keys replacement for cars, Mariskamast wrote in a blog post,

If you have a standard mechanical key you should be able to find a replacement at any hardware store for relatively cheap. However, this key must be programmed by a locksmith or dealer.

Smart keys are more complicated and require a visit to a car dealer to be paired with your car. These kinds of keys are typically expensive however some insurance companies will cover the cost.

Mechanical Keys

You can still buy mechanical keys for cars which you insert into the ignition lock cylinder to start your vehicle. If your car is equipped with one of these, replacing the key and fob is relatively cheap (if they are lost or stolen).

A locksmith can make an entry level key for you at a lower price than you would buy from a dealership. You could also ask your neighbor or a friend who is proficient in programming aftermarket transponder keys (which are less expensive than keys from factory) cut keys and have them programmed. A spare key is crucial because modern cars won't start when a key that isn't programmed with the proper chip is used.

Transponder keys look a lot like mechanical keys, but they contain a hidden electronic chip in the base of their plastic design that communicates with the computer system in your vehicle. Your vehicle will recognize the code contained in the chip and accept it, however it will refuse to start if another code is utilized.

If your spare key has a chip, it will need to be programmed by a dealer. The dealership will need an equipment that is specifically designed for cutting and programming the key. These machines are only available through certain dealerships, and it's unlikely that a locksmith has the equipment required to create a laser-cut key with a transponder.

Keys with remotes cost a lot to replace, especially when you require an extra. You could try reprogramming your fob yourself if you're only missing the key shank and have a functioning replacement fob, however it can be difficult and time-consuming. You're better off contacting an expert if you've lost both the fob and the key.

There are different kinds of car keys that require a specialized set of skills to replace, like flip keys and smart keys. They are more complicated and are usually replaced at the dealership. Some key fobs have a spring-loaded key that folds into the enclosure and opens doors, or they're operated with the use of a proximity sensor to open and start your car.

Transponder Keys

If your car was built in the last 10 years or so it's likely to use a transponder key system. The keys have the microchip as well as an electronic receiver that is programmed to send a signal to start your vehicle.

Transponder keys are an excellent method of preventing theft, as they require two components to start the car: the transmitter contained in the key and the receiver that is connected to the immobilizer. Without both the key and the immobilizer system being present the car will not start and is impossible to hotwire.

These key chips are programmed with ay shaft is also thicker, which is another sign that this is not a standard car key. Locksmiths typically use a milling machine to cut keys. This machine is similar to a drill, and is designed to remove metal at precise angles.

These are some of the most secure keys you can get for your car, as they're very hard to replicate and can only be cut by a dealer or a certified locksmith. They're not made using traditional keys. Instead, they are made of a tiny piece of steel that is shaped to a code at the factory, and then cut using the laser. This type of key is extremely robust and can be able to withstand a lot of wear and tear, making it one of the best options for protecting your vehicle.

The key can be folded up into the fob, or it can be removed by pressing the button. The keys are typically used in German cars, and provide an extra layer of protection against car thieves. The cylinder is tough and difficult to break into, which makes it difficult for a thief pick or pick-lock a vehicle.

Smart Keys Keys

Smart keys communicate with the vehicle via radio-frequency identification (RFID) instead of the conventional single piece of 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 your vehicle's onboard computer. The computer then prompts the right frequency and allows you to connect to your car and start it.

The chip of the smart key comes with a variety of security features that protect it from theft. The key car replacement emits a low-frequency signal, which can only be detected by your car. If the computer onboard detects this signal, it will send a different one which is unique and only your car is able to understand. This stops a cyber-savvy criminal from using an external pulse generator to "fool" the system and create the key function for other vehicles.

Some smart keys offer special features, like saving preferences for drivers remote opening windows, opening the sunroof via remote and many more. These functions can be accessed by activating the proximity sensor on the key fob by pressing a button or, in certain instances you can do this by twisting a small piece of metal inside the key.

Certain key fobs can be opened by holding the dead key in a slot or by placing it near 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 dealership, where they will either have the replacement in stock or purchase it for you. They'll also have to program the new key to recognize your vehicle. But, you can visit a locksmith to have your replacement key fob programmed and replaced. A locksmith will charge more than a dealer, however, they can do the job quicker and for less.