Car Key Replacements

The loss of a key can be costly, regardless of whether it's a simple lock-and-key, or a high-end key fob. The best way to prevent this is to always have an extra key in your wallet.

If you lose keys, the cheapest option is to find an auto locksmith. A dealership could be more expensive, but it's an excellent option.

Mechanical Keys

Your car keys will likely be mechanical if you have an old car that doesn't have key fobs. Keys of this type are made of metal, like brass, steel or a combination of brass and nickel. They are cut with a key duplicator, with the original key placed against one side of the machine and a blank key aligned to it to act as the template. The original key is cut using a special cutter to create a duplicate.

Transponder Keys

The majority of newer cars are equipped with a transponder chip integrated into the key that can be used to unlock and start the vehicle. These chips are usually located in the head of the key, but can also be located in the ignition. The transponder sends an electronic signal to the car's computer when the key is turned on in the ignition. The computer then analyzes the signal to verify that it matches the correct serial number.

This makes it nearly impossible for a stolen car to be started without the owner's keys. If the signal doesn't match, the vehicle will not start. This is an enormous benefit that helps discourage car thieves since the odds of someone else starting and driving off with your car are significantly diminished.

The downside of a transponder key is that it's more expensive than a traditional flat metal key. The transponder is a chip that is costly to produce and integrate into the car key. Typically, these kinds of keys can cost hundreds of dollars when purchased through the car dealership.

A locksmith can offer less expensive and reliable transponder key replacements. Beishir Lock and Security has an extensive selection of these keys and can reprogram the chip on the spot to work with your vehicle for a fraction the cost of the dealership.

If you're looking to replace a transponder key, be sure to get multiple estimates. The final cost is determined by a variety of factors, including the model and make of your vehicle, the additional features that you can find on the key (such as a remote-control key-fob), and even the location you select to have it copied.

In the end, you need to weigh the benefits of a transponder versus the expense and convenience. If you are concerned about safety and security, then a transponder key might be worth the investment in the long term. A car key that isn't transponder-compatible won't allow the car to start.

Laser-Cut Keys

While they might seem like something from the sci-fi genre Laser cut keys are actually quite common and offer an additional layer of protection for cars. These keys are created with specialized key cutting machines and are much harder to duplicate or steal from thieves than traditional cut keys.

Laser cut car keys are different from traditional keys with grooves on one side. They also have cut-outs on both sides. They can be inserted in the lock cylinder in any way, and they still function. They are, therefore, more durable and thicker than standard keys.

They are also employed as a bonus feature to open certain high-security locks. The slits are tooled to a specific depth, which matches the codes of the different car manufacturers. The right depth is crucial because a blade that is not cut correctly can damage the machine that cuts keys and result in the key not working immediately after being inserted into the lock cylinder.

The thicker and more distinctive slits of keys made by lasers are less vulnerable to being copied or taken. Furthermore, many of these keys contain transponder chips that are unique to your car. This means that when someone copies your car key even if it's equipped with transponder chip it will not be able start your vehicle.

Laser-cut car keys might be more expensive, but they are still cheaper than purchasing a replacement from a dealership. In addition, locksmiths can often cut these keys more quickly than the car dealership.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the quality of a laser-cut car key could make all the difference. A bad blade could easily damage the machine that cuts keys or the cylinder of your lock, leaving you with an expensive repair bill. This is the reason it's essential to purchase your laser-cut car key from a trusted supplier who sells them to auto locksmiths.

Bibens Ace South Burlington offers a variety of replacement car key FOB keys for more than 250 different models and makes of automobiles, as well as laser-cut sidewinder key replacements. Stop by today and see how we can save you money on replacement key fob for car car key fobs without the hassle of having to go to a dealership!

Remote Keys

Not too long ago having lost or misplaced your car keys wasn't an issue. You could call a locksmith, get a replacement and still drive away. The cars of today are more advanced in technology and keys that go with them can be harder to replace. They are also difficult to steal. It's now more expensive to replace the key to a car that has been lost.

The cost of replacing a key will vary depending on the kind. You can get a traditional key made for $10 at your local hardware store or hire an automotive locksmith who will visit you to make it immediately.

You'll need to take your smart key, transponder that has switchblade or transponder with remote start to the dealer to be changed. 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 cease to function without a clear cause as with other electronic devices. Often, this is due to extreme cold or heat, but it can also be caused by an unsatisfactory battery, water in the key fob from rain, or simply wearing out over time. It is recommended to reset your car key prior to calling an auto locksmith if you notice that it is not responding.

You should also know that your key fob will only work if you're within the reach of the vehicle. This is the reason it's essential to keep your key fob close to your person at all times, and never let it go out of your pocket unless you are certain that you can return it promptly.

A majority of people lose their keys to their cars by dropping them or misplacing keys. In certain instances this could cause it to break or get stuck in the lock and that's why it's an ideal idea to have a spare available at all times.