20 Things You Need To Know About Car Key Replacements

· 5 min read
20 Things You Need To Know About Car Key Replacements

Car Key Replacements

Losing a key can be costly, regardless of whether it's an ordinary lock-and-key or a more sophisticated key fob. It's recommended to keep a spare key in your wallet.

If you've lost keys, the cheapest solution is to hire an auto locksmith. A dealership may be more expensive, but it is a good choice.

Mechanical Keys

Your car keys are likely to be mechanical if you have an old vehicle that doesn't have key fobs. Keys of this type are made of metal, like steel, brass or a combination of brass and nickel. The keys are cut using a key duplicator, which makes use of the blank key as a template, and an original key against the other side of the machine. The original key is cut using a special cutter to create an exact duplicate.

Transponder Keys

The majority of newer cars are equipped with a transponder chip built into the key that can be used to unlock and start the car. These chips can be found in the ignition, or the key head. The transponder sends an electronic signal to the computer in the car when the key is turned on in the ignition. The computer examines the signal and ensures it matches the correct serial number.

It's almost impossible to start an automobile without the owner's key. If the signal does not match, the vehicle will not start. This is a great advantage to prevent car thefts, as it lowers the risk of someone else stealing your vehicle.

Transponder keys cost more than a standard metal key. The transponder is a microchip which is expensive to create and integrate into the car key. Typically, these types of keys can cost hundreds of dollars if purchased from a dealership.

A locksmith can offer less expensive and more reliable transponder key replacements. Beishir Lock and Security carries many of these keys and can even reprogram the chip to work with your vehicle on the spot for a fraction of cost of a dealership.

Make sure to compare prices when you are looking for an alternative transponder key. There are a variety of factors that influence the final price, such as the model and make of your car, whether you have any additional features on the key such as a remote key fob and the location you choose to get it copied.

In the end, you have consider the advantages of a transponder against the cost and convenience. Transponder keys could be worth it in the long run if you prioritize security and safety. A car key that isn't transponder-compatible will not allow the vehicle to start.

Laser-Cut Keys

Although they may seem like something from a sci-fi movie laser cut keys are actually quite common and provide an extra security measure for vehicles. Keys that require special key cutting equipment to make and are much more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick than traditional cut keys.

Laser cut car keys are different from traditional keys that have grooves on one side. They also have cut-outs on both sides. This allows keys to be inserted into the lock cylinder either direction while still operating it. They are therefore more durable and stronger than conventional keys.

As a bonus they can be used to open some high-security locks. This is due to the slits being placed in a particular depth that matches with the different car manufacturers' codes. It is crucial to choose the correct depth as an incorrectly-cut blade can damage the cutting machine, and make the key unable to function after it has been inserted into the lock.

The greater thickness and unique slits in keys made by lasers make them less susceptible to being copied or taken. Some keys have a transponder chip that is specific to your car. This means that when someone copies your car keys, even if it's equipped with transponder chips it will not be able start your vehicle.

Laser-cut car keys might be more expensive, but they are still cheaper than purchasing a replacement from the dealership. Locksmiths can often cut these keys faster than dealerships for cars.

Another important thing to remember is that the quality of a laser-cut car key can make a huge difference. The wrong blade can easily cause damage to the key cutting machine or lock cylinder and leave you with a large repair bill. It is crucial to purchase your laser-cut car keys from a locksmith that sells the keys.

Bibens Ace South Burlington has a wide choice of car key replacement FOB keys for more than 250 different models and makes of vehicles. We also offer laser-cut sidewinder key. Visit us today to discover how you can save money on replacements for your car fob without going to an auto dealer!

Remote Keys

It wasn't too long ago that a car key was lost or losing it was not a huge deal. Call a locksmith to get a new key and then drive away. Nowadays, however, cars are much more technologically advanced, and the corresponding keys can be harder to replace and more difficult for thieves to duplicate. It's now more expensive to replace the key to a car that has been lost.

The cost of replacing a key will vary depending on the type. For keys that are traditional you can have an exact copy made for around $10 at a hardware shop, or you can ask an locksmith from the automotive industry to visit you and make one on the spot.

You'll have to take your smart key, transponder that has switchblade or transponder with remote start to the dealership to be changed. This can be quite costly and may take a while to obtain the new key from the manufacturer which can delay your getting back on the road.


Sometimes, as with any other electronic device the car key can stop working without reason. Most often, this happens due to extreme heat or cold, but it can be due to an unsatisfactory battery or water in the key fob from rain or simply deteriorating over time. If you find that your car key isn't responding, you should consider trying to reset it first before calling an auto locksmith.

It's also important to know that your key fob will only function when it's within reach of the vehicle.  car key replacement fob  is why it's crucial to keep your key fob with you at all times and not let it leave your pocket unless you're sure that you'll be able to return it swiftly.

The majority of people lose their keys to their car when they drop them or lose keys. In some instances, this can cause it to break or be stuck in the lock, which is why it's an ideal idea to have an extra available at all times.