the future. If you have a spare key and fob, you could skip this step and simply buy a replacement to save money. If you've lost both keys and fob, it's worth the extra expense to have a dealership reprogram the new key and cut the new key simultaneously.