Car keys are a crucial part of any vehicle. Not only do they let you unlock and lock the doors, but they also allow you to start the engine and disable the alarm system.
Luckily, there are plenty of ways to replace your keys. Whether you need a simple key or one that has advanced security features, there is a replacement for you.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys were introduced to help reduce auto thefts by disarming a vehicle’s immobilizer with the use of radio frequency technology. These keys can be found on many cars built in the last 15 years.
These keys are often bigger than traditional flat keys. Their plastic piece contains a micro chip, and this chip has a small battery inside that provides electronic power for the chip to work properly.
This makes these keys much more secure than traditional keys. However, they still can fail from time to time, and you will need to get a new one made.
A car key replacement DC will have specialized equipment to cut and program a transponder key, as well as clone an existing one if necessary. This service is not available at a typical hardware store or at key-cutting kiosks, so you will need to find an experienced locksmith who is able to do it.
Smart Keys
Smart keys are a newer type of replacement car key that offers a higher level of security than traditional keys and key fobs. They can lock and unlock doors remotely, disengage the immobilizer, and even calibrate settings and preferences.
These keys use a micro-chip in the key blade to communicate with the vehicle’s system. The chip can also be programmed with a code that disables the immobilizer until a valid key is used.
They can be a great option for drivers who need more functionality than a traditional key offers, and they can often cost less than a transponder key. However, they do require more work and more expensive equipment to program than metal keys do.
If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your automotive security, it’s best to reach out to a professional locksmith like the ones at Keyway. We’ll be able to provide you with a high-quality key at a price that you can afford.
VATS Keys
When you buy a car with a VATS system, it will come with an original key that has a resistor embedded in it. When inserted into the ignition, an electrical current runs through the resistor and the car reads the value of it. If the resistance value is not correct, it won’t start.
This makes it difficult to duplicate the keys as they cannot be copied by standard key machines. However, a locksmith can use a special VATS interrogator to decode the key and copy it onto a blank.
The resistor on these keys have metal prongs that stick out of the key blade, making contact with two contacts inside the ignition lock. Once this happens, the VATS system can measure the resistance value of the key and will then tell your vehicle’s computer which key is inserted into the ignition.
The VATS system has fifteen different values of resistors and if the wrong one is used, your Corvette will disable itself for four minutes. This is why it is important to know what the resistor value is before you buy a new key.
Keyless Entry
Keyless entry systems are a convenient way to unlock and lock your car without using a physical key. Typically, the system relies on a radio signal that sends a code to a remote fob in your pocket.
When the code is received, it triggers the car’s doors to open or close. Some systems also allow you to start the engine remotely.
A keyless entry car kit is an alternative to locking and unlocking your vehicle with a traditional key, and is often used in places where ice and snow are a problem. Unlike traditional key security locks, remote keyless communications are done through encrypted radio signals.
When you replace your existing keyless entry car key, it is important to choose a replacement that can handle the pressure of everyday use. You should be aware that replacing a keyless entry key can cost more than buying a traditional one. This is because the electronic components wear out over time and need to be replaced or repaired.