20 Car Key Repair Cost Websites Taking The Internet By Storm
Understanding the Different Types of Car Keys
It wasn't that long ago that misplacing or, even worse, losing keys to your car was not an problem. You could buy a spare key at your local auto parts shop or locksmith.
However, as cars have adapted to technological advancement and technology, replacing keys that have been lost has become more complicated and expensive. Read on to learn more about what factors into the total cost of car key replacement.
Basic Keys
When people think of their car keys, many imagine a basic metal key that opens doors and turns on the engine. While these are the most common kinds of keys for cars, there are many other types that are more advanced and can provide enhanced security features. Knowing the distinctions between car keys will allow people to know what to expect when they need to replace or repair them.
Keys that are standard are the most basic type of car key. They've been around for many years, and remain the most popular option for newer vehicles. These are the keys you can buy at an establishment that sells hardware and connect to your keychain. Keys of standard size can be copied at the cost of a small amount, but they are expensive to replace in the event of loss or damaged.
Transponder keys are an innovative option that has been around since 1995. They are an extra-secure alternative to traditional keys. Microchips are incorporated into the handle of the key and activated when the key is put into the ignition. These can be more expensive to replace in the event that they become damaged or lost, but provide greater security against theft than traditional keys.
Another option is the switchblade key, which folds into an accessory key fob when it is not in use. They are more expensive than regular keys to replace, but they can be more expensive in the event that the shank of the key or the handle are damaged.
There are also smart keys that have built-in Bluetooth trackers, and remote starters. These keys are more expensive and may require locksmiths' special tools to repair.
Mechanical Keys
In the past, if you lost a car key or it stopped working out of the sudden, all you needed to do was go to the local hardware store and find an alternative. Today things are a bit more complicated. There are a variety of cars available and each has distinct keys. Depending on the type the key is replaced, it could cost more or less than $50.
Mechanical keys are the simplest type. They're also referred to as "insert-and-turn" keys. They're the ones you used to be able to replace at the hardware store for pocket change. They do not come with an electronic transponder, and are used to lock the trunk or doors but not to start the car.
The other kind of key, which is the most popular in use is the transponder keys. It has a tiny transponder in the key's head that transmits a coded message to the ignition system in your car to verify the legitimacy of the key. This system was added to cars in 1995 and prevents them from being started if an unauthorized or lost key is used.
The first step in fixing this kind of key is to determine the cause of the problem. In most cases it is due to either an issue with the cap of the key or the key switch. To fix this the key cap and key switch must be removed carefully using tools, then cleaned and lubricated in order to resolve the problem. Lubricating the key switch is an important step because it will help in removing problems like key chatter which refers to keys that register multiple inputs with each press.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys, also referred as "chip keys", are an integral part of the anti-theft system in your vehicle. The small microchip embedded in the head of the plastic key transmits a signal to the antenna ring around the cylinder that controls the ignition. The car won't start if the computer does not get the correct response. This type of chip is found in most cars manufactured since 1998.
The issue is that the same feature that makes these kinds of keys more secure makes them more expensive to replace. They also have an entirely different design than traditional mechanical keys, they contain a special microchip that needs to be programmed into your vehicle's computer to function properly.
Connecting a diagnostic tool to your car's computer, and then entering the programming mode is the way to accomplish this. It's more complicated than just cutting a new blank, and due to the fact that these devices are not readily accessible in every locksmith shop you'll be charged more than when replacing a standard mechanical key.
The model and make of your vehicle is an additional aspect. Some manufacturers require specialized equipment to program their cars, which increases your cost.
Some people prefer to have a professional do the programming of their transponder key. This is due to the complicated procedures involved, including cutting wires to disconnect the transponder antenna, and using scanners as well as the security that comes from knowing you have an experienced professional working on your vehicle. Based on key repairs and model you might be in a position to save money by bringing your car directly to the dealership to arrange to install your new chip.
Laser Cut Keys Keys
Laser cut keys feature an edge that is high level of security. They came on the scene in the 1990s, and are used to prevent vehicle theft. They are difficult to duplicate, and they have transponder chips embedded within their heads. The chips communicate with ignitions when inserted, preventing the vehicle from starting when the wrong keys are used.
This technology helps prevent car thefts, however it's not enough to stop them completely. The key's unique blade shape are difficult to duplicate, but a burglar with the right tools and equipment can still use it to gain entry into your vehicle. This is because traditional keys have the standard lock cylinder, which is easy to pick. Laser keys, however, have a sidewinder lock cylinder which is more resistant to picking.
The design of the key is more durable than conventional keys. The blade is made of hardened steel that can withstand lots of wear and tear before fading out. If the key breaks or wears out, it's fairly inexpensive to repair it by locksmiths.
While laser cut keys are more expensive than edge-cut counterparts, they provide increased security. The combination of the blade design, lock cylinder and the transponder chip makes them difficult to duplicate or pick. They are still vulnerable to being stolen or lost in the event that you fail to take the necessary precautions.
Key Fobs
Even though they're convenient keys can be finicky. key repair near me can't keep a charge for long, and they're likely to cease functioning at the moment you most likely won't notice to notice. You could find yourself in a embarrassing situation if your fob malfunctions particularly when you are carrying around a large amount of groceries or going to work after a long and exhausting day. It's possible to call locksmith services or a tow truck and it may cost you a lot of money to get your vehicle back on the road.
The type of key used and the materials used in the fob can affect the cost. Brands also play a role as they can be more expensive. Certain fobs are programmed by the user while others require to be reprogrammed to the vehicle by an authorized dealer.
If your key fob doesn't respond or intermittently works If your key fob is not responding or working intermittently, a simple replacement of the battery may be the solution. These coin-shaped batteries typically cost less than $10 and can be purchased at hardware stores and big box retailers and on the internet. To replace the battery, gently break apart the two halves of the key fob, then insert the new one in the same orientation.
You'll need your dealer to change the program if your key fob has been damaged or isn't functioning as it should. While there are remote key repair to do this on your own but it's better to have professionals handle the task to avoid any accidental damage that could cause costly repairs in the future. You can save money by purchasing new keys and fobs even if you already have. If you've lost your key and fob together, it's worth the cost to allow the dealer to reprogram your key and cut a new key at the exact same at the same time.