Chip Keys

What you should know about your car keys, locks, and car locksmith

Contemporary cars have sophisticated keys. These keys are designed to bring down the instances of car thefts. Such modern keys are actually chip keys, i.e., they have an electronic communication system. The chip in these car keys basically consists of a transponder. This transponder emits a number which a captured and interpreted by a corresponding receiver lodged within the car. This receiver then correlates it with the designated car key number. If the number tallies, the person with chip key can open the car’s door as well as start it’s engine. Otherwise, the door remains closed. Even if the person were to forcibly open the door, car’s ignition would still not start without the exact key number recognition.

The transponder resides on the contemporary car’s key. It is a small part completely surrounded by the black plastic part of this key. This is the major difference between keys of the old and new cars. The possibility of having permutations and combinations of several numbers also reduces car thefts. Old cars had keys that had serrated end and there used to be difference in sequence of such jagged end. Because of limitation of car’s key size, the probability of keys of one car being able to open another car was high. Such limitation does not exist on chip keys. However, it is no longer possible to file a car’s key within $2.

Because of such sophisticated technology, car locksmiths have also upgraded their skills. Services of a car locksmith may be needed if the car’s keys are lost or forgotten elsewhere. Opening electronically controlled car’s lock requires sophisticated tools as well as knowledge about electronics. Lack of precision in handling the job can mean that the car is locked for good, and can only be opened by authorized person sent across by car manufacturer. The process then becomes time consuming and is expensive as well.

Car locksmiths are often authorized agents of car manufacturers and / or car locks manufacturers. Therefore, such car lock professionals decide whether the car’s lock or key has been damaged beyond repair. Based on such assessment such locksmiths may suggest that the entire locking system of the vehicle be changed.

While selecting any car locksmith to attend to your car, you should check whether

A. The locksmith is familiar with the type of car keys you are or were using;
B. The locksmith is an authorized agent of the car manufacturer or car lock manufacturer;
C. The locksmith offers 24/7 service, 365 days like the car locksmith in Charlotte NC. This is important because you might want to approach the same locksmith again and again, especially if you are stranded out in the middle of the night;
D. The locksmith has a reputation of being reliable; and
E. The locksmith resides close to your home or office. In addition, such locksmith should be able to serve you if you are stranded elsewhere, either directly, or through network of locksmiths.

Of course, the cost of the service matters. However, services of contemporary locksmiths do not come cheap because of complexity in their job. But most of the car locksmiths charge reasonably. Because electronically controlled locking systems in the car consist of complex circuits, it is better not to attempt DIY lock installation, and DIY lock opening.

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