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car replacement keys For CarsYou can buy a replacement key for a mechanical key in any hardware store. The key needs to be programmed either by a locksmith or dealer.Smart keys are more complicated and require a visit to a car dealer to be paired with your vehicle. They can be expensive however, many insurance companies will pay for the cost.Mechanical KeysYou can still purchase car keys that are only mechanical, the kind that you put into an ignition lock cylinder and turn to start your vehicle. If your vehicle is equipped with one of these, it's cheap to replace the key and fob (if lost or stolen).A locksmith can create a new basic key for less than you would purchase from a dealership. You could also have someone close to you who knows how to program transponder keys from the aftermarket (which are cheaper than keys from factory) cut keys and have them programmed. It is important to have a spare key since modern cars will not start when the key does not have the right chip.Transponder keys look a lot like mechanical keys, but they contain a hidden electronic chip inside the base of their plastic form that communicates with your vehicle's computer system. Your car will recognize the code in the chip, but will not start if you try to use another code.If your spare key has chips that is programmed, it will have to be programmed by a dealer. The dealership will require an equipment that is specifically designed for cutting and programming the key. These machines are only available at certain dealerships, and it's not likely that a locksmith will have the equipment required to create a laser-cut key with a transponder.It's expensive to replace keys using remotes, especially if you require a spare. If you have only the shank of your key missing and a functioning replacement fob you could try reprogramming your fob by yourself. However, it could be time-consuming and challenging. You're better off going to a dealer when you've lost the key and the fob.There are other types of car keys that require a more specific set of skills to replace, for example flip keys and smart keys. They're more complicated and require replacement by the dealer. Some key fobs feature an electronic key that folds into the enclosure and opens a door, or they're operated with the use of a proximity sensor to open and start your vehicle.Transponder KeysTransponder keys are likely to be used in vehicles built in the past 10 years. The keys are equipped with the microchip as well as the receiver is programmed to communicate with start your vehicle.Transponder keys are a great way to discourage theft because they require two parts in order for the car to be started which is the transmitter (transponder) in the key and the receiver connected to your immobilizer system. The car will not start without both the key and immobilizer system.These key chips are programmed with a unique serial number that is unique to the vehicle you own. When the key is inserted into your ignition, the serial number is then sent to the immobilizer of the car and checked to ensure that it matches up the number, which allows the engine to start. The only thing that can be a hindrance to this security feature is a device that is able to detect the chip and match it with another vehicle.When you have a transponder-related key replaced you'll need to go to a locksmith that has the tools needed to reprogram the keys to your vehicle. Some car dealerships offer this service, however they are typically more expensive than an independent locksmith because of their costs.Getting a new car key that has a chip in it is a complicated process. To program your car, the key has to be programmed on a special machine. It requires specialized software, as well as the right key cutter to cut it correctly.The majority of auto parts stores can clone some of the simpler chips keys, however you must know the serial number of the original key to ensure that the correct data is incorporated into the key. Many people make the mistake of visiting their dealer to purchase an exact copy of a chip-key and end up paying overpriced costs.Laser-Cut KeysLaser-cut keys, also known as sidewinder keys due to their distinctive winding cuts on the key shank, add an extra layer of security to your vehicle. Because it takes specialized machinery to duplicate these keys, they're an excellent deterrent against auto-theft.Like transponder keys. They have built-in chips that block unauthorised copies of keys from starting your car. They have a unique number that needs to be programmed into your car to unlock it and begin it. This extra layer of security is a fantastic option to protect your investment and deter thieves who could be trying to steal your car to make parts or sell it.Laser-cut keys differ from mechanically-cut keys in terms of design. They have fewer grooves carved out on the key. They also have a thicker key shaft, which is a good indication that it's not your regular car key. Locksmiths usually employ milling machines to cut these keys. This kind of tool looks much like a drill bit and is designed to remove metal at extremely precise and controlled angles.These are the safest keys that you can purchase for your vehicle. They are difficult to duplicate and can only be cut by a certified locksmith or dealer. In contrast to traditional keys, they're made from a small piece of steel which is made into a code, and then cut with a laser at the factory. This type of key is able to withstand a lot wear and tear, and is among the best options to protect your vehicle.Depending on the key, it will fold into the fob, or pop out with the click of the button. These types of keys are typically used in German automobiles and provide an additional layer of security against car thieves. They also make it difficult for thieves to pick or pick-lock your vehicle because the cylinder is extremely rugged and hard to break into.Smart KeysUnlike the traditional single piece of carved metal, smart keys utilize RFID, also known as radio-frequency identification, to communicate with the car. They come with a chip with a unique code, which is encoded on every key. The key sends a signal to the onboard computer in your vehicle every time you open the doors or open the trunk. The computer will then prompt the appropriate frequency to allow you to start your vehicle.The chip inside the smart key has several security features that protect it from theft. The key emits an extremely low-frequency signal, which will only be detected by your car. If the computer onboard detects this signal it will send an additional signal that is an exclusive code that only your car can understand. This stops a tech-savvy criminal from using a pulse generator in order to "fool the system" and perform the work on other vehicles.Some smart keys have special features, like storing driver preferences, opening windows remotely or the sunroof from afar, and many more. These features can be accessed by activating the proximity sensor on the key fob, pressing a button or, in some cases you can do this by twisting a small piece of metal inside the key.Certain key fobs are opened by placing the dead key in a slot or by placing it near an inductive coil on the dashboard. Some key fobs have a mechanical (fully emergency) key blade inside the key.Replacing a key with a smart chip typically requires a visit the dealership, who will either have the replacement on hand or order it for you. The dealer will also have to program the new key to recognize your car. You can also visit a locksmith for the replacement key fob to be programmed and then replaced. A locksmith might cost more than the dealer, but they'll be able to complete the job more quickly and for less.