subject: Locksmith Los Angeles Guide to the Different Types of Replacement Keys [print this page] Locksmith Los Angeles Guide to the Different Types of Replacement Keys
You lose your car key. It happens to everyone. However, if you don't have a spare key, you have many different options depending on what kind of vehicle and key you have. There are different types of keys for different types of cars. The most common type of car key is the conventional metal key which has grooves on both sides. This was the first kind of key manufactured for cars and is used to manually open the doors of a car and start the engine by inserting it into the ignition. How do you get replacement keys?
What happens when your chip key to your car? First thought is to get a spare key. However, what happens if you don't have a spare key? To your surprise, finding an ignition key replacement is more difficult and expensive than in the past. If you have a chip key (or transponder key), you won't be able to simply walk into the hardware store and have a spare key made.
You have three main options: 1) Go online and purchase the correct transponder blank for your car make and model and then have a transponder key programmer match the key to your system's transponder, 2) You can contact your local Los Angeles locksmith to handle the entire process, or 3) You can go to your car dealership to also handle the entire process, although probably at more expensive rates.
A new type of conventional key is called a switchblade key. A switchblade key literally functions like a switchblade: you press a button and the blade of the key springs out of the key fob. However, it also has a remote and requires programming from a professional.
Today, many cars use keyless entry systems. As already stated, the modern car keys now contain transponder chips that emit signals to the car that enable its owner to open the doors and even start the engine remotely, without inserting the key into the ignition. Some cars even have keys that don't have metal blades or components, they use infrared signals. These types of replacement keys are much harder and more expensive to duplicate, but many specialists like locksmith Los Angeles companies can provide them.
No matter what kind of key you have for your car, it is always important to have replacement keys made in case you lose the original or it gets stolen. Many specialists like Green Locksmith Los Angeles professionals can do this and provide you with a safer alternative than having your car lock-picked or having the locks changed or destroyed.
