One of those components is keys. Did you know that there is more than one type of car key? From mechanical and self-programmable to transponder and laser-cut, there are a variety of different keys out there that can be used for automotive rekeying. Part of the reason for this is functional; part of the reason is preference. Either way, let’s take a closer look at seven of the most popular types of car keys to see why they’re out there.

Mechanical Keys

These keys used to be prevalent in most cars, but that’s no longer the case. Mechanical keys instead show up more often as house keys, locker keys and other basic devices. You likely won’t find a mechanical key for a car unless it’s a basic or older model (or to access the door or trunk only). Why? They don’t include electronic components that the car uses to confirm the key is valid.

Programmable Remotes

Programmable remotes (or self-programmable as they’re more often called) aren’t really keys. Instead, they’re buttons that you use to lock your car, unlock your car, sound the alarm and/or open the trunk. Using special equipment, a locksmith or dealer can program one of these remotes to your vehicle to your vehicle and replace or duplicate them if necessary. As a bonus, the best automotive locksmiths guarantee their programmed keys to work and may even include a 90-day warranty.

Transponder Keys

These are the most common car keys you’ll see out there. Transponder keys are like mechanical keys, but they have electronic components in the head that communicate with the car to confirm that the key is valid. Like remotes, these keys need to be programmed to the vehicle in order to start it, so they usually require the assistance of a locksmith or dealership.

Laser-Cut Transponder Keys

Think of laser-cut transponder keys as transponder keys with a bit of extra security. These are laser-cut to exact specifications and require extensive knowledge of rekeying and locksmithing. A locksmith who specializes in automotive rekeying can often make laser-cut keys for a lot less than you’d pay at the dealership.

Remote/Key Combos

These are also more and more common these days. Remote/key combos are exactly what they sound like: a combination remote and key. You have the security of the key being programmed to your car, but the convenience of choosing between the button or key to access it.

Proximity FOBs

One of the newer car access options, proximity keys or FOBS look like remotes (and may even have buttons on them), but they can actually start the car or unlock the doors when you’re near the vehicle. You may need help replacing one of these if the battery dies, or you may just want to upgrade a basic key to a proximity FOB.

Tibbe Keys

Finally, Tibbe keys are unique in that they can’t be duplicated by anyone except a dealer or locksmith. Furthermore, they’re limited to certain types of vehicles, such as Ford and Jaguar. But they’re common enough to make it on our list.

Need your automobile rekeyed? Or perhaps you just need an extra set of keys for your car? Give us a call at 972-284-7500 and we’ll get you taken care of today.

If you’ve lost your car keys and need them replaced, you might need automotive door lock repair services. But how much do you know about these services, really? Did you know there are higher-security keys than the one that came from the factory? Did you also know you don’t need to tow your car when you locks fail? Read on to learn about these and other facts you might not know about auto door lock repair.

1. You Don’t Need to Tow Your Vehicle

When you lock your keys in your car, many people correctly assume you can call a locksmith and get the situation resolved. But what happens when you lose your keys entirely? Don’t you have to call the tow truck to move your vehicle, since you can’t operate the vehicle without the key? No, actually. A locksmith who specializes in automotive door lock repair can address your problem on-site, which brings us to point number two…

2. Keys Can Be Cut and Programmed On-Site

Whether it’s a personal vehicle that you own or a rental car, the best locksmiths can travel to you and make keys on-location. Thanks to state-of-the-art equipment and years of experience/training, physical keys can be laser-cut and electronic keys can be programmed right there on the spot. In many cases, this is even cheaper than if you took your car to the dealership to replace your lost car key.

3. There Are Both Factory Key and High-Security Key Options

Did you also know that there are higher-security key options than the ones you got from the factory? That’s one of the benefits of using a locksmith to replace your keys. A locksmith’s entire world is security and the best ones will have access to high-security laser-cut keys and programmed keys. They’re also guaranteed to work each time, every time for the life of your vehicle.

4. All Types of Vehicles Can Be Repaired

You might also think that only certain types or brands of vehicles can be repaired on-site, but that’s not the case. The best locksmiths (like A-1 Locksmith) make and program keys for Toyota, Ford, Honda, Chevrolet, Lexus, Acura and more. No matter what kind of vehicle you drive, you can take advantage of affordable and convenient automotive door lock repair services.

If you need automotive door lock repair in Dallas-Fort Worth, give the A-1 Locksmith team a call today at 972-284-7500 or visit any of our 10 DFW locations.