What Car Key Repair Cost Is Your Next Big Obsession
Understanding the Different Types of Car Keys
In the past misplacing or even losing your car keys weren't an issue. You could buy keys at your local auto parts shop or locksmith.
As cars have evolved to keep up with technological advancements, replacing lost keys is becoming more difficult and costly. Find out more about the elements that affect the cost of replacing a car key.
Basic Keys
When people think of their car keys, they might imagine a basic metal key that opens doors and start the engine. There are a variety of more sophisticated kinds of keys for cars that offer greater security. Knowing the distinctions between car keys will allow people to know what to expect when they need to replace or repair them.
One of the most basic kinds of keys for cars is a standard key which has been around for decades and is still the most common option for cars with modern technology. These are keys that you can purchase at the hardware store and attach onto your keychain. Keys that are standard are fairly inexpensive to copy, but could cost a lot to replace when they're damaged or lost.
The most modern alternatives include the transponder key, which has been used since 1995 and is a more secure solution than traditional keys. Microchips are embedded in the handle of the key and activated when the key is put into the ignition. They are more costly to replace in the event of a loss or damage, however they provide greater protection against theft than standard keys.
Another alternative is the switchblade key which folds up into a key fob when not in use. These are a little more expensive to replace than standard keys, however they could be more expensive if the shank or handle of the key has been damaged.
There are also smart keys with built-in Bluetooth trackers, as well as remote starters. They cost more than standard keys, and may require a locksmith's special tools to repair.
Mechanical Keys
In the old days when you lost your car key or it stopped working out of the out of the blue, all you had to do was go to your local hardware store to obtain a replacement. Nowadays things are a bit more complicated. There are a variety of cars available, and each one has an individual key. Depending on the type, replacing it may cost more or less than $50.
Mechanical keys are the most basic type. They're also known as "insert-and-turn" keys. These keys were the ones you could buy from the hardware store for a few dollars. They do not have a transponder in them and are used for locking the door or trunk locks but not for starting the car.
The transponder key is the other type one, and is the most commonly used. The key is equipped with a transponder inside the key head that transmits a coded signal your car's ignition system to confirm that the key is legitimate. The system was introduced to cars in 1995 and prevents them from being started when a lost or stolen key is used.
To fix this kind of key, the first step is to figure out the reason for its malfunction. In the majority of cases, the cause is due to a problem with the cap on the key or the key switch. To fix this issue the key cap and switch need to be removed with an instrument, and then cleaned and lubricated in order to resolve the issue. Lubricating the switch on the key is a crucial step 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 known as "chip keys" are an integral component of the anti-theft system in your car. The small microchip embedded inside the plastic head of the car key sends the signal to the antenna ring that surrounds the ignition piston. The car will not start if the computer does not get the right response. This kind of chip is used in all cars built since 1998.
Problem is, they're more expensive to replace. They're not just different from traditional mechanical keys in terms of design however, they also have a microchip that needs to be programmed into the computer of the vehicle for them to work.
Connecting a diagnostic device to your car's computer, and then entering the programming mode is the way to accomplish this. This process can be more complicated than cutting a blank, because these devices aren't readily available in all locksmith shops, you could be charged more than if you were to replace a mechanical key.
repair car key and make of your vehicle is a different factor. Some manufacturers require specialized equipment to program their cars, which increases your cost.
Some people prefer that a professional program their transponder keys. This is due to the complicated procedures, such as cutting wires to remove the transponder's antenna, and using a scanner device, and the security you gain from knowing that a professional will be working on your vehicle. Depending on your make and model you might be in a position to save money by bringing your car directly to the car dealership for the installation of the new chip.
Laser Cut Keys Keys
Laser cut keys feature an edge that is high degree of security. They were introduced in 1990s to prevent theft of vehicles. They are more difficult to duplicate and have transponder chips embedded in their heads. The chips communicate with the ignition when inserted into it, preventing the vehicle from starting in the event that the wrong key is used.
This technology does prevent car thefts, however it's not enough to stop them completely. The unique blade and shape of the key are hard to duplicate, however a burglar can still use it with the appropriate tools to gain entry to your car. This is because traditional keys have a standard lock cylinder that's easy to pick. Laser keys, however, come with an asymmetrical cylinder lock that is much more difficult to pick.
The key is also more durable to traditional keys. The blade is made of hardened steel, which can stand up to wear and tear for a long period before it becomes worn out. However, if the key does wear out or is accidentally snapped in half, it's relatively inexpensive to replace it by an experienced locksmith.
Laser-cut keys are more expensive, but they offer greater security. The combination of the blade design, lock cylinder and the transponder chip makes them more difficult to duplicate or pick. However, they're vulnerable to being lost or stolen if you do not take the necessary security measures to ensure their safety.
Key Fobs
While they're handy but key fobs can be tricky. They don't hold a charge forever, and they tend to stop functioning at the moment you aren't expecting it. You could end up in an embarrassing situation if the fob fails particularly when you are carrying around a large amount of groceries or going to work after a tiring day. It's possible to need a locksmith or a tow truck and it could cost a lot of money to get your vehicle back on the road.
There are many factors that affect the price of a fob, including the kind of key it comes with and its materials. It also depends on the brand which is usually more expensive. Some fobs can be programmed by the owner, while others require a dealer reprogram them to the vehicle.
If your key fob will not work or works intermittently, a replacement battery may be the solution. These coin-shaped battery are available at hardware stores, online retailers and big box retailers for $10 or less. To replace the battery, gently pull the two halves of the key fob and then insert the new battery with the same orientation as the previous one.
If your key fob is damaged or isn't functioning properly, you'll have to have it reprogrammed by the dealer. You can do this yourself, but it's best to let it be done by a professional to avoid any accidental damage that could result in costly repairs in the future. If you have spare keys and fob, you can skip this step and purchase a new one to save money. If you've lost both keys and fob, it's worth the extra expense to have a dealership reprogram the new key and cut the new key at the same time.