5 Car Key Repair Cost Lessons From Professionals
Understanding the Different Types of Car Keys
In the past, misplacing-or worse, losing-your car keys weren't a big deal. You could buy a spare key at your local auto parts shop or locksmith.
However, as automobiles have evolved to accommodate technological advances and technology, replacing keys that have been lost has become more difficult and costly. Learn more about what factors into the total cost of car key replacement.
Basic Keys
When people think of their car keys, they may think of a basic metal key that can open doors and start the engine. There are a variety of more sophisticated types of car keys that offer greater security. Knowing the differences between different kinds of car keys can help people anticipate what to expect when it comes to replacing or fixing them.
Keys that are standard are the most basic type of car keys. They've been in use for many years, and remain the most popular option for newer vehicles. These are keys that you can purchase from an hardware store and then attach to your keychain. Keys that are standard are fairly affordable to duplicate, but could be costly to replace if they're lost or damaged.
Transponder keys are a new option that has been available since 1995. They provide security and are more secure than traditional keys. They are equipped with microchips inside the handle of the key, and are activated when they are inserted into the ignition. car key repair near me can be more expensive to replace if they are lost or damaged, but offer greater protection from theft than traditional keys.
Switchblade keys are a different option. They fold down into the form of a keyfob when they are not being used. They are more expensive than normal keys to replace, but they are more expensive when the shank of the key or the handle is damaged.
Lastly, there are also the smart keys that have built-in Bluetooth trackers and remote starts. These keys are more expensive and require locksmiths' tools to repair.
Mechanical Keys
In the past, if you lost a 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 and find an alternative. The process is a bit more complicated now. There are several types of vehicles in use and each has a different key. Based on the model that you are replacing, it could cost more or less than $50.
Mechanical keys are the simplest type. They're also called "insert-and-turn" keys. They are the keys that you were capable of replacing at the hardware store to change your pocket. They do not have a transponder and are used to lock the trunk or doors but not to start the car.
The transponder key is the other type that is commonly used. This key has a small transponder inside the key's head that sends a coded message to the ignition system of your car to verify the legitimacy of the key. This system was introduced in cars starting in 1995. It prevents the ignition from being started using an unauthorised key or lost one.
The first step to fix this kind of key is to pinpoint the cause of the problem. In the majority of cases the issue is with the cap on the key or switch is the culprit. To fix the issue, the key cap or key switch must be removed with an instrument. Then, they will need to be cleaned and lubricated. Lubricating the key switch is a crucial step as 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 known as "chip" keys) are an essential part of the anti-theft system in your car. The small microchip embedded inside the head of the car key transmits the signal to the antenna ring surrounding the ignition key cylinder. If the computer in the car doesn't receive the correct response from the transponder, it won't start. Most cars produced since 1998 have this type of chip.
The problem is, the same factor that makes these kinds of keys more secure also makes them more expensive to replace. They also have an entirely different design than traditional mechanical keys, they also contain a unique microchip that needs to be programmed into the computer in your vehicle to work correctly.
This process is done by connecting a diagnostic tool to the car's computer and entering a programming mode. It is more complicated than simply cutting a blank from scratch, and since the tools aren't available in every locksmith shop you're likely to be charged more than with the replacement of the basic mechanical key.
Another consideration is the make and model of your vehicle. Some manufacturers have their own specialized equipment that must be used to program their vehicles, which can add cost.
Some people prefer having professionals handle the programming of their transponder keys. It is due to the complicated procedures, such as cutting wires to remove the transponder's antenna as well as using a scanner device as well as the security you gain from knowing that a professional is working on your car. You could save money if you go directly to the dealership to have the new chip installed.
Laser Cut Keys
Laser cut keys have blades that have a high level of security. They came on the scene in the 1990s and work to combat vehicle theft. They are more difficult to duplicate than traditional keys and include transponder chips in their heads. The chips communicate with ignitions once they are inserted, preventing the vehicle from being started if the wrong keys are used.
While this technology can deter car thieves however, it isn't able to stop them completely. The key's unique blade shape are difficult to duplicate, however anyone with the right tools and equipment can still use it to gain entry into your vehicle. This is because conventional keys come with a standard lock, which is easy for a burglar to pick. Laser keys, however, have the sidewinder cylinder lock, which is much more difficult to pick.
The key is also more durable to traditional keys. The blade is made from hardened steel, which can withstand lots of wear and tear before fading out. However, if the key does wear out or is accidentally snagged in half, it's relatively cheap to have it replaced by an experienced 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 lost or stolen if you do not make the proper precautions.
Key Fobs
While they're handy, key fobs can be difficult to use. They don't last forever and often stop working when you most likely don't. A malfunctioning device can put you in a tense situation, especially when you're loading your trunk full of food items or heading off to work after an exhausting day. You may need to call locksmith services or a tow truck and it could cost you a lot of money to get your vehicle back on the road.
A variety of factors affect the price of a fob. These include the type of key it contains and its materials. It also depends on the brand which is usually more expensive. Certain fobs are programmed by the user while others require to be programmed 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 might fix the issue. These batteries are typically less than $10 and can be purchased at hardware stores or big box retailers and on the internet. To replace the battery, gently tear the two halves of the key fob apart and insert the new battery in the same way as the previous one.
It is necessary for your dealer to reset it if the key fob has been damaged or is not working properly. You can do it yourself, but it's better to leave it to a professional to avoid accidental damage which could result in costly repairs in the future. You can save money by purchasing new keys and fobs if you already have one. If car key fob repair near me 've lost both fob and keys, it's worth the extra expense to have a dealership reprogram the new key and cut the new key simultaneously.