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Keys Replacement For Cars You can get a replacement key for a mechanical key at any hardware store. This key will need to be programmed either by a dealership or locksmith. Smart keys are more complicated and require a trip to the dealer to pair them with your vehicle. They are costly however, many insurance companies will pay for the cost. Mechanical Keys There are still car keys that are purely mechanical, such as the ones you place in an ignition lock cylinder, and turn to start your vehicle. If your car is equipped with one of these, replacing the key and fob is relatively cheap (if they get lost or stolen). A locksmith can create a new basic key at a lower cost than what you buy from a dealer. You can also have your neighbor or a friend who knows how to program transponder keys from the aftermarket (which are cheaper than factory keys) cut you a spare key and then program them. A spare key is crucial because modern cars won't begin when a key that isn't programmed with the proper chip is used. Transponder keys look a lot like mechanical keys, however they have a hidden electronic chip inside the base of their plastic shape that communicates with your car's computer system. Your vehicle will recognize the code in the chip and accept it, but it will refuse to start if any other code is used. If key replacement car have has chip, you'll need to bring it to a dealer to have it programmed. The dealership will need an exclusive machine 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 tools needed to make a laser-cut key with a transponder. Keys with remotes can be costly to replace, especially if you need a spare. You can try reprogramming your fob yourself if you're only missing the key shank and have a functioning replacement fob, but it can be time-consuming and difficult. If you've lost your entire fob and key, however, a dealer is the best option. There are different kinds of keys for cars that require a more specialized set of skills to replace, for example flip keys and smart keys. They are more complicated and usually have to be replaced at the dealership. Some key fobs have an electronic key that folds into the enclosure and opens a door, or they're operated with proximity sensors to open and start your car. Transponder Keys Transponder keys are likely to be found in cars that were built within the past 10 years. The keys contain a microchip in the key and a receiver in your car that both have been programmed to communicate with each other to start the vehicle. Transponder keys are a fantastic method to deter theft since they require two parts in order for the car to start – the transmitter (transponder) in the key and the receiver that is connected to your immobilizer system. Without both the key and the immobilizer device present the car will not start and is impossible to hotwire. The key chips come with a unique serial number for your vehicle. The serial number of the key is then sent to the immobilizer in the car and verified to be in line. If it does the engine starts, it will. This security feature is only overcome by a specific device which can read the chip to match it to another vehicle. You'll need to find a locksmith who has the tools to reprogram your key. Some car dealerships offer this service too, but they are typically more expensive than a private locksmith because of their overhead. It isn't easy to obtain an entirely new key that has a chip. To program your car, the key must be programmed on a specific machine. This requires specific software and the right key cutter to be done correctly. Most auto parts stores can copy some of the less complicated chips keys, however you'll need to know the serial number from the original key in order to ensure that the correct information is encoded into the key. Many people make the mistake of visiting their dealer to purchase an exact copy of a chip key only to end up paying overpriced prices. Laser-Cut Keys Laser-cut keys, also known as sidewinder keys due their distinctive winding cuts to the shank of the key they add a layer of security to your vehicle. Because it requires specialized equipment to duplicate these keys, they're a great protection against auto theft. They also come with built-in chips to stop unauthorised key copying from launching your car. They also usually contain a unique code the key that must be programmed for your particular vehicle in order to unlock it and start it. This additional level of security will guard your investment, and deter thieves from attempting to steal your vehicle in exchange for parts or to resell it. In terms of design, laser-cut keys are slightly different from standard mechanical cut keys in that they have smaller grooves that have been carved out of the key. They also have a thicker key shaft, which is a good indication that it's not your typical car key. Locksmiths typically use a milling machine to cut these keys. This kind of machine appears similar to a drill bit and is designed to cut metal at very precise and controlled angles. They are the most secure keys you can purchase for your vehicle. They're hard to duplicate and can only by cut by a certified locksmith or dealer. They're not created using traditional keys. Instead, they are made from a small piece steel that's shaped according to form a code in the factory before being cut with laser. This type of key can withstand a lot wear and tear, and is one of the best choices for protecting your vehicle. The key can be folded in the fob, or be removed by pressing a button. These types of keys are typically used in German cars and offer an additional layer of protection against car thieves. The cylinder is also very robust and difficult to break into, making it very difficult for a thief pick or pick-lock the car. Smart Keys Smart keys communicate with the vehicle using radio-frequency identification (RFID) instead of the traditional single piece of carved metal. They have a chip with an unique code that is encoded on every key. The key sends a signal to the computer onboard of your vehicle every time you open the doors or open the trunk. The computer then signals the right frequency, allowing you to access your car and begin it. The chip inside the smart key is equipped with several security features to protect it from theft. The key emits a low-frequency signal, which will only be detected by your car. If the computer onboard detects this signal it will send another one that is unique and only your car is able to understand. This prevents a tech-savvy criminal from using an external pulse generator to “fool” the system and perform the work for other vehicles. In addition to locking and opening the car, some smart keys have special features like storing specific driver preferences remotely opening windows, the sunroof, among others. This can be accomplished by activating the key fob's proximity sensor, pressing a button on the key itself or, in certain instances, twisting a small metal component inside the key. Certain key fobs are opened by holding the dead key in a slot or by placing it next to an inductive coil that is located on the dashboard. Some even include an emergency (fully mechanical) key blade that is hidden inside the key to activate this. Replacing a smart key typically requires a visit to the dealer, who will either have the replacement in stock or order it for you. They'll also have to program the new key to recognize the car you are driving. You can visit a locksmith to get your replacement key fob programmed and replaced. A locksmith will charge more than dealers, but he or she can do the job faster and at a lower cost.