Car Key Fob types and programming: A Must-Read for All Drivers
Discover the different types of car key fobs and why programming is essential for your vehicle’s security and functionality. Learn about transponder keys, smart keys, and keyless entry systems.
The keys used by vehicles to start and unlock their doors have evolved from traditional keys to modern smart keys, each type requires a specific level of programming for the car to start and authorize its use.
This programming of the car key is also necessary to ensure the safety and proper functioning of the car.
In this article, we will explore the different types of car keys, from traditional ones to the most modern ones of today.
You will discover why car key programming is so important to ensure the safety and functionality of your car.
If you are in California and need a locksmith near you to help you program your car key, continue reading.
Discover everything you need to know about car keys and their programming with the experts at Stanley Locksmith.
Evolution of car keys: From mechanical keys to smart keys
Since the appearance of cars, the keys that turn them on have evolved. They have gone from simple mechanical keys to smart keys.
Among the first we have the mechanical keys, which were only used to open the door of the vehicle, insert it into the ignition, and turn it to start the car.
As time went by, technology advanced and they began to incorporate new features and functions, and the key no longer only served to start the engine, it also incorporated a security system.
The Arrival of Electronic Security Systems
With the need for security systems and the advancement of technology came transponder keys.
This type of key has a plastic head that houses a microchip that stores certain data differently for each vehicle.
This code was transmitted to the vehicle’s computer to activate or deactivate the security system and allow the engine to be started.
The evolution continued with remote controls, which offered the convenience of locking and unlocking doors from a distance.
In some cases, the key and remote control were combined to create a combined unit, which had to be programmed for the security and operation of the vehicle.
Keyless Entry Systems
This needs to keep the vehicle and of course, the driver safe, allowed the incorporation of different technologies into the key and control knob until what is known today as smart keys.
Smart keys have an integrated device that allows you to wirelessly unlock the doors, turn on the alarm, and start the engine.
These advances have improved the user experience and provided them with greater security.
Each new advance in technology has required that the automotive locksmith know and prepare themselves on these systems to be able to program the control knobs in case a user needs it without having to go to a dealership.
In the following sections, we will detail each of these types of keys, how they work and the importance of their programming to guarantee the safety and functionality of your car.
Traditional mechanical keys
The old mechanical key was made of metal, also known as mechanical keys.
They consist of a simple piece of metal with a toothed cut that matches the internal mechanisms of the car lock.
Its basic and simple design fulfilled the main function of opening the vehicle doors inserting the key into the ignition and turning it allowed the engine to start.
Advantages and disadvantages of mechanical keys
- Because of their simple design, these types of keys are easy to duplicate key at any local locksmith.
- They were inexpensive to manufacture and replace, allowing drivers to obtain additional copies without complications.
- The material they were made of made mechanical keys strong and durable.
- The main disadvantage is that they offered little security since anyone with a duplicate key can open and start the car.
Due to the advancement of technology in the automotive industry, these keys have become obsolete and are currently in little use.
However, today some automotive locksmiths continue to offer the service of duplicating keys for antique or classic vehicles.
So, if you are looking for a local Locksmith service in Whittier, CA, there are options that can help you with mechanical keys.
Transponder Keys
The vulnerability of mechanical keys due to their ease of duplication, the need for greater vehicle security, and the incorporation of technology into keys gave way to transponder keys.
As mentioned above, transponder keys contain an electronic chip in the plastic head of the key.
Programming them with a unique code for each vehicle is an important element of its security.
How does the transponder key work?
The microchip integrated into the head of the key has a unique identification code. We will tell you how it works.
- When the driver inserts the key into the ignition, the driver gently squeezes the head of the key, and the chip communicates with a receiver in the vehicle.
- If the key is properly programmed, the vehicle compares the code emitted with the one stored in its computer and if it matches, the car starts. Hence, the importance of correct programming of the key, to link the unique code of the chip with the electronic system of the car.
- This correct programming allows only this key to start the vehicle, minimizing the risk of theft.
- The transponder key can be duplicated, but, without the proper programming of the microchip, it would be useless to start the car.
- This improvement means that duplicating the key is done by specialized locksmiths since it is necessary to clone the key and program the electronic code of the chip.
Car Remote Controls
Car remote controls contain specific codes that the car recognizes and are independent of the keys.
By simply pressing a button on the remote control, the driver can lock or unlock the vehicle.
Among the benefits of the remote control are:
- By pressing a button on the control, the doors are locked or unlocked.
- It is used to activate or deactivate the car alarm system.
- Some models have the additional function of opening the trunk or boot remotely.
- This simplified access to the vehicle and offered greater security to the car owner.
Now, an automotive locksmith can duplicate the remote control by programming it and synchronizing it with the car’s internal computer to activate all its functions.
Combination of mechanical and remote keys
Faced with the inconvenience that the vehicle owner had to have the key and the remote control, car manufacturers integrated the remote control with the physical key, giving rise to combination keys.
- This new design is more compact by combining the transponder circuits and the remote-control buttons.
- By integrating more advanced technology, combination keys allowed more comfort and protection for the driver in his vehicle.
Now, anyone can buy a remote control online and program it following a series of steps, but for it to work and be able to start the vehicle, it requires a car locksmith to connect it to the computer and program it to activate all its functions.
Combination keys are an example of how the advancement of technology offers comfort, security, and functionality.
Remember that it is always advisable to go to a professional automotive locksmith who can guarantee that everything works correctly and safely.
Laser-cut keys for high security
In the search for greater vehicle security and protection of the driver’s material assets, laser-cut keys emerged.
These keys have a more precise and complex cut, offering greater security compared to traditional keys.
Why do they offer greater security?
- They require a more precise and uniform cut using a specialized machine that copies the exact design of the original key.
- The local locksmith must ensure that he knows how to perform the key cutting accurately and ensure that the duplicate will work in the vehicle.
- To duplicate a laser-cut key, the car locksmith must have a specialized laser-cutting machine and the original cutting data.
This ensures that the laser-cut duplicate key will work with the vehicle’s security system, maintaining the level of protection provided by the original key.
Why is it more expensive than other vehicle key systems?
What makes laser-cut keys a little more expensive than other types of vehicle keys or remotes is not the key itself, it is because of the laser cutting.
- The cost associated with duplicating the key is that a specific technology machine is required to perform the cutting.
- The locksmith must have knowledge and experience in laser-cut keys.
- If you lose the original key and need a mobile locksmith, the duplication process can be more complicated, increasing service costs.
Smart Key Fobs
The smart key fob works under proximity technology, it is not necessary to insert the key into the door lock or the ignition of the car for it to start.
This translates into several benefits for the vehicle owner:
1) The convenience of not having to take the key out of a bag or pocket to open the car and start it.
2) They are safer due to their encrypted coding which makes it more difficult to clone by anyone or a locksmith.
3) Proximity technology minimizes the risk of vehicle theft.
4) Personalization of the smart key fob chip that allows including certain functions such as mirror adjustment, seat, and vehicle location.
How does the smart key fob work?
- They emit a short-range signal that is received by the vehicle’s system.
- When the key fob is within the proximity range of the car and the signal matches the one programmed, it allows you to lock or unlock the doors, start the engine, or some other function.
- To start the engine, you do not need a physical key, the engine is started by pressing a button on the smart key fob.
More complex programming than other key types
Programming the smart key fob is a little more complex than the types of keys mentioned above.
For this, the vehicle locksmith requires experience and specific diagnostic tools to ensure that it works correctly and that the car system only responds to the signal from the specific smart key fob.
Always try to hire a trusted or recognized locksmith to ensure that the programming is executed correctly and to avoid making additional copies that put the security of the car at risk.
Keys that cannot be programmed by local locksmiths
As we have mentioned, for an automotive locksmith to properly duplicate or program a vehicle key, he must have the knowledge, experience, and specialized equipment.
Although there are well-equipped and experienced locksmiths, there are certain brands of vehicles whose keys can only be programmed by a dealership.
This is the case of German car brands such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen, which are not subscribed to international forms to share certain information with third parties, due to their ownership policies.
German car brands prefer to pay fines for not disclosing certain information about the characteristics of car keys.
For these reasons, local locksmiths do not have the specialized equipment to program the keys of these vehicles.
So, if you have a German car, we recommend going to a dealership to obtain a duplicate key or the programming of your car keys.
Benefits of having the services of an Automotive Locksmith like Stanley Locksmith
Having the services of an automotive locksmith has many advantages:
- They offer fast and efficient solutions.
- Car key replacement or a duplicate ensures works properly with your vehicle.
- The security that you will not make additional trips that compromise your security and possible car theft.
- Competitive prices compared to a dealership.
Therefore, if you need a trusted locksmith in Whittier, Ca. that guarantees high-quality work you can trust Stanley Locksmith.
Our services include:
- Programming of any type of car keys
- Duplication of car keys
- The best lock change services in California.
- Car key fob repair.
We have a wide network of mobile locksmiths in many cities around Whittier, you can contact us for any questions or services.
