Losing a key can be expensive, whether it's a simple lock-and-key, or a high-end key fob. The best way to avoid this is to always keep one in your wallet.
If you've lost a key, the cheapest solution is to hire an auto locksmith. A dealership might be more costly, but it's an option worth considering.
Mechanical Keys
If you own an older car that doesn't use key fob technology, your keys are likely mechanical. The standard keys are made from metal like steel, brass or a mixture of brass and nickel. They are cut using a key duplicator, with an original key positioned against one side of the machine and a blank key aligned with it to act as the template. The original key is cut with an specialized cutter to make a duplicate.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are built into most newer cars keys. These chips are used to unlock the car and start it. These chips can be found in the ignition, or the key head. The transponder sends a signal to the car's computer when the key is turned on in the ignition. The computer examines the signal and makes sure that it matches the correct serial number.
This makes it virtually impossible for a stolen car to be started without owner's keys. If the signal is not in sync the vehicle's signal, it will not start. This is an enormous benefit that helps discourage car thieves since the likelihood of someone else starting and driving off with your vehicle are drastically reduced.
The downside of a transponder key is that it's more expensive than a conventional flat metal key. This is because the transponder contains a small microchip that's expensive to manufacture and then install into the car key. Typically, these kinds of keys can cost hundreds of dollars purchased through the emergency car key replacement dealership.
A locksmith can provide much more reliable and affordable transponder key replacements. Beishir Lock and Security carries an extensive selection of these keys and can even reprogram the chip to work with your vehicle in-the-moment at a fraction of the price of the dealership.
If you're looking to replace a transponder key ensure you request multiple quotes. The final cost is determined by many factors, including the model and make of your vehicle, any additional features that you can find on the key (such as a remote-control key fob) and even the location where you choose to have it copied.
In the end, it is important consider the advantages of a transponder versus the cost and the convenience. If you prioritize safety and security, then a transponder key could be worth the cost in the long in the long run. A car key without a transponder won't allow the car to start.
Laser-Cut Keys
Although they may appear like something from a sci-fi movie Laser cut keys are actually quite common and offer an extra security measure for cars. These keys require specialized key cutting equipment to make and are more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick than traditional cut keys.
Laser cut car keys differ from traditional keys that have grooves on one side. They also have slits on both sides. This allows keys to be inserted into the lock cylinder in any direction and still operate it. They are, therefore, more durable and thicker than traditional keys.
They can also be utilized as a bonus to unlock certain locks with high security. The slits are tooled to a particular depth, which matches the codes of various car manufacturers. Finding the correct depth is essential because a blade that is not cut correctly could cause damage to the machine that cuts keys and cause the key to stop working immediately after being put into the lock cylinder.
The distinctive slits and greater thickness of car keys cut with lasers make them more resistant to being copied. A lot of these keys include a transponder that is specific to your car. This means that when someone copies your car keys, even if it contains transponder chip it will not be able start your vehicle.
Keys for cars cut with lasers may be more expensive, but they are still cheaper than purchasing a replacement car keys near me from a dealership. Locksmiths often cut keys faster than dealerships selling cars.
A car key that is laser cut's quality can make a huge difference. The wrong blade can easily harm the key cutting machine or lock cylinder and leave you with a costly repair bill. It is crucial to purchase your laser-cut car keys from a locksmith that sells keys.
It wasn't that long ago that a car key was lost or losing it was not a big issue. Contact a locksmith for a new key and drive away. Modern cars are more technologically advanced, and the keys that correspond to them may be more difficult to replace. They can also be more difficult for thieves to copy. This means that when you lose your car keys it could be more costly than ever to replace it.
Depending on the type of key that you have, the cost to replace it can vary. You can get a traditional key made for $10 at a local hardware store or employ an automotive locksmith who will visit you to create it immediately.
If you own an intelligent key, transponder key with a switchblade or a transponder with remote start, you will have to visit your dealer to get it replaced. This can be very costly and may take a while to order the new key from the manufacturer, which could delay getting back on the road.
Your car key replacement online key can cease to function without a clear reason, just like other electronic devices. This is often due to extreme cold or heat however, it can also be due to an unsatisfactory battery or water in the keyfob following rain. If you find that your car key isn't responding, it's worth trying to reset it first before contacting an auto locksmith.
You should also be aware that your key fob can only work if you're within the range of the vehicle. This is why it's crucial to keep your key fob with your person at all times, and never let it go out of your pocket unless you are certain that you can return it promptly.
The most frequent method of losing keys to cars is not locating it or dropping it. In certain instances this could cause it to break or become stuck in the lock, which is why it's recommended to keep an extra on hand at all times.
The most frequent method of losing keys to cars is not locating it or dropping it. In certain instances this could cause it to break or become stuck in the lock, which is why it's recommended to keep an extra on hand at all times. 
