What's Holding Back In The Car Key Replacements Industry?
Car Key Replacements Whether it's a simple lock-and-key key or a more sophisticated fob key, losing one can cost you a lot. The best way to avoid this is to keep an extra key in your wallet. The cheapest solution is to call an auto locksmith if you have lost your key. A dealership may be more costly, but it's a good choice. Mechanical Keys Your car keys are likely to be mechanical if you own an older vehicle that doesn't have key fobs. The standard keys are made of brass, steel, or a combination between nickel and brass. They are cut using the key duplicator machine with an original key positioned against one side of the machine, and a blank key aligned with it to function as a template. The key that was originally used is cut with a specially-designed cutter to create a duplicate. Transponder Keys The majority of newer cars are equipped with a transponder chips built into the key that can be used to unlock and start the vehicle. These chips are usually placed in the head of the key, however they could also be placed in the ignition. When Read the Full Content is turned on in the ignition, the transponder sends an electronic signal that is picked up by the computer system of the car. The computer then analyzes the signal to make sure it matches the correct serial number. This makes it nearly impossible for stolen vehicles to start without the owner's keys. If the signal doesn't match the car's signal, it won't start and will remain locked. This is an excellent benefit to help deter car thefts as it lowers the risk of someone else driving off with your vehicle. The drawback of transponder keys is that it's more expensive than a conventional flat metal key. The reason for this is that the transponder has a tiny microchip that isn't cheap to make and put into a car key. Typically, these types keys can cost hundreds of dollars when purchased from a dealership. A locksmith can provide more reliable and affordable transponder key replacements. Beishir Lock and Security carries a large assortment of keys, and can reprogramme the chip to work with your vehicle in-the-moment for a fraction of the price of the dealership. If you're looking for a transponder key replacement ensure you request multiple estimates. There are a variety of variables that affect the final cost, including the model and make of your vehicle, whether you have additional features on your key, such as a remote key fob or a remote key-fob, and also where you'll go to copy it. In the end, you must evaluate the advantages of a transponder key versus the cost and convenience. Transponder keys might be beneficial in the long term when you value safety and protection. In addition, most modern vehicles have an immobilizer that doesn't allow them to start if a non-transponder key is utilized which is another factor to consider. Laser-Cut Keys Although they may sound like something out of a sci-fi movie laser cut keys are actually quite common and provide an extra layer of protection for cars. They require specialized key cutting equipment and are much more difficult for thieves to copy or pick than traditional cut keys. Contrary to traditional keys, which have grooves cut into one side the laser cut keys feature slits that are tooled on both sides. This allows them to be inserted into the lock cylinder in either direction and still operate it. As a result, they tend to be more sturdier and thicker than traditional keys. As a bonus they can also be used to unlock some high-security locks. This is because the slits are tooled into a specific depth that is compatible with various codes used by car manufacturers. Getting the right depth is crucial because a blade that is not cut correctly can damage the machine that cuts keys and cause the key to stop working shortly after being inserted into the lock cylinder. The thicker and more distinctive slits of keys made by lasers make them less prone to being copied or taken. Some keys have a transponder chip that is unique to your car. This means that even if a person copies your car's key with a transponder chip, they won't be capable of starting your car. Laser cut car keys may be more expensive however, they are cheaper than purchasing a replacement from the dealership. Locksmiths often cut these keys faster than dealerships selling cars. The quality of a laser-cut car key can make a significant difference. A blade that is not of the right type can easily harm the machine that cuts keys or the cylinder of your lock, which could result in a costly repair bill. This is the reason it's essential to purchase your laser cut car key from a trusted company that sells keys to auto locksmiths. Bibens Ace South Burlington offers a wide selection of replacement car key FOB keys for over 250 different makes and models of vehicles, in addition to laser-cut sidewinder keys. Visit us today to find out how you can save money on replacements for your car fob, without having to go to a dealer! Remote Keys It wasn't too long ago that losing your car key or losing it was not a big problem. You could contact an locksmith, receive a replacement and still drive away. Nowadays, however, cars are a lot more technologically advanced, and the corresponding keys are harder to replace and even more difficult for thieves to duplicate. This means that if you lose your car key it could be more costly than ever to replace it. Depending on the type of key you own, the cost 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 on the spot. If you own a smart key, transponder keys with switchblade, or a transponder with remote start, you will need to visit your dealership to get it replaced. This can be quite costly and could take a while to order the new key from the manufacturer, which can delay your getting back on the road. Your car key can stop working for no apparent cause as with other electronic devices. It is usually due to extreme cold or heat however, it can be due to a bad battery or water in the keyfob following rain. If you notice that your car key isn't longer responding, it's worth trying to reset it before contacting an auto locksmith. You should also be aware that your key fob will only work if you're within the range of the vehicle. This is the reason it's essential to keep your key fob on your person at all times, and not let it leave your pocket unless you're sure that you'll be able to return it quickly. The most common way to lose the car key is through losing it or dropping it. This can sometimes result in the key breaking or become stuck in the lock. It's recommended to always have a spare.