It doesn’t help matters that today’s modern car keys come with a host of programmable features, chips, security features and more, necessitating the need for specialized purchases.  Many drivers in search of replacement keys will often flock to the internet, thinking a great deal on that chip key or fully featured smart key is just a button click away.  While purchasing replacement auto keys online from places such as Amazon or eBay may seem like a time and money saving convenience, unwary drivers may find themselves disappointed when the reality of their purchase kicks in.

Programmable Chip Keys are a Toss Up

One of the most popular types of security features in auto keys today are chip-keys.  These marvels of modern innovation require special programming, allowing a signal to be communicated between key and car which, when absent, prevents the car from starting up.  This is a handy safety feature to deter would-be thieves but can be problematic when buying your replacement key online.

Each specific make and model of car has a narrow range of acceptable chip-key options, making selection of the proper key design critical.  When buying online replacement keys, it can be difficult to know whether you’re selecting the appropriate option for your individual car.  When you do make the correct key choice, the online replacement often won’t take or hold the programming which can put a real damper on buyers looking for a quick and easy replacement solution.  Online retailers have no problem selling previously programmed keys or replacement chip-keys from cut rate sources, severely lowering the standard for quality control.

Multi-Function Keys Won’t Function at All

The chip isn’t the only aspect of key technology that often malfunctions with online replacements.  Keys that include built-in buttons for basic car functions are also prone to misfire.  Alarm buttons that refuse to connect with your car’s system or trunk buttons that trigger the alarm system instead are just a few of the issues commonly seen with replacement keys purchased online.  In addition, the inexpensive replacement keys available online often break or fall apart after long-term use, negating the benefit from any initial cost savings.

Customer Service, Professionalism and More

The overall problem with buying replacement auto keys online comes down to accountability from the seller.  Anyone with a keyboard and internet access can sell on discount sites, making finding a reliable security partner for your auto key needs all but impossible.  When problems arise, buyers are left with little-to-no recourse for lost time or frustration, much less returns, replacements or refunds.

If you’re in the market for replacement auto keys, consider saving yourself time and frustration from the get-go by making your first call to a licensed, professional locksmith such as those at A-1 Locksmith.  At A-1 we have in-depth knowledge of the various requirements of chip-keys, auto alarm triggers, smart keys and more.  Our certified locksmiths will ensure that your replacement auto keys are functioning correctly and we fully stand behind our products and services, ensuring that we get the job right the first time, every time.  If you’re in the market for replacement or duplicate auto keys, call A-1 today for a free quote and see for yourself the difference experience and dedication makes when choosing a reputable locksmith source for your lock and security needs.

There are basically two types of chip keys out there. The first type is the one in where the chip is visible. It is located on the “head of the key” and is easy to get damaged because of this. These types are usually found in some of the old cars that relied on chip keys.  Unlike other chip keys which have the chip in sight, an RFID chip has a very tiny chip that is hard to see with the naked eye. Even though the actual chips cannot be seen, they are also found on the head of the key.

All types of chip keys tend to add more security on the car. Unlike normal keys which can be duplicated and still used to start a car, they will always work on their lock. The value of the chip keys must match with the one on the car so that someone can ignite the vehicle. Some of the chip keys are even more advanced and prevent the vehicle from attempting to crank which makes it harder to steal. Despite these facts, chip keys have some downsides too but they aren’t as serious as you may think.

The first downside is that chip keys are usually very costly to replace. When you have lost them, it’s indeed awful, but remember that they have probably prevented a number of thefts. They will not guarantee you 100% security for your car but whoever will try to break into the mechanism of the chip keys must have worked extremely hard.

Chip keys can be found and installed in many places. If there’s anything to doubt about chip keys, there’s only one place that your answers can be answered and that is the internet. All in all chip keys will do their best to protect your property but this doesn’t mean you should let down your guard. Call A-1 Locksmith DFW today to see how chip keys can help you.