Essential Knowledge about Car Keys

Back To Blog

You use it every day but how much do you know about it? These devices are very different from other types that you may use on a daily basis. House, bicycle, office keys and so forth are generally simple, metallic contraptions. The ones for your car, however, are bigger and more recognizable, and with good reason.

Programmed to Fit Your Car

Cars manufactured since the mid-nineties will most likely come with something called a transponder key. They have an electronic chip in the plastic part. When it is in the ignition, the car will detect a weak electronic signal emitted by the chip which allows it to verify its identity. If it matches, the car will be able to start. However, if the wrong key is used to start the car, it will either not start or shut down completely, depending on the make and model.

This development has made it significantly more difficult to steal vehicles and it has made it significantly more difficult to get into your car if the transponder is lost. An automotive locksmith will need to open the door, and a key replacement must be obtained.

Keep a Spare on Hand

Having a spare key for the car lying around the house can save you many headaches. One is lost, but another can take its place immediately. This saves the need to have the door opened by a locksmith, but many car owners do not have a spare to resort to. It is advisable to have one programmed for your car if you are not already in possession of one.

Should you find yourself in the position of being locked out of the car, 24-hour car key replacement is usually an option depending on the car and the area.Make sure that you keep your options open, and take all possibilities into account. While having a spare in the house is advisable, knowing the whereabouts of your local locksmith service is also highly recommended, as they will likely be needed at some stage.

Car owners have a responsibility to maintain and be knowledgeable about all aspects of their car, including the key. Basic knowledge can suffice if combined with having a spare even if there is an automotive locksmith available at all times. Peace of mind as an owner is not difficult to obtain in this regard, and should be taken seriously. Make sure that you have a locksmith who can open your car door nearby, and give investing in a spare key the consideration it deserves.