Types of Ignition Key Replacement
The blade-style car key is the simplest to use. It's as simple as inserting it into your ignition lock cylinder and you're ready to go. Older cars use keys like this, but newer models use transponder chips within the keys that need to be programmed to work with the car.
It is common to get these keys replaced at a dealership or an automotive locksmith. The VIN number of your vehicle can be used to create an entirely new key.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are almost always found in cars manufactured within the last 20-years. This technology is a perfect combination of electronic and mechanical security. car ignition lock cylinder works by transmitting a coded signal to the vehicle when you insert your key into the ignition. The engine control unit checks this code against its own database to determine whether or not you are the legitimate owner of the vehicle. If it is, the car will start. The process takes place in milliseconds and is invisible to the naked eye.
If you own a transponder key, you'll be able see tiny electronic chips on the surface of your key. The easiest way to test it is to insert the key into your ignition and turn it on. If your vehicle responds, that means that the key has been programmed and successfully verified as a valid transponder key.
The reason this adds an additional layer of security is that the traditional keys rely on the lock tumblers to match transponder chips actually transmit an electronic signal to the car's computer. This is a way to prevent people from hot-wiring their cars by making sure the right key is used.
Follow these simple instructions to reprogram the transponder. First, make sure that the key is in good condition and set it aside. Then, insert the blank key in the ignition and turn it to the "on" position. After about 15 minutes, turn off the ignition. After 15 minutes, you can try to start the car once more. If it doesn't start then you'll need to repeat the procedure of turning off and on the car.
Reprogramming a transponder key is more complicated and costly than the process of duplicated a standard mechanical car key. You will also need to cut your key professionally, and a car key programmer is required to extract the code and then match it to a new transponder.
Smart Keys Keys
With smart keys, a motorist can unlock their doors and start their engine by simply pressing a button, without having to insert the key into the ignition. The fob contains an electronic transponder that connects to an immobilizer in the car, disarming it so that the car can begin. The fob usually has remote control buttons that operate the door locks, unlock the trunk and open the tailgates. Some have a panic switch that, when pressed blasts the horn of the vehicle in order to scare away criminals.
Like all technology smart keys have advantages and disadvantages. But they do offer enhanced security and ease of use - particularly for those who have a tendency to forget to lock the car. These features can help you save money over time.
In addition to stopping thieves from taking your car away smart keys can also help you avoid the old phrase "it's in here somewhere." Contrary to traditional groove cut keys which require a real metal shaft to unlock and start the car, smart keys utilize radio frequency signals to communicate with your vehicle. As such, they can't be duplicated using a traditional key cut. However, this does not mean that you won't be able to find the key if it does happen to disappear.
Smart keys can be more expensive depending on the manufacturer. This is because they have built-in electronics which makes them more complicated and difficult to repair if something goes wrong.
Pop-A-Lock is able to replace and program smart keys at a fraction of what dealerships charge. We can even complete the process in a much less time frame, saving you the hassle of having plan alternative transportation until your car is repaired. If you're thinking about purchasing a smart key for your car consider doing yourself a favor and purchase a spare key to keep in a safe place, or consider motor insurance that has a substantial payout in the event of losing your keys. Keep it from anyone's eyes. Low frequency transmissions permit the theft of your car.
Switchblade Keys
There are many options available when it comes to replacing an ignition key. Traditional keys are the old standby, incorporating a metal shaft with distinct notches or cuts that correspond to the lock tumblers inside the door and the ignition cylinder. They aren't equipped with advanced features, such as remote unlocking or keyless entry however they are reliable and easy to use.
Transponder keys are a major advance in automotive security technology. These keys feature an electronic chip in the head of the key that communicates with a receiver inside the vehicle, allowing it to start only when the correct code is sent. This kind of key has been very effective in reducing theft from vehicles and programming a new key and transponder is quite easy for a skilled car locksmith.
Another type of key is the flip-style that is designed to tuck the key blade inside an enclosure when not in use. This protects the blade of the key from being damaged and makes it easier to carry. This type of key features an accessory key fob that has remote control features. Drivers can lock and unlock their car trunks, doors, or even start their engines remotely.
Laser cut keys are offered to those who want to add an extra layer of protection against auto theft. These keys have their shanks cut with the help of a laser, resulting in an extremely precise and difficult to duplicate pattern. While these keys are more expensive than standard keys and key fobs, they also offer more security against theft by unauthorized users.
Finally, there are switchesblade keys, which are similar to the bladed weapons that popularized the term "switchblade." These keys fold down into a key fob handle when they are not being used. When the user presses a button, the handle snaps open and exposes the key blade as a switchblade knife would. Locksmiths can replace the key blade, or the key fob of this kind of lock. However they cost more than standard replacements.
Smart keys are the latest advancement in security for vehicles. They provide a completely electronic system for unlocking and launching your car. The keys communicate with your vehicle through antennas that are embedded into the car's frame and body. This eliminates the requirement for traditional keys blades and the need to insert the key into the ignition. The most advanced models have the ability to lock and start your car without needing to be connected to the ignition but this requires you are within reach of the car.
Key Fobs
Key fobs are essentially remotes for cars that allow you to lock and start your vehicle without needing to touch the ignition. They are small, rectangular and have buttons that can be used for a variety of functions. From locking the doors to remotely starting the car they can do everything. They are attached to the key using small plastic cases, which may have buttons to open the trunk and trigger an alarm.
Some newer vehicles also have a combination key that is a combination of a traditional key shank and a key fob. The latter is typically used to control the ignition. They can also be referred to as a "transponder key."
The majority of modern car owners don't realize that they use their key fobs to unlock their cars. These devices can be fantastic for making driving more enjoyable however they also have a few drawbacks.
The most obvious issue is that the battery of the key fob may fail. The electronic signals that unlock your car and allow it to start work by sending a code to the computer in your car and when the signal is disrupted or lost the key fob will not be able to operate the car.
Luckily, the majority of modern key fobs are made to withstand these threats. They are often programmed with a series of random numbers that can be used to create unique unlocking sequences each time they send an indication to the car's system. This prevents old codes from being reused and renders any stolen key ineffective for thieves.
A key fob can also serve as a backup method to unlock and start the car in the event that the key is misplaced. Some manufacturers go one step further by providing applications that allow you to control the car in the event that you are unable to locate your key fob.
A professional locksmith can help you replace a lost key fob. They can help you and their services are generally cheaper than those of dealerships.