Lost or forgotten car keys weren’t a big deal when I was younger. Possibly you had a little box attached to the bottom of your car’s bumper where you kept a spare tyre. Sadly, the cost of key replacements for modern automobiles has increased alongside technological advancements. Replacing a lost or stolen automobile key can be a time-consuming and expensive process. Don’t take the chance of losing your car by not having a spare key created and hidden somewhere. The cost to replace a car key might be high without the original, but a simple trip to an automotive Locksmith Evanston IL can reduce that and get you back on the road ASAP.
Types Of Car Keys
A car’s components are highly customizable, from the wheels to the locks and keys. Each key has its own set of characteristics. Instances of typical automotive key types are as follows:
- Mechanical Keys
Typically seen in older versions of automobiles, these keys are the most basic type. A metal blade and a button on the fob can make them look like the keys to a switchblade. The key is easily duplicated due to its metal design.
- Master Car Key
As implied by its moniker, a “master” car key can be used to unlock many doors and start multiple vehicles. Because of the breadth of their utility, laws govern the distribution and use of master car keys. If you are detected in possession of a master key to a vehicle, you will face severe consequences.
- Smart Keys
In recent years, smart car keys have emerged as one of the most popular options for manufacturers when it comes to keys for automobiles. Due to the lack of an actual “unlocking” mechanism, these “keys” are not mistaken for genuine articles; instead, they are designed to be kept in a pocket. The antennae in a car that accepts smart keys will be able to pick up transmissions from the smart key.
- Valet Keys
Just as the name suggests, valet keys are designed for use with valet services. Use these services without trusting strangers with your keys if you have a spare valet key. After all, is said and done, this makes using valet services a more secure option for motorists. To ensure that the locks and ignition of a car can only be accessed with a valet key, these components are typically programmed to work independently.
- Transponder’s Access Code
A microchip in the key might send a signal to the car’s computer. Autonomous vehicles should start automatically whenever their driver approaches, without the need to turn the key. However, remember that these keys may allow for keyless car theft. It’s more work to get a replacement key cut and programmed for your car if it uses a transponder key.
Conclusion
Since introducing the first automobile key in 1910, key technology has advanced significantly. To increase safety, transponder chips have been incorporated into keys. There are a few scenarios where you’ll need a replacement set of automobile keys by hiring an Evanston Locksmith. A non-responsive transponder, a broken key in the ignition, a lost set of keys, or a set that was stolen are all potential explanations. Knowing the type of key you have might help you estimate how much it might cost to replace it if you lose, have stolen, or break it. And then there are remote and smart keys, which have revolutionized how vehicles are locked and unlocked. If you want to know what kind of car key you have, use the given details.