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Keys Replacement For Cars If you have a basic mechanical key, you should be able to find a replacement at any hardware store for relatively cheap. The key needs to be programmed either by a locksmith or a dealer. Smart keys are more complicated and require a visit to the dealer to pair them with your vehicle. These types of keys are typically expensive but some insurance companies cover the cost. Mechanical Keys You can still purchase mechanical keys for cars which you put into an ignition lock for your vehicle to start. If your car is equipped with one of these, it's affordable to replace the fob and key (if lost or stolen). A locksmith can make a basic key for you at a lower cost than what you would buy from a dealership. You can also ask a neighbor or friend who is able to program transponder keys (which are cheaper than the keys that are factory-made) to cut you a spare and have it programmed. It is important to have a spare key as modern vehicles won't start if the key does not have the proper chip. Transponder keys look like mechanical keys, but they contain a hidden electronic chip embedded in the bottom of their plastic design that communicates with your vehicle's computer system. Your car will recognize the code in the chip and accept it, but it will refuse to start if another code is used. If your spare key has a chip, you'll need to take it to a dealership to have it programmed. The dealership will need a special machine for both cutting and programming the key. These machines are only available at certain dealerships and it is unlikely that a locksmith will have the equipment needed to create a key that has a transponder. It's costly to replace keys with remotes, particularly if you require a spare. You could try reprogramming your fob by yourself if you're missing the key shank and have a working replacement fob, but it could be time-consuming and laborious. You're better off going to an authorized dealer in the event that you've lost both the fob and the key. There are other kinds of keys for cars that require a more specific set of skills to replace, such as flip keys and smart keys. These are more complicated and must be replaced by the dealer. Some key fobs are operated by proximity sensors or a spring-loaded door opener. Transponder Keys Transponder keys are likely to be used in vehicles constructed in the past 10 years. The keys have a microchip and an electronic receiver that is programmed to send a signal to start your car. Transponder keys are an effective method of preventing theft, as they require two parts to start a car – the transmitter in the key and the receiver that is connected to the immobilizer. The car will not start without both the key and the immobilizer system. The key chips come with an individual serial number specific to your vehicle. When car key replacement is inserted into the ignition the serial number is transmitted to the cars immobilizer and then verified to make sure it is compatible the number, which allows the engine to start. This security feature can only be overcome by a specific device that can read the chip and match it with a different car. When you have a transponder-related key replaced, you'll need to visit an authorized locksmith who has the necessary equipment to reprogram the key to your car. Some car dealerships provide this service, however their overhead makes them more costly than an independent locksmith. It isn't easy to find an original key that comes with a chip. The key has to be cut using a particular machine to ensure that it has the proper tracks that can be programmed to assign the key to your car. It requires specialized software as well as the right key cutter to do the job correctly. Most auto parts stores can copy some of the less complicated chips keys, however you will need to be aware of the serial number of the original key in order to ensure that the correct information is programmed into the key. Many people make a mistake going to their dealer for the clone of a chip key and end up paying overpriced costs. Laser-Cut Keys Laser-cut keys are also referred to as a sidewinder key due to the distinctive winding cut on the shank of the key. They add an additional layer of security to your vehicle. Because it takes specialized machinery to duplicate these keys, they're an excellent protection against auto theft. Like transponder auto key replacement , they feature built-in chips that prevent unauthorised copies of keys from starting your vehicle. They also typically have a unique code on the key, which needs to be programmed for your specific vehicle in order to allow it to be opened and started. This additional level of security will safeguard your investment and prevent thieves from trying to steal your vehicle for parts or to resell it. Laser-cut keys differ from mechanically cut keys in terms of design. They have fewer grooves cut on the key. They also have a thicker key shaft which is an excellent indication that it's not your regular car key. Locksmiths generally employ a machine known as a milling tool to cut these types of keys. This kind of tool looks much like a drill bit and is designed to remove metal at very precise, controlled angles. These are among the most secure keys you can buy for your car, because they're extremely difficult to duplicate and can only be cut by the locksmith who is a certified dealer. Unlike traditional keys, they're made using a small piece of steel that is cut into a shape and then cut with the laser in the factory. This kind of key is able to withstand a lot wear and tear, and is one of the best options for protecting your vehicle. Depending on the key, it will fold into the fob or pop out with the click of a button. These kinds of keys are commonly used in German cars and offer an extra layer of security against car thieves. The cylinder is also very resistant to breaking into, making it extremely difficult for thieves to pick or pick-lock a vehicle. Smart Keys Smart keys communicate with the vehicle via radio-frequency identification (RFID) instead of the traditional single piece carved metal. They come with a chip with an individual code, which is encoded on every key. When you open your car's doors or open the trunk key, it sends a signal to your vehicle's computer onboard. The computer then prompts the correct frequency and allows you to connect to your car and begin it. The smart key's chip also includes a variety of security features that protect against theft. The key emits an extremely low-frequency signal, which will only be detected by your vehicle. If the computer onboard detects this signal it will send another one that is an exclusive code that only your car can understand. This will stop a tech-savvy criminal from using a pulse generator in order to “fool the system” and make the key work on other vehicles. Certain smart keys come with special features, such as storing driver preferences, opening windows remotely or the sunroof remotely and many more. These functions can be accessed by activating the proximity sensor on the key fob, pressing a button or, in some instances, by twisting a small piece of metal inside the key. Most of these key fobs come with buttons that open the doors on their own however some come with an additional method to open them: a slot or holding the dead key in a spot on the dashboard where it holds an inductive coil that is able to transfer energy. Certain key fobs come with mechanical (fully emergency) key blade that is inside the key. To replace a smart key, you'll need a trip to the dealer, where they can purchase the replacement or have it in stock. The dealer will also have to program your new key to recognize your car. You can also go to an locksmith to get your replacement key fob to be programmed and then replaced. A locksmith may cost more than the dealer, but they'll be able to complete the job quicker and less expensively.