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Understanding the Different Types of Car Keys A few years ago the loss of car keys weren't an issue. In fact, you could purchase a spare from an auto parts shop or even your local locksmith. However, as vehicles have evolved to accommodate technological advances and technology, replacing keys that have been lost is becoming more complicated and expensive. Find out more about the elements that influence the cost of a replacement car key. Basic Keys When people think of their car keys, they often think of a simple metal key that opens doors and then starts the engine. There are a variety of more sophisticated kinds of keys for cars that can provide greater security. Understanding the differences between car keys will help people understand what to expect when they need to replace or repair them. One of the most basic kinds of car keys is a standard one, that has been used for a long time and is the most commonly used option for cars with modern technology. These are the keys that you can buy at a hardware shop and attach to your keychain. Keys that are standard can be copied at a relatively low cost, but they are expensive to replace if lost or damaged. The most modern alternatives include the transponder keys, which has been used since 1995 and offers a more secure solution than traditional keys. Microchips are incorporated into the handle of the key and activated when the key is put into the ignition. They are more expensive to replace in the event of a loss or damage, however they offer greater protection against theft than standard keys. Switchblade keys are another option. They fold into the form of a keyfob when they are not being used. They are more expensive than regular keys, however they may cost more when the shank of the key or the handle are damaged. There are also smart keys that come with built-in Bluetooth trackers and remote starts. They cost more than standard keys and could require locksmith's tools to repair. Mechanical Keys In the past when your car key broke or was not working, you had to visit the local hardware store and purchase new keys. Today, things are a little more complicated. There are a variety of cars on the road, and each one has distinct keys. Based on the model that you are replacing, it could cost you more or less than $50. Mechanical keys, also known as “insert and turn” keys are the most basic type. They were the keys you could replace at the hardware store for a few pennies. They do not contain a transponder within them and are used to lock the trunk or door locks, but not to start the car. The transponder key is a different type, 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. The system was introduced to vehicles in 1995, and can stop the ignition from starting if an unauthorized or lost key is used. To fix this kind of key, the first step is to determine what is causing it to malfunction. In This Web page of cases, the cause is due to either an issue with the cap on the key or the key switch. To correct this, the key cap and switch need to be carefully removed using an instrument, and then cleaned and lubricated to resolve the issue. Lubricating the key switch is essential as this can help to eliminate issues like key chatter which refers to keys that register multiple inputs each press. Transponder Keys Transponder keys, also referred as “chip keys” are an integral part of the anti-theft system in your vehicle. The microchip inside the head of the key transmits an electrical signal to the antenna ring around the ignition cylinder. The car won't start if the computer does not receive the correct response. Most cars produced since 1998 have this type of chip. The issue is, the same factor that makes these kinds of keys more secure also makes them more expensive to replace. They're not just different from conventional mechanical keys in terms of design and appearance, but they also include microchips that need to be programmed into the computer of the vehicle for them to function. This process is done by connecting a diagnostic tool to the car's computer and entering a programming mode. This process can be more complicated than simply cutting a blank and because these tools aren't available in all locksmith shops, you may be charged more than if you were to replace the mechanical key. Another factor is the model and make of your vehicle. Some manufacturers have their own equipment that has to be used in order to program their vehicles, which could increase your cost. Some prefer to have professional programming of their transponder keys. This is because of the complex procedures involved, such as cutting wires to disconnect the transponder antenna and utilizing a scanning device as well as the peace of mind that comes from knowing you are working with a professional who is experienced on your vehicle. Depending on the make and model you may be able to save money by visiting the car dealership to install your new chip. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys Laser cut keys feature blades that have a high degree of security. They were introduced in the 1990s to prevent theft of vehicles. They are more difficult to duplicate than traditional key designs and have transponder chips inside their heads. The chips communicate with the ignition when they are inserted in it, which prevents the vehicle from starting when the incorrect key is used. This technology helps prevent car thefts, however it doesn't stop them completely. The key's unique blade shape are difficult to duplicate, however a burglar with the proper tools and equipment can still make use of it to gain access into your vehicle. This is because traditional key come with a standard lock, which is easy for burglars to pick. Laser keys, however, come with the sidewinder cylinder lock, which is much more difficult to pick. The key's design is more durable than traditional keys. The blade is made from hardened steel, which can withstand a lot of wear and tear before wearing out. If the key wears out or is accidentally snapped in half, it's inexpensive to replace it by a professional locksmith. Laser-cut keys are more expensive however, they provide greater security. The combination of the blade, lock cylinder and the transponder make it difficult to duplicate. They are still susceptible to being stolen or lost if you do not make the proper precautions. Key Fobs Key fobs aren't always reliable even though they're useful. They don't last for a long time, and they are likely to shut down when you aren't expecting it. You may find yourself in an embarrassing situation if the fob fails in the middle of carrying around a large amount of groceries or going to work after a exhausting day. You may need to call a locksmith or a tow truck and it can cost you a lot of money to get your vehicle back on the road. Many factors influence the cost of a fob. These include the type of key it contains and the materials it is made of. Brands also play a role as they can be 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 will not function or functions intermittently, a replacement battery might be the solution. These batteries are typically less than $10 and are available at hardware stores, big box retailers, and on the internet. To replace the battery, gently break off the two halves of the key fob and then insert the new one with the same orientation. If your key fob is damaged or no longer works properly, you'll have to have it reprogrammed with the help of a dealer. While you can find ways to do this yourself, it's best to have professionals handle the task to prevent any accidental damage that could cause costly repairs in the future. If you have spare keys and fob, you can bypass this step and purchase a new one to save money. If you've lost your fob and key together, it's worth the cost to allow the dealer to reprogram your key and cut a new key at the exact same time.