Types of Ignition Key Replacement
The simplest type of car key is the blade that you insert into an ignition lock cylinder in order to start your car. These keys are used in older vehicles, however the newer models have transponder chips that must be programmed into your car in order to work.
You can usually have these keys replaced at a dealership or an automotive locksmith. The VIN number of your car can be used to create an entirely new key.
Transponder Keys
If your car was built in the past 20 years, it's almost a guarantee that it has a transponder embedded inside. This technology is a perfect blend of electronic and mechanical security, and it works by sending a coded message to the vehicle when you insert the key into the ignition. The engine control unit compared this code against its internal database to determine if you're the authorized owner of the vehicle. If you are, the car will begin. The process takes place in milliseconds, and is not visible to the naked eye.
If you own a transponder key, you'll be able to see an electronic chip that is small on the front of your key. Inserting the key into your ignition and turning it on is the easiest way to test. If your car responds to the key, it means that it has been programmed and verified as a valid transponder.
This is due to the fact that, while traditional keys match the lock tumblers to unlock the car, a transponder chips send an electronic signal directly to the computer. This helps prevent people from hot-wiring their cars by making sure that the correct key is used to start the ignition system.
Follow these steps to reprogram a transponder. First, ensure that the key works before putting it away. Then, insert the blank key into the ignition and turn it to the "on" position. You should leave it for about 15 minutes, then turn off the ignition. After that, you are able to try to start the car again. If the car does not start after switching it off and on, you'll need repeat the procedure.
Reprogramming a transponder car key is more complicated and expensive than replicating a mechanical key. You'll also need to have your key cut professionally and a car key programmer is required to take the code and then match it to a transponder that is new.
Smart Keys
With smart keys, a driver can open their doors and start the engine by pressing a button without having to insert the key into the ignition. The fob is equipped with an electronic transponder that connects to an immobilizer in the car, disarming it so that the car can be started. The fob comes with remote control buttons that open the tailgate, open the trunk and operate the door locks. Some have panic buttons that when pressed, blasts the vehicle's horn to dissuade intruders.
Like all technologies smart keys come with advantages and drawbacks. But they do offer enhanced security and comfort - especially for those with an inclination to not lock the car. car ignition barrel replacement can save you money over the course of time.
Smart keys aren't just a great way to prevent thieves from stealing vehicles, but they can also aid you in avoiding the infamous phrase, "it's somewhere in here." Instead of using a traditional metal key shaft smart keys communicate with your car using radio frequency signals. They are therefore unable to be duplicated by a traditional key cut. However, that doesn't mean you can't find the key if it should happen to get lost.
Smart keys are more expensive based on the manufacturer. The main reason is that smart keys are equipped with electronic components, which makes them more complicated and difficult to fix in the event of malfunction.
Luckily, Pop-A-Lock is able to replace and program most smart keys at just a fraction of the cost of a dealership. We can even complete the process in a much less time frame, saving you the hassle of having to find alternative transportation until your car is fixed. If you're thinking of buying a smart key to your vehicle Do yourself a favor and purchase a spare key to keep in a secure place, or consider motor insurance that has a substantial payout in the event of losing your keys. Keep it away from people's eyes. Low frequency transmissions can allow thieves to steal your car.
Switchblade Keys
There are many options available when replacing the ignition key. Traditional keys are the old standard, which has a steel shaft with distinct cuts or notches that correspond to lock tumblers within the door and ignition cylinder. They lack advanced features like remote unlocking or keyless entry however they are reliable and easy to use.
Transponder keys on the other hand, are a significant advancement in security technology. These keys feature an electronic chip inside the head of the key that communicates with a receiver within the vehicle and allows it to start only when the correct code is sent. This kind of key has proven effective in reducing theft from vehicles and programming a new key and transponder is relatively simple for a professional locksmith for cars.
Another kind of key is the flip-style key that is designed to tuck the key blade inside the housing when not in use. This will protect the blade of the key from damage, and makes it easier to carry. This type of key features a key fob that includes remote control features. Drivers can lock and unlock car trunks, doors, and start their engines remotely.
Laser cut keys are offered to those who want to add an additional layer of protection against auto theft. Lasers are used to cut the shanks of these keys, creating patterns that are difficult to duplicate. These keys are more expensive than traditional keys and basic key fobs but they offer a higher level of security.
There are also switchblade keys, which resemble the bladed weapons that popularized the term "switchblade." These keys fold up into an accessory handle for keys when they are not in use. When the user presses a button, the handle opens and exposes the key blade like a switchblade knife. Locksmiths can replace the key blade, or the key fob, of this type of lock. However they cost more than standard replacements.
Smart keys are the most recent innovation in automotive security. They provide a completely electronic system for unlocking and starting your car. They communicate with your vehicle through antennas embedded in the car frame and body. This eliminates the requirement for traditional keys blades and the need to insert the key into the ignition. The most sophisticated models even have the ability to lock and start your car without having to be inserted into the ignition at all but this requires you be within range of the vehicle.
Key Fobs
Key fobs are remotes that allow you to lock and start your vehicle without touching the ignition. They are small, rectangular, and feature buttons that perform various functions. From locking the doors to starting the car remotely, they can be used for everything. They attach to the car key via tiny plastic cases which may also have buttons to open the trunk or set off an alarm.
Certain newer vehicles also have keys that can be combined to provide the traditional key shank as well as a key fob, with the latter usually controlling the ignition. They are also referred to as "transponder keys."
Many modern-day car owners use their key fobs to gain access to their vehicle, and a lot of them aren't aware of they're doing it. While these devices are great for enhancing the experience of driving however, they have certain disadvantages that need to be considered.
The most obvious problem is that a key fob could be unable to charge. The electronic signals that unlock your vehicle and allow it to start work by sending an electronic code to the computer in your car and when the signal is disrupted or is lost, the key fob won't be in a position to operate the car.
Fortunately, most modern key fobs are built to be resilient against such threats. They are typically programmed to send random numbers to the car system every time they send signals. This prevents old codes from being reused and renders any keys stolen from the car useless to thieves.
Key fobs can also be used as a backup method to unlock and start the car in the event that the key is lost. Some manufacturers have even gone a step further and created apps that can be downloaded to phones and used to control a car in the event that you're not able to find your key fob.
If you have a key fob that needs to be replaced, you should get in contact with a professional locksmith. They can help you and their services are generally cheaper than those of a dealership.