Losing or damaging your car keys can be a frustrating and stressful experience, and with today’s advanced key technology, getting a replacement isn’t always straightforward. Understanding your options in this scenario is important to save time, stress, and unnecessary expense.
This article explores what you need to know about car key replacement, including types of keys, reasons for replacement, and why KBO Lock & Safe is a trusted choice for residential and commercial automotive locksmith services.
Main Types of Car Keys
Car keys have evolved significantly over the years, and modern vehicles now use a variety of key types. Here is a rundown of the most common.
Traditional Mechanical Keys
The original style of car keys used in older vehicles, traditional keys are composed of a simple metal blade that is cut to fit the door locks and the vehicle’s ignition. They do not contain any electronic components, and as a result, are less expensive to replace, easier to replicate, and less prone to technical issues.
Transponder Keys
These keys feature a built-in chip that communicates with the car’s immobiliser system. When inserted into the ignition, the vehicle reads the chip to ensure it is an authorised key before the engine can start. Transponder keys provide enhanced security by preventing hot-wiring and are harder to duplicate.
Smart Keys
This option, also known as keyless entry, allows you to access your car without needing to insert a key. Proximity sensors are used to detect when the key is close to the vehicle, automatically unlocking the doors and starting the engine with a push-button. Smart keys are a highly convenient choice, and add security through encrypted signals that are difficult to clone.
Remote Key Fob
This type allows drivers to control numerous functions of a vehicle through the fob within a certain proximity, including locking and unlocking doors, opening the boot, and starting the engine. Remote key fobs provide more convenience and allow for quick access to vehicles.
Switchblade Key
Finally, switchblade keys are composed of a remote fob and a foldable mechanical key that flips out, much like a switchblade. These save space and typically include both traditional key and remote functions.
Common Reasons for Car Key Replacement
There are numerous reasons to get a car key replacement, many of which are time-sensitive and best addressed as quickly as possible. From everyday wear and tear to faulty transponders, let’s take a look at some of the most common situations.
1. Lost or Stolen Keys
Perhaps the most common reason for replacing a car key. A lost or stolen key presents a possible security risk, particularly if your vehicle could be identified or accessed by another person. In this scenario, not only will you need the key replaced, but you will likely need reprogramming to deactivate the old one and prevent unauthorised access (if you have a modern car). Acting quickly in this situation is key to protecting your car from tampering or theft.
2. Broken or Damaged Keys/Fobs
Keys can also bend, snap, or crack from regular use as well as from accidental impacts. Similarly, fobs may incur damage or circuit failure from being dropped or exposed to moisture. In these instances, it may be impossible to gain access to the vehicle or start the car, so action will again need to be taken swiftly.
3. Worn-Out Key Blades
Through constant use, the metal edges of traditional or switchblade keys can gradually wear down. This can make it hard for the key to turn in the ignition, and it can even jam in the door lock. To prevent lock damage from worn-out blades, it is best to get the key replaced as soon as any degradation is noticeable, before further damage is done to the key or lock.
4. Internal Electronics or Faulty Transponders
Internal faults can affect the key’s ability to communicate with the vehicle. And, if the chip within a transponder key becomes corrupted or damaged, the car may be unable to recognise and read the key, denying access to the vehicle and preventing the engine from starting. This can happen even if the actual key physically fits. Often, the chip is embedded and can be very hard to remove, so this scenario commonly requires both key replacement and reprogramming.
5. Battery Issues and Malfunctioning Buttons
Some car keys, such as remote key fobs, rely on internal batteries and buttons for keyless entry. Over time, buttons may wear out from consistent use, and the battery may degrade or lose contact due to corrosion or internal damage.
Did You Know? If your car key simply needs the battery replacing, this can typically be done efficiently at home without needing specialist help.
While replacing the battery is a common fix, it doesn’t always fix the issue, particularly if the internal circuitry, solder joints, or buttons are damaged. In these instances, a full fob replacement or reprogramming may be required.
Immediate Steps to Take if You Lose Car Keys
If you have just lost your car keys, taking fast action can help protect your vehicle. Here is what you should do:
- Confirm the keys are lost: The first logical step is to check any likely places the key could be, such as in bags and pockets. Consider all possibilities – were they dropped, stolen, left behind?
- Do you have a spare? If you have a backup key, you can use it to regain access. It’s a good idea to have another copy made as soon as possible to prevent being left without a backup.
- Assess the security risk: If there is a possibility that someone could find and identify your vehicle with the key, it is essential to act quickly to prevent unauthorised access and theft.
- Contact a locksmith: While it may seem logical to contact your dealership for a replacement, it is often the priciest option and can take a relatively long time. An automotive locksmith, on the other hand, can typically replace and reprogram keys faster and more affordably.
- Prepare details for the locksmith: You will need to provide some information to the locksmith for the replacement, including the make and model of the car, the registration number, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), personal identification, your address and postcode, and proof of ownership.
- Report to the police if necessary: If your keys were stolen or linked to a possible theft risk, get in touch with the police. This may also help with insurance claims.
Top Tip: It is highly recommended that you ensure you have a spare key for your vehicle in case the primary one is lost. It can be an excellent idea to keep the spare in a safe to ensure you will never be without access to a key. At KBO Lock & Safe, we carry out professional home and commercial safe installations.
KBO Lock & Safe: Expert Car Key Replacement
KBO Lock & Safe is a locksmith in Aldershot providing expert and professional automotive locksmith services for both private vehicle owners and commercial clients. Our car key offerings include:
- Car key supply and cutting
- Car key programming
- Fast and non-destructive emergency vehicle entry
- Worn or broken key replacement.
At KBO, we understand how stressful it can be to lose a vehicle key, and we are on hand to help whenever you need us. As highly experienced locksmiths with specialist know-how, we use the latest technology and consistently deliver a fast and reliable service to our valued customers.
Ready to get started? Contact us at KBO Lock & Safe today to get your car key replaced so you can get back behind the wheel quickly and efficiently.
