You can get an alternative key for a mechanical one at any hardware shop. The key needs to be programmed either by a dealership or locksmith.
Smart keys are more complex and require a trip to the dealer to pair them with your vehicle. These kinds of keys can be costly, but some car insurance companies will cover the cost.
Mechanical Keys
You can still purchase car keys that are solely mechanical, the kind that you put into an ignition lock cylinder and turn to start your vehicle. If your car is equipped with one of these keys, replacing the fob and key is relatively inexpensive (if they're lost or stolen).
A locksmith can design a new basic key for less than you would pay at a dealership. You can also ask a neighbour or friend who is able to program transponder keys for aftermarket use (which are cheaper than the keys that are factory-made) to cut you a spare and have it programmed. A spare key is crucial because modern cars won't start when a key that isn't programmed with the correct chip is used.
Transponder keys are similar to mechanical keys, but have an electronic chip hidden inside the base. The chip communicates with the computer system in your vehicle. Your car will accept the code in the chip, but it will not start if you use another code.
If your spare key has a chip, you'll need to bring it to a dealership to get it programmed. The dealership will need an exclusive machine for cutting and programming the key. The machines are available at specific dealerships, and it is unlikely that a locksmith have the equipment needed to create a key with transponder.
Keys with remotes cost a lot to replace, especially if you need a spare. Try reprogramming the fob on your own if you're just missing the shank of the key and have a functional replacement fob, but it can be difficult and time-consuming. If you've lost the complete fob and the key however you should seek out a dealer as your best bet.
There are other types of car keys that require a more specific set of skills to replace, for example flip keys and smart keys. These are more complex and are usually replaced at the dealership. Key fobs can be operated by a proximity sensor or a spring-loaded door opener.
Transponder Keys
If your car was built in the last 10 years or so you're likely to use transponder keys. The keys are equipped with a microchip and an electronic receiver that is programmed to send a signal to start your car.
Transponder keys are an excellent method of preventing theft, as they require two elements to start the car: the transmitter inside the key and the receiver that is connected to the immobilizer. The car won't start without both the key and immobilizer system.
The key chips are programmed with a serial number that is unique to the vehicle you own. When the key is inserted into the ignition the serial number is then sent to the cars immobilizer and then verified to make sure it matches up, it will then allow the engine to run. This security feature is only overcome by a specific device which can read the chip and match it with a different car.
You'll require an locksmith with the equipment to reprogram your key. Some car dealerships provide this service as well but they tend to be more expensive than an independent locksmith due to their overhead.
The process of getting a new cheap car keys replacement keys with a chip inside it is a complex process. To program your car, the key must be programmed on a specific machine. It requires specialized software and the correct key cutter to do the job properly.
Some of the simpler chip keys can be cloned at most auto part stores, but you must know the serial number of the original key to ensure the correct information is encoded into the new key. Many people make a mistake by going to their dealer for the clone of a chip key only to end up paying overpriced prices.
Laser-Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys are also referred to as a sidewinder keys due to the distinctive winding cut on the shank of the key. They add an extra layer of security to your cheap car key replacement. These keys are a great protection against auto theft since they require specialized equipment to duplicate.
They also come with built-in chips that prevent unauthorised key copying from launching your vehicle. They also usually have a unique code on the key, which needs to be programmed to your specific vehicle to allow it to be opened and started. This additional level of security is a great way to protect your investment and deter thieves who may be trying to steal your car keys replacements for parts or to sell it to.
Laser-cut keys differ from mechanically cut keys in terms of design. They have fewer grooves carved out on the key. The key shaft is larger, which is a sign that this is not an ordinary car key. Locksmiths typically employ a machine known as a milling tool to cut these kinds of keys. This machine is similar to a drill bit, and is designed to remove metal with precise angles.
These are the safest keys you can buy for your vehicle. They are difficult to duplicate and must be cut by a certified locksmith or dealer. They're not made with traditional keys. Instead, they are made from a small piece steel that's shaped according into a specific code at the factory before being cut with laser. This type of key can withstand a lot wear and tear and is one of the best choices for protecting your vehicle.
The key can be folded in the fob, or it can be released by pressing a button. These kinds of keys are used extensively in German cars and offer an additional layer of security against car thieves. They also make it very difficult for a thief to pick or pick-lock your vehicle because the cylinder is extremely durable and difficult to break into.
Smart Keys Keys
Smart keys communicate with the vehicle using radio-frequency identification (RFID) instead of the traditional single piece of carved metal. They have a chip with a unique code, which is encoded on every key. Whenever you unlock your car's doors, or open the trunk, the key sends a signal to the vehicle's computer onboard. The computer will then signal the correct frequency to allow you to start your car.
The chip of the smart key has several security features that protect it from theft. The key emits an extremely low-frequency signal, which will 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 vehicle can comprehend. This will stop a tech-savvy criminal from using an electronic pulse generator to “fool the system” and do the key work on other vehicles.
Some smart keys offer special features, such as saving preferences for drivers and opening windows remotely, or the sunroof from afar, and many more. This can be accomplished by activating the key fob's proximity sensor by pressing a button on the key, or, in some cases, twisting a small metal part inside the key.
Most of these key fobs have an unlock button that opens the doors by themselves, but some have another method of opening them with a slot or by placing the dead key in the dashboard, where it is able to hold an inductive coil that is able to transfer energy. Some even include an emergency (fully mechanical) key blade hidden in the key to allow this.
Replacing a smart lock typically requires a visit to the dealership, who will either have the replacement in stock or purchase it for you. They'll also have to program the new key to recognize your car. You can visit a locksmith to get your replacement key fob programed and replaced. A locksmith will charge more than a dealer however, they can complete the task faster and cheaper.(Image: https://g28carkeys.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Peugeot-2021-New-Black.png)
