This Is The History Of Car Key Repair Cost In 10 Milestones

Understanding the Different Types of Car Keys

A few years ago misplacing or even losing your car keys wasn't an issue. In fact, you could buy a spare at an auto parts store or at your local locksmith.

However, as cars have evolved to accommodate technological advances and technology, replacing keys that have been lost has become more difficult and costly. Learn more about the factors that influence the cost of a replacement car key.

Basic Keys

When people think of their car keys, they may think of a simple metal key that opens doors and start the engine. There are many more advanced kinds of keys for cars that offer greater security. Knowing the distinctions between car keys will help people know what to expect when they need to replace or repair them.

One of the most basic types of keys for cars is a standard one, that has been used for decades and remains the most popular choice for cars with modern technology. These are the keys you can purchase from a hardware store and hook onto your keychain. Keys of standard size can be copied at the cost of a small amount however they can be costly to replace if lost or damaged.

Transponder keys are a new option that has been around since 1995. They are a more secure alternative to traditional keys. Microchips are incorporated into the handle of the key, and activated when the key is inserted into the ignition. They are more expensive to replace in the event of loss or damage, however they offer greater protection against theft than conventional keys.

Another option is the switchblade key which folds up into the form of a key fob when in use. They are a bit more expensive to replace than standard keys, but can be even more costly if the shank or handle of the key is damaged.

There are also smart keys with built-in Bluetooth trackers, as well as remote starters. These keys are more expensive and could require locksmiths' specific tools to repair.

Mechanical Keys

In the old days, if you lost a car key or it stopped working completely out of the blue, all you had to do was head to your local hardware store to get a replacement. Today things are more complicated. There are a variety of vehicles on the market and each one has its own key. Depending on its type it may cost more or less than 50 dollars.

Mechanical keys are the most basic type. They're also called "insert-and-turn" keys. These are the ones that you were in a position to replace at the hardware store to change your pocket. They don't have a transponder and are used to lock the trunk or doors but not to start the car.

The transponder key is a different type one, and is the most frequently used. This key has a small transponder located in the key's head which transmits a coded signal to the ignition system of your vehicle to verify the validity of the key. This system was introduced in cars starting in 1995. It stops the ignition from being started by an unauthorised key or lost one.

To fix this type of key the first step is to figure out the reason for its malfunction. In most cases it is due to a problem with the cap of the key or the key switch. To fix this issue, the key cap or key switch will need to be removed with an instrument. Then, they will need to be cleaned and lubricated. Lubricating the key switch is essential as it can help eliminate problems like key chatter that refers to keys that register multiple inputs each press.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys, also referred as "chip keys" are an integral component 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 be able to start. Most cars built in the year 1998 feature this kind of chip.

Problem is, they are more expensive to replace. In addition to having distinct design from traditional mechanical keys, they also have a specific microchip that has to be programmed into the computer in your vehicle to function effectively.

Connecting a diagnostic tool to the computer in your car, and then entering the programming mode is how you do this. This procedure can be more complicated than cutting a blank because these tools aren't available in all locksmith shops, you could be charged more than if you were to replace the mechanical key.

Another factor is the make and model of your car. Some manufacturers require specialized equipment to program their cars which can increase the cost.

Some prefer having a professional do the programming of their transponder keys. This is due to the complex procedures involved, such as cutting wires to disconnect the transponder antenna and using scanning devices, and the extra security that comes with knowing you have an experienced professional working on your vehicle. Based on the make and model, you may be saving money by visiting the dealer to install the new chip.

Laser Cut Keys

Laser cut keys come with an edge that is high degree of security. They came on the scene in the 1990s, and are used to prevent vehicle theft. They are more difficult to duplicate than traditional key designs and have transponder chips inside their heads. The chips communicate with ignitions once they are inserted, preventing the vehicle from being started when keys that aren't the right ones are used.

While this technology works to deter car thieves however, it isn't able to stop them completely. The key's unique blade shape is difficult to duplicate, however anyone with the proper tools and equipment can still use it to gain entry into your car. This is because traditional keys use a standard lock cylinder that's easy to pick. Laser keys, however, have a sidewinder cylinder lock that is more difficult to pick.

The key's design is also more durable than traditional keys. The blade is made from hardened steel that is able to withstand a lot of wear and tear before fading out. But, if the key does wear out or is accidentally snagged in half, it's cheap to have it replaced by an experienced locksmith.

While laser-cut keys are more expensive than edge-cut counterparts, they provide more security. The combination of the blade, lock cylinder and the transponder makes it harder to duplicate. They are still susceptible to being lost or stolen if you don't take the necessary precautions.

Key Fobs

While they're handy, key fobs can be finicky. They don't last for long, and they're likely to shut down at the moment you aren't expecting to notice. You could find yourself in a compromising situation if your fob malfunctions in the middle of carrying around a large amount of groceries or heading to work after a long and exhausting day. You may have to call a locksmith or a tow truck and it could cost you a considerable amount to get your vehicle back on the road.

The type of key as well as the materials used in the fob may affect the cost. Brands are also a factor as they can be more expensive.  repair car key remote  can be programmed by the owner, while others require a dealer reprogram them to the vehicle.

If your key fob doesn't respond or doesn't work at all If your key fob is not responding or working intermittently, a simple replacement of the battery could fix the issue. The coin-shaped battery can be found at hardware stores, online retailers, and big box retailers for less than $10. To replace the battery, gently pull off the two halves of the key fob and then insert the new one with the same orientation.

You'll need your dealer to reset it if the key fob is damaged or is not working properly. While you can find ways to do this on your own, it's best to let an expert handle it in order to avoid any damage that could cause costly repairs in the future. If you have spare keys and fob, you could skip this step and purchase a replacement to save money. If, however, you've lost both your fob and keys it's worth the expense to have a dealership reprogram the new key and cut the new key simultaneously.