You can buy a replacement key for a mechanical key in any hardware store. However, the key must be programmed by a locksmith or dealer.
Smart keys are more complex and require a visit to the dealer to pair them with your vehicle. These keys are expensive, but many car insurance companies will pay for the cost.
Mechanical Keys
There are still car keys that are only mechanical, like the ones you place in an ignition lock cylinder, and turn to start your vehicle. If your car has one of these keys, replacing the fob and key is relatively inexpensive (if they are lost or stolen).
A locksmith can design a new basic key at a lower cost than what you purchase from a dealership. You could also ask a neighbor or a friend who knows how to program transponder keys aftermarket (which are less expensive than keys that are factory-made) to cut you a spare and have it programmed. A spare key is crucial since modern cars won't be able to start if a key without the proper chip is used.
Transponder keys appear like mechanical keys, however they have a hidden electronic chip inside the base of their plastic form that communicates with your car's computer system. The car will accept the code on the chip, but it will not start if you try to use another code.
If the spare key you have has chips that is programmed, it will have to be programmed by a dealer. You'll need a special machine to both cut the key and then program it. These machines are available only at specific dealerships, and it is unlikely that a locksmith would have the equipment needed to create a key that has a transponder.
It's expensive to replace keys with remotes, especially if require an extra. If you have only the key shank missing and a working replacement fob, you could try reprogramming your fob on your own. However, it can be time-consuming and challenging. If you've lost the entire fob and key however you should seek out a dealer as your best bet.
There are other types of car keys that require a specialized set of skills to replace, for example flip keys and smart keys. They're more complicated and must be replaced by a dealer. Key fobs can be operated by a proximity sensor or a door opener with a spring loaded mechanism.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are most likely to be found in cars that were built within the past 10 years. The keys have an embedded microchip and the receiver is programmed to communicate to start your vehicle.
Transponder keys are a fantastic way to stop theft because they require two parts in order for the car to be started that is the transmitter (transponder) in the key and the receiver connected to your immobilizer system. The car will not start without the key and the immobilizer system.
The key chips come with a unique serial number for your vehicle. The serial number of the key is transmitted to the immobilizer of the car key lost replacement, and then checked to be in line. If it does the engine starts, it will. The only thing that could be a hindrance to this security feature is a device that can detect the chip and match it to another car.
When you have a transponder-related key replaced you'll need to go to an authorized locksmith who has the tools needed to reprogram the key into your vehicle. Some car dealerships offer this service, but their overhead makes them more expensive than an independent locksmith.
The process of getting a new car key replacement car keys with a chip inside it can be a very complicated procedure. To program your car, the key needs to be programmed using a specific machine. It requires specialized software as well as the right key cutter to do the job properly.
Most auto parts stores can duplicate some of the more basic keys for chips, but you'll need to know the serial number from the original key in order to ensure that the correct information is incorporated into the key. Many people make the mistake of visiting their dealer to get a chip key copied, and end with a bill that is higher than what they have to.
Laser-Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys, also known as sidewinder keys due their distinctive winding cuts in the key shank 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.
Like transponder keys. They have built-in chips that prevent unauthorised copies of keys from starting your car. They come with a unique code that must be programmed to your car in order to unlock it and begin it. This additional layer of security is a great option to protect your investment and deter thieves who might be trying to steal your car for parts or to sell it on.
Laser-cut keys differ from mechanically-cut keys in terms of design. They have fewer grooves cut on the key. They also have a larger key shaft that is an indication that it's not a regular car key. Locksmiths typically use a machine called a milling tool to cut these types of keys. This kind of tool looks similar to a drill bit and is designed to remove metal with extremely precise and controlled angles.
These are among the most secure keys you can buy for your car, because they are extremely difficult to duplicate and can only be cut by a dealer or a certified locksmith. They're not made using traditional keys. Instead, they're constructed from a small piece of steel that is shaped to a code at the factory before being cut with laser. This type of key is able to be able to withstand a great deal of wear and tear and is one of the best choices for protecting your vehicle.
The key can be folded into the fob, or be removed by pressing the button. These kinds of keys are used extensively in German automobiles and provide an additional layer of security against car thieves. They also make it extremely difficult for a thief to pick or pick-lock your car since the cylinder is extremely durable and hard to break into.
Smart Keys
Smart keys communicate with the vehicle using radio-frequency identification (RFID) instead of the traditional single piece carved metal. This means that they are equipped with a tiny chip that contains an encrypted code that is unique to each key. Whenever you unlock your car's doors, or open the trunk the key sends a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer. The computer then will prompt the right frequency that allows you to start your vehicle.
The smart key's chip has a number of security features that guard against theft. First the key emits a low-frequency signal which isn't picked up by any receiver but your vehicle. If the computer onboard detects this signal, it will display an alternative one that's an exclusive sequence that only your car can recognize. This prevents a tech-savvy criminal from using an external pulse generator to "fool" the system and create the key function for other vehicles.
Certain smart keys come with specific features, like the ability to store preferences for drivers and opening windows remotely, or the sunroof from afar and many other. These can be done by activating the key fob's proximity sensor, pressing a button on the key itself or, in certain instances, by twisting a tiny metal piece inside the key.
Most of these key fobs come with buttons that open the doors on their own, but some have an additional way to open them with a slot or by placing the dead key close to an area on the dashboard where it holds an inductive coil that is able to transfer energy. Some key fobs feature an electronic (fully emergency) key blade in the key.
Replacing a smart lock typically requires a visit to the dealer, who will either have the replacement in stock or make it available for you to purchase. They'll also have to program the new key to recognize your vehicle. However, you can also go to a locksmith shop to have your new key fob programmed and replaced. Locksmiths may charge more than a dealer, but they'll be able to complete the job quicker and at a lower cost of car key replacement.