What Are Replacement Keys For Cars?

A couple of decades ago, misplacing or losing keys wasn't a big deal. The car keys weren't complex. Replacements keys for cars could've been easily arranged when needed. The dealerships themselves would attach a little box to the car which contained the spare keys. But with time and the technological advancement of cars, manufacturing spare keys has become an expensive process. Depending on the make and the model, replacement keys for cars cost you over a couple of hundred dollars. Hence, one has to be cautious when keeping their keys secured. 

Here's A Comprehensive Guide on Replacement Keys For Cars 

The Traditional Car Key: The standard and the most basic key is also referred to as the traditional car key. This car key's functionality is purely mechanical. Place your key in the ignition chamber of your car and turn to start the engine. Replacement keys for cars with the traditional car key can be easily arranged due to the low complexity in design. A locksmith can make a replacement/spare key on the spot for you. In rare situations where a locksmith cannot make a replacement, one has to replace the ignition lock cylinder with the key to find a matching pair.  

Car Key Fob: The initial introduction of the fobs was as add-ons to the key. It contains a short-range radio transmitter that must be within 5-20 meters of the car. Once trigged, it sends radio signals to the receiver unit in the car and unlocks the car. These keyless remotes or fobs made it more convenient to lock and unlock the vehicle or open the hatch.   

You still needed the traditional key to start the car. Losing just the fob isn't an issue. You can continue to use the traditional key to start, lock and unlock the car. Fobs are available in abundance and can easily be programmed into the car. They are cheap and can be found anywhere from dealerships to spare part wholesalers or online.  

Car Key Fob and Switchblade Key: Manufacturers found a convenient product when merging the fob into the key. Auto manufacturers designed the key to fold into the Fob like a switchblade, and a spring action will unfold the key. This type of key is generally on the expensive side. Losing the switchblade fob would give you no alternatives to access your car. You would have to source a Replacement Keys For Cars from the dealership.  

Transponder Key: The transponder key was made to reduce the chances of theft. The key contains an embedded computer chip that pairs with the ignition cylinder. The system relies on a wireless connection between the key and ignition cylinder to start the car. If you do not have access to a backup key, the car needs to be towed to the nearest dealership. Proof of ownership is required to provide a replacement key for the car. Once a replacement arrives, the dealer electronically pairs the chip to the vehicle to regain access to the car. 

Smart Key: The smart key is the key for a car with a start/stop button instead of an ignition cylinder chamber. Known for the concept of keyless ignition, a proximity sensor in the car detects the key's presence and enables the start button. Losing a smart key can be a very expensive mistake, as replacing this type of key is the costliest of any of the options mentioned above. One would have to tow to the dealership and order a new key. Once the key arrives, the dealership has to pair it to the proximity sensor in the car.  

Concluding Thoughts 

Losing car keys can be a very frustrating experience and can also be expensive based on the type of car key. To avoid the hassle, it is ideal to invest in a spare key to keep aside for when you misplace or need a replacement key for the car.