You can get an alternative key for a mechanical one at any hardware shop. However, the key will have to be programmed by a locksmith or dealer.
Smart keys are more complicated and require a visit to the dealer to connect them to your car. They can be expensive however, many insurance companies will pay for the cost.
Mechanical Keys
You can still purchase mechanical car keys, the ones that you put into an ignition lock for your vehicle to start. If your car has one of these, replacing the key and fob is fairly inexpensive (if they're lost or stolen).
A locksmith can create new keys for less than you would purchase from a dealership. You could also ask someone close to you who knows how to program transponder keys from the aftermarket (which are cheaper than keys made by the factory) cut keys and then program them. Getting a spare is important since modern cars won't be able to start when a key that isn't programmed with the correct chip is used.
Transponder keys appear like mechanical keys, but they have a hidden electronic chip embedded in the bottom of their plastic shape that communicates with your vehicle's computer system. Your vehicle will recognize the code contained in the chip and accept it, however it will refuse to start if a different code is used.
If your spare key contains a chip that is programmed, it will have to be programmed at a dealership. You'll need a special machine to both cut the key and program it. These machines are available only at certain dealerships. It is unlikely that a locksmith would have the equipment necessary to create a key with transponder.
It's expensive to replace keys with remotes, especially if require a spare. You could try reprogramming your fob yourself if you're only missing the shank on the key and you have a functioning replacement fob, but it can be time-consuming and difficult. It's better to go to an expert in the event that you've lost both the key and the fob.
There are other kinds of car keys that require a specialized set of skills to replace, such as flip keys and smart keys. They are more complicated and typically need to be replaced at the dealership. Some key fobs feature a spring-loaded key that folds into the enclosure and opens a door or uses a proximity sensor to open and start your car.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed in the last 10 years or so it's likely to use a transponder key system. The keys have an embedded microchip and a receiver that is programmed to communicate to start your vehicle.
Transponder keys can be an effective method of preventing theft, as they require two elements to start a car - the transmitter inside the key, and the receiver connected to the immobilizer. Without both the key and the immobilizer system in place, the car won't start and it is not possible to connect hotwire.
These key chips have an unique serial number that is specific to your vehicle. cost of replacement car key of the key is then sent to the immobilizer in the car and checked to match. If it does the engine starts, it will. The only thing that can be a hindrance to this security feature is a device that is able to detect the chip and match it with another car.
If you need a transponder key replacement you'll need to go to an authorized locksmith who has the equipment needed to reprogram the key into your car. Some car dealerships provide this service, but their overheads make them more costly than an independent locksmith.
It can be difficult to obtain a new key with chip. The key needs to be cut on a specific machine to ensure that it has the right tracks which can later be programmed to assign the key to your car. This requires specialized software and the right key cutter to get it done properly.
Many auto parts stores are able to duplicate some of the more basic keys for chips, but you will need to know the serial number from the original key in order to ensure that the correct data is encoded into the key. Many people make a mistake by visiting their dealer to purchase a copy of a chip key only to end up paying inflated costs.
Laser-Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys are also referred to as sidewinder key because of the distinctive winding cut that is made on the shank of the key. They add an additional layer of security to your vehicle. Because it takes specialized machinery to duplicate these keys, they're a fantastic protection against auto theft.
They also have built-in chips to stop unauthorized key copying from starting your vehicle. They also usually have a unique code on the key that must be programmed for your specific vehicle in order to unlock and start it. This additional level of security will protect your investment, and deter thieves from trying to steal your vehicle in exchange for parts or to resell it.
In terms of their design, laser-cut keys are slightly different from mechanical cut keys in that they have less grooves carved out on the key. The key shaft is thicker, which is another indication that this isn't an ordinary car key. Locksmiths usually employ milling machines to cut keys. This type of machine looks much like a drill bit and is designed to remove metal at very precise and controlled angles.
These are some of the most secure keys you can buy for your car, as they are extremely difficult to duplicate and only cut by the dealer or a licensed locksmith. They're not created using traditional keys. Instead, they're made of a tiny piece of steel that's shaped according into a specific code at the factory and then cut using laser. This type of key is extremely robust and can be able to withstand many years of wear and wear and is one of the best options to protect your vehicle.
Depending on the key, it could either fold into the fob, or pop out with the click of a button. car replacement key cost like these are commonly used in German automobiles, and offer an extra layer of security against car thieves. The cylinder is also very tough and difficult to break into, which makes it difficult for a thief pick or pick-lock the car.
Smart Keys Keys
Smart keys communicate with the vehicle by using radio-frequency identification (RFID) instead of the traditional single piece of carved metal. They come with a chip with a unique code, which is encoded on every key. The key sends a signal to the onboard computer of your vehicle whenever you unlock the doors or open the trunk. The computer then will prompt the right frequency that allows you to start your car.
The smart key's chip has a number of security features to guard against theft. First, the key emits a very low-frequency signal that can't be received by any other receiver, not even your car. If the onboard computer detects this signal, it will trigger another one that is a unique sequence that only your vehicle will comprehend. This prevents a tech savvy criminal from using a pulse generator in order to "fool the system" and make the key work on other vehicles.
In addition to locking and opening the car, some smart keys also have additional functions such as storing particular driver preferences remotely opening windows, the sunroof, among others. These features are accessible by activating the proximity sensor on the key fob by pressing a button, or, in some instances, by twisting a small piece of metal inside the key.
The majority of these key fobs have buttons that open the doors by themselves however some come with another method of opening them by a slot or placing the dead key in a spot on the dashboard where it holds an inductive coil which can transfer energy. Some even come with an emergency (fully mechanical) key blade concealed in the key to enable this.
Replace a smart key requires an appointment with a dealer, where they can order the replacement or have it in stock. They'll also have to program the new key to recognize the car you are driving. You can also go to an locksmith to get your replacement key fob to be programmed and then replaced. A locksmith might charge more than a dealer, but they'll likely be able to finish the job faster and less expensively.
